Anshu P Mohllajee, MPH¹, Mary Lyn Gaffield, PhD², Kathryn M Curtis, PhD³, and Herbert Peterson, MD². (1) Association of Schools of Public Health, 4770 Buford Highway, NE, MS K-34, Atlanta, GA 30341, (2) Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Geneva, Switzerland, + 41 22 791 3376, petersonh@who.int, (3) Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, MS K-34, Atlanta, GA 30341

Objective: The World Health Organization's (WHO’s) Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (MEC) provides evidence-based guidance regarding who can use contraceptive methods safely. In 2003, WHO gave guidance on the use of the following new hormonal methods: combined vaginal ring, combined hormonal patch, etonogestrel implant, and levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system. This presentation will introduce these methods and review the current guidelines for their use. Methodology: We conducted systematic reviews regarding new hormonal methods including: combined vaginal ring, combined hormonal patch, etonogestrel implant, and levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system. We used the Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) and Cochrane guidelines to guide our reviews. A working group comprised of family planning experts from 18 different countries then convened to review the evidence and provide family planning guidance. Results: At the MEC Expert Working Group meeting in 2003, the experts reviewed scientific evidence regarding the use of these four new hormonal methods among women with medical conditions. Conclusions: Women now have new hormonal contraceptive choices. The updated, evidence-based WHO family planning guidance provides recommendations for use of these new methods.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participants in this session will be able to

• List the new recommendations in WHO’s evidence-based family planning guidelines regarding new hormonal methods.
• Discuss several key aspects of new hormonal methods.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Drs. Peterson and Gaffield are affiliated with the Division of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization (WHO), and Dr. Peterson will be speaking about WHO's contraceptive guidance documents.