WHO recommends wider range of contraceptive options

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended a wider range of contraceptive options, giving people more flexibility in choosing methods that suit their individual needs

The new guidance covers changes to how existing contraceptives can be used, as well as additional options for emergency contraception. It also highlights the potential for new male contraceptive methods in the coming years.

An estimated 164 million women who want to delay or avoid pregnancy are currently not using contraception. This stat shows the ongoing need to improve access to family planning services worldwide.

More flexibility with existing contraception

Under the new recommendations, combined oral contraceptive pills can be taken for extended periods of up to six months or continuously for up to a year, offering an alternative to traditional cyclical use.

WHO also supports the use of contraceptive implants for up to five years. Extending their use could reduce the number of replacement procedures and clinic visits required, while potentially lowering costs for users and healthcare systems.

The guidance also recommends mifepristone as an additional emergency contraception option. It should be taken as soon as possible and within five days of unprotected sex. Evidence reviewed by WHO suggests doses between 10 and 50 milligrams are likely to be as safe and effective as other emergency contraceptive methods.

Greater focus on safety and evidence

The guidance also identifies contraceptive options where more research is needed before they can be widely recommended.

WHO is calling for further research into ormeloxifene because current evidence about its safety remains limited. It also recommends that quinestrol-containing contraceptive pills should not be added to national contraceptive programmes because of limited evidence and reports of serious adverse events.

The recommendations are intended to help countries expand access to contraceptive methods while ensuring that decisions are based on the available scientific evidence.

New options for men

The WHO is also looking towards the future of male contraception. Men currently have relatively few contraceptive methods they can control, mainly condoms, withdrawal and vasectomy.

Research cited by WHO suggests there could be significant interest in additional options. More than 75% of couples surveyed said they would consider using a new male contraceptive. In comparison, more than 85% of women surveyed said they would trust their male partners to take responsibility for contraception.

WHO has developed its first Target Product Profile for male contraceptive methods. This sets out characteristics such as safety, effectiveness, affordability and acceptability that researchers and developers should aim for when creating new products.

Several hormonal and non-hormonal male contraceptives are currently being researched, with some candidates already in advanced clinical trials. WHO says new reversible male contraceptives could potentially reach the market within the next five to 10 years.