Topic

Family Planning and Contraception

This collection features the best content from AFP, as identified by the AFP editors, on family planning and contraception and related issues, including emergency contraception, hormonal and non-hormonal contraception, infertility, in vitro fertilization, intrauterine devices, preconception care, tubal sterilization, and vasectomy. New research may affect the interpretation and application of this material. Clinical judgment is advised. Note that AFP content published within the past two years is accessible to AAFP members and paid subscribers only.

General Guidance

Aug 15, 2025	—	Provision of Quality Contraceptive Services: Updates From National Guidelines CME Alg
Feb 15, 2024	—	Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Associated With Hormonal Contraception CME Alg
Sep 15, 2022	—	Evidence-Based Contraception: Common Questions and Answers
Mar 01, 2021	—	Initiating Hormonal Contraception Alg
Jun 01, 2017	—	Hormonal Contraceptives in Women Who Are Overweight or Obese [FPIN's Help Desk Answers]
Jan 15, 2017	—	CDC Updates Recommendations for Contraceptive Use [Practice Guidelines]
Dec 01, 2016	—	CDC Updates Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use [Practice Guidelines]
May 01, 2015	—	Provision of Contraception: Key Recommendations from the CDC PtEd
May 01, 2014	—	Progestin-Only Contraceptives: Effects on Weight [Cochrane for Clinicians]
Feb 15, 2012	—	Guidelines for the Use of Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives [Practice Guidelines]
Mar 01, 2011	—	Preventing Gaps When Switching Contraceptives PtEd
Oct 01, 2009	—	Same-Day Initiation of Hormonal Contraceptives [Cochrane for Clinicians]
Dec 01, 2006	—	Risks and Benefits of Combination Contraceptives [FPIN's Clinical Inquiries]
Jul 01, 2006	—	Initiating Hormonal Contraception Alg
Oct 01, 2005	—	Combined Oral Contraceptives for Mothers Who Are Breastfeeding [FPIN's Clinical Inquiries]

Specific Contraceptives

Jan 15, 2024	—	Norgestrel 0.075 mg (Opill) for Contraception [STEPS] FREE
May 15, 2020	—	Segesterone Acetate and Ethinyl Estradiol Vaginal Ring (Annovera) for Contraception [STEPS]
Aug 01, 2018	—	Treatment Duration for Etonogestrel Implant [FPIN's Help Desk Answers]
Jan 01, 2011	—	Copper Intrauterine Device vs. Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate for Contraception [Cochrane for Clinicians]
Jan 15, 2008	—	Levonorgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol (Lybrel) for Continuous Contraception [STEPS]
May 15, 2006	—	Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine System (Mirena) for Contraception [STEPS]
Apr 15, 2005	—	Ethinyl Estradiol/Levonorgestrel (Seasonale) for Oral Contraception [STEPS]

Contraception - Non-hormonal

Sep 15, 2025	—	Vasectomy: Common Questions and Answers CME
Apr 15, 2025	—	Pain Management for IUD Insertion in Primary Care [Editorials] FREE
May 15, 2021	—	Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, and Potassium Bitartrate (Phexxi) Vaginal Gel for Contraception [STEPS]
Jan 15, 2020	—	Pain Medications Before IUD Placement [FPIN's Help Desk Answers]
Mar 15, 2014	—	Intrauterine Devices: An Update PtEd
Nov 15, 2012	—	Natural Family Planning PtEd
Jun 15, 2012	—	Advantages of the No-Scalpel Vasectomy Technique [FPIN's Clinical Inquiries]
Jan 01, 2005	—	Insertion and Removal of Intrauterine Devices
Jan 01, 2004	—	Diaphragm Fitting PtEd

Contraception - Emergency

Jun 01, 2020	—	Emergency Contraception: Safety and Effectiveness [Cochrane for Clinicians]
Apr 01, 2014	—	An Update on Emergency Contraception PtEd
Aug 15, 2012	—	Ulipristal (Ella) for Emergency Contraception [STEPS]
Nov 15, 2010	—	ACOG Recommendations on Emergency Contraception [Practice Guidelines]
Sep 01, 2007	—	Advance Provision for Emergency Oral Contraception [Cochrane for Clinicians]

Infertility

Jun 15, 2023	—	Infertility: Evaluation and Management Alg PtEd
May 01, 2019	—	Aromatase Inhibitors Such as Letrozole (Femara) vs. Clomiphene (Clomid) for Subfertile Women with PCOS [Cochrane for Clinicians]
Oct 15, 2015	—	Natural Procreative Technology for Treating Infertility [Letters to the Editor]
Jan 01, 2006	—	IVF Therapy for Unexplained Infertility [Cochrane for Clinicians]

Preconception Care

Dec 15, 2023	—	Preconception Counseling and Care CME
Jul 15, 2019	—	Interpregnancy Care: Guidelines from ACOG and SMFM [Practice Guidelines]
Oct 15, 2017	—	Preconception Care Is Primary Care: A Call to Action [Editorials]
May 15, 2017	—	Folic Acid Supplementation for the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects: Recommendation Statement [U.S. Preventive Services Task Force]
Dec 01, 2006	—	CDC Releases Guidelines on Improving Preconception Health Care [Practice Guidelines]

Editorials and Letters

Jun 15, 2023	—	Addressing Disparities in Infertility Care [Editorials]
Sep 15, 2022	—	Contraception Recommendations: Updates for the Busy Clinician [Editorials]
Jan 01, 2018	—	Immediate Postpartum LARC: An Underused Contraceptive Option [Editorials]
Dec 01, 2015	—	The Potential Impact of Over-the-Counter Access to Oral Contraceptives to Reduce Unintended Pregnancy [Editorials]
Mar 15, 2014	—	Optimal Use of IUDs: Why Aren't We There Yet? [Editorials]
Nov 15, 2013	—	Case Report: Risk of Uterine Perforation from IUDs Is Greatest During Postpartum Period [Letters to the Editor]
Jul 01, 2011	—	Responses to Article Regarding Contraception Choices in Women [Letters to the Editor]
Feb 01, 2009	—	Preconception Care Should Be Vital Issue for Both Sexes [Letters to the Editor]
Jul 01, 2006	—	Physical Examination Before Initiating Hormonal Contraception: What Is Necessary? [Editorials]
Jul 01, 2005	—	Weighing the Risks and Benefits of Emergency Contraception [Letters to the Editor]
Nov 15, 2000	—	Informed Consent and Emergency Contraception [Editorials]

Patient Education, Self-Care

Jun 15, 2023	—	Infertility [Information from Your Family Doctor]
May 01, 2015	—	Birth Control: What You Should Know [Information from Your Family Doctor] PtEd
Apr 01, 2014	—	Emergency Contraception [Information from Your Family Doctor] PtEd
Nov 15, 2012	—	Natural Family Planning [Information from Your Family Doctor] PtEd
Nov 15, 2012	—	Natural Family Planning PtEd
Dec 15, 2010	—	Side Effects of Hormonal Contraceptives [Information from Your Family Doctor] PtEd
Dec 15, 2006	—	Vasectomy: What You Should Know [Information from Your Family Doctor] PtEd

Jan 15, 2022	—	Is the Use of Hormonal Contraception Associated With Suicide and Suicide Attempts? [FPIN's Clinical Inquiries]
Sep 01, 2018	—	Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: Difficult Insertions and Removals Alg
Apr 01, 2017	—	Preventing Unintended Adolescent Pregnancy [Cochrane for Clinicians] Tool
Nov 01, 2016	—	The Risk of MI and Ischemic Stroke with Combined Oral Contraceptives [Cochrane for Clinicians]
Mar 01, 2016	—	The Impact of Contraception on Lactation [Cochrane for Clinicians]
Mar 01, 2015	—	Risk of Venous Thromboembolism with Use of Combined Oral Contraceptives [Cochrane for Clinicians]
Jun 01, 2013	—	Contraceptive Education for Women After Childbirth [Cochrane for Clinicians]
Dec 01, 2012	—	The Effects of Combination Contraceptives on Weight [Cochrane for Clinicians]
Dec 15, 2011	—	CDC Updates Recommendations for Contraceptive Use in the Postpartum Period [Practice Guidelines]
Dec 15, 2010	—	Managing Adverse Effects of Hormonal Contraceptives PtEd
Sep 15, 2010	—	Contraception Choices in Women with Underlying Medical Conditions
Sep 01, 2008	—	Effect of Antiepileptic Drugs on Oral Contraceptives [FPIN's Clinical Inquiries]

Oct 15, 2024	—	Patient-Centered Contraceptive Counseling: A Reproductive Justice–Informed Shift to Shared Decision-Making [Curbside Consultation] FREE
Mar 01, 2003	—	Do I Get to Decide Who Should Have a Baby? [Curbside Consultation]

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Topic

Family Planning and Contraception

General Guidance

Specific Contraceptives

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