What is the UKMEC?

Modified on Fri, 1 Jul, 2022 at 11:35 AM

The UK Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (UKMEC) offers guidance to providers of contraception regarding who can use contraceptive methods safely. These evidence-based recommendations relate to safety of use of a contraceptive method by women with particular medical conditions or personal characteristics.


They do not take into account efficacy (and this includes drug interactions or malabsorption). The efficacy of contraception may be affected by the condition or by a medication required for the condition - the UKMEC category does not reflect this.


Read the 2016 UKMEC.


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