Abstract

This Guidance provides information for clinicians and for women aged over 40 years considering the use of contraception. A key to the grades of recommendations, based on levels of evidence, is given at the end of this document. Details of the methods used by the Clinical Effectiveness Unit (CEU) in developing this Guidance and evidence tables summarising the research basis of the recommendations are available on the Faculty website (www.ffprhc.org.uk). Abbreviations (in alphabetical order) used include: BMD, bone mineral density; CEU, Clinical Effectiveness Unit; CI, confidence interval; COC, combined oral contraception; DMPA, depot medroxyprogesterone acetate; EE, ethinylestradiol; HPV, human papilloma virus; IUD, copper-bearing intrauterine contraceptive device; LNG-IUS, levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system; MI, myocardial infarction; OR, odds ratio; POC, progestogen-only contraception; POP, progestogen-only pill; RR, relative risk; STI, sexually transmitted infection; VTE, venous thromboembolism; WHO, World Health Organization; WHOMEC, WHO Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use; WHOSPR, WHO Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use.