Geneva, Switzerland: The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued new guidance aimed at expanding access to safe and effective contraceptive methods, giving people more options based on their individual needs and preferences.

The new guidelines include updated recommendations on how some existing contraceptives can be used. Combined oral contraceptive pills may be taken continuously for up to one year or for extended periods of up to six months, while contraceptive implants can be used for up to five years, potentially reducing replacement procedures and healthcare visits.

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“Choice is a gender equality issue,” said Pascale Allotey, Director of WHO’s Department of Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing. “Contraception isn’t one-size-fits-all. Men and women both need a range of options that reflect what science and innovation can now offer, weighed against convenience, invasiveness, behaviour, reliability and accessibility. Real choice means the confidence and control to choose a method, change it, or stop it.”

WHO has also recommended mifepristone as an additional emergency contraception option when taken as soon as possible and within five days after unprotected sex. Evidence reviewed by the organization indicates that doses between 10 and 50 mg are likely to be as safe and effective as other emergency contraceptive methods.

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The guidance also highlights areas where more evidence is needed. WHO is calling for additional research on ormeloxifene and recommends against adding quinestrol-containing contraceptive pills to national programmes because of limited safety evidence and reports of serious adverse events.

Meanwhile, WHO is supporting research into male contraceptive options and has developed a Target Product Profile to guide the development of future methods focused on safety, effectiveness, affordability and acceptability.