WHO MEC Wheel
Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use - Based on WHO Guidelines (6th Edition, 2025)
Choosing the right contraception is not one-size-fits-all — a method that is perfectly safe for one woman may carry real risks for another with a specific medical condition. The World Health Organization's Medical Eligibility Criteria distil decades of research into four simple safety categories for every method. Use the search box below to look up a condition (for example migraine with aura, high blood pressure, diabetes or recent childbirth) and instantly see how each method is rated, then discuss the safest options for you with Dr. Neha Singhania.
MEC Category Guide
No restriction - Method can be used
Generally use - Benefits outweigh risks
Caution - Usually not recommended
Do not use - Unacceptable health risk
| Medical Condition | COC | Patch/Ring | POP | DMPA | Implant | LNG-IUD | Cu-IUD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cardiovascular(8 conditions) | |||||||
| Hypertension (controlled) | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Hypertension (uncontrolled, >160/100) | 4 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| History of DVT/PE | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Current DVT/PE | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Ischemic heart disease | 4 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Stroke | 4 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Migraine with aura | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Migraine without aura (age <35) | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Reproductive(7 conditions) | |||||||
| Breastfeeding (<6 weeks postpartum) | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Breastfeeding (6 weeks - 6 months) | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Postpartum (non-breastfeeding, <21 days) | 4 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| History of ectopic pregnancy | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Endometriosis | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Uterine fibroids | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| PCOS | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Metabolic/Endocrine(5 conditions) | |||||||
Age-related(6 conditions) | |||||||
Other Conditions(8 conditions) | |||||||
Important Disclaimer
This tool is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with Dr. Neha Singhania or a qualified healthcare provider before starting or changing any contraceptive method. Individual circumstances may vary.
Reference: WHO Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 6th Edition (2025)
View WHO Guidelines →WHO MEC Wheel — FAQs
What is the WHO MEC wheel?
The WHO Medical Eligibility Criteria (MEC) are evidence-based recommendations that tell clinicians how safe each contraceptive method is for a person with a given medical condition. This interactive wheel lets you look up a condition and see the rating for each method.
What do MEC categories 1 to 4 mean?
Category 1 means no restriction, category 2 means benefits usually outweigh risks, category 3 means risks usually outweigh benefits (use only with careful judgement), and category 4 means the method should not be used because it poses an unacceptable health risk.
Can I choose my own contraception using this tool?
No. The wheel is a clinical decision-support and education aid, not a prescription. Your final choice should always be made with Dr. Neha Singhania, who can factor in your full history, examination and preferences.
Which contraception is safest if I have high blood pressure?
Combined hormonal methods (the pill, patch and ring) are often category 3-4 with uncontrolled hypertension, while progestogen-only pills, implants and the copper or hormonal IUD are usually safer options. Always confirm with your doctor.
Does breastfeeding change which contraceptive I can use?
Yes. In the first weeks after delivery some methods are restricted while breastfeeding. Progestogen-only options are generally preferred early on, and combined methods become more suitable later. The wheel shows the ratings for each postpartum stage.