The World Health Organisation has announced new guidelines on expanding contraceptive options, aiming to help countries broaden access to contraceptive methods supported by the best available evidence. According to the WHO, an estimated 164 million women who want to delay or avoid pregnancy are not using contraception, highlighting the need for improved access to contraceptive methods. World Contraception Day is observed every year on September 26.
The WHO has updated its guidelines to include new recommendations on contraceptive use. Combined oral contraceptive pills can now be taken for extended periods of up to six months or continuously for up to one year, as alternatives to cyclical use. Additionally, the organisation supports the use of contraceptive implants for up to five years, which could reduce the need for replacement procedures, clinic visits and associated costs.
The WHO has also recommended mifepristone as an additional emergency contraception option, to be taken as soon as possible and within five days of unprotected sex. Evidence shows that mifepristone at doses of 10–50mg is likely to be as safe and effective as other emergency contraceptive methods. This new option aims to provide women with more choices for emergency contraception.
According to Pascale Allotey, Director of the WHO Department of Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing, "Choice is a gender equality issue." She emphasised that contraception isn't one-size-fits-all and that men and women both need a range of options that reflect what science and innovation can now offer.
The WHO is working to expand contraceptive choices for men, noting that men currently have relatively few methods under their control, principally condoms, withdrawal and vasectomy. Around 30 per cent of couples rely on a male method despite the limited options available. Research has challenged the longstanding assumption that men would not use new contraceptives.
The WHO has developed its first Target Product Profile for male contraceptive methods, setting out characteristics future methods should aim to meet, including safety, effectiveness, acceptability and affordability. Several hormonal and non-hormonal male contraceptive methods are being researched, with several promising candidates in advanced clinical trials.
The organisation aims to support countries in updating their policies and family planning plans based on the best available scientific evidence. New reversible male contraceptives could be available in the market within the next five to 10 years. The WHO also called for more research into ormeloxifene before its inclusion in family planning programmes.
Key points
- New reversible male contraceptives could reach the market within the next five to 10 years.
- The WHO has expanded its recommended contraceptive options to include new guidelines on combined oral contraceptive pills and contraceptive implants.
- The organisation aims to support countries in updating their policies and family planning plans based on the best available scientific evidence.
