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Women’s Health Clinical Guidelines

The information below is provided by the National Guideline Clearinghouse™ (NGC), a public resource for evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. NGC is an initiative of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Review a selection of the current women’s health guidelines. For additional searches, use the NGC Browse or Detailed Search features using your own keywords in the search box.

Other guideline clearing houses include:

• Health Care Innovations Exchange Web site -- Find Innovations and QualityTools classified by disease or clinical category, patient population, stage of care, setting of care, and more.
• National Quality Measures Clearinghouse (NQMC) Web site
• You can also Subscribe to the NGC Weekly E-mail Update Service.

Behavioral & Social Issues/ Psychiatry/Mental Health: Depression; Domestic Violence; Eating Disorders; Weight Mgmt/Obesity

Blood /Bleeding Disorders

Breast Care: Mammography & Breast Care Breast Cancer

Cardiovascular Prevention/Treatment: Cardiovascular & Stroke

Endocrinology: Diabetes Mellisus; Gestational Diabetes; Osteoporosis; Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Gastroenterology: Colon Cancer  

Gynecology: Contraception; Endometriosis Fertility/Infertility; General Gynecology; Gynecologic Oncology; HPV (Human Papilomavirus); Miscarriage; Ovarian Cancer; Postpartum & Postnatal Care; Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Hormone Therapy

Lactation / Breastfeeding

Lifestyle, Diet, Exercise & Prevention

Menopause

Neurology: Dementia, Cognitive Impairment & Alzheimer’s Disease; Headache

Obstetrics / Pregnancy

Rheumatology: Chronic Pain; Fibromyalgia; Lupus; Osteoarthritis & Rheumatoid Arthritis

Other

 

Behavioral & Social Issues/Psychiatry/Mental Health

Depression

• Depression clinical practice guidelines. 2004 (rev 2006). NGC:005152
• Use of psychiatric medications during pregnancy and lactation. 2008. NGC:006421

Domestic Violence

• Women abuse: screening, identification & initial response. 2005 Mar.  88 pages.  NGC:004218

Eating Disorders

• Guideline for the treatment of patients with eating disorders. 1993 (rev 2006). NGC:004987

Weight Management/Obesity

• Guideline for screening and management of overweight and obesity. 2006. NGC:005577
• Prevention and management of obesity (mature adolescents and adults). 2004 (rev 2006). NGC:005389
• Expert panel on weight loss surgery. 2004 (rev 2007). NGC:006638

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Blood /Bleeding Disorders

• The diagnosis, evaluation, and management of von Willebrand disease. 2007 Dec. NGC:006357

 

Breast Care

Mammography & Breast Care

• Screening mammography for women 40 to 49 years of age. 2007. NGC:005578
• Common breast problems. 2007. NGC:006199
• Management of ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast. 1998 (rev 2006). NGC:005344
• Diagnosis of breast disease. 1994 (rev 2008). NGC:006317
• Palpable breast masses. 1996 (rev 2006). NGC:005560

Breast Cancer

• Breast cancer in limited-resource countries: treatment and allocation of resources. 2006. NGC:004887
• Breast cancer in limited-resource countries: early detection and access to care. 2006. NGC:004885
• Risk assessment and genetic counseling for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. 2007. NGC:006247
• Hormonal therapies for the adjuvant treatment of early oestrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer. 2006. NGC:005407
• Local regional recurrence (LR) and salvage surgery--breast cancer. 1996 (rev 2006). NGC:005131
• Radiotherapy for breast cancer in countries with limited resources: program implementation and evidence-based recommendations. 2006. NGC:005203
• The role of HER2/neu in systemic and radiation therapy for women with breast cancer. 2006. NGC:005393
• The role of aromatase inhibitors in adjuvant therapy for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. 2005 (rev 2008). NGC:006433
• The role of trastuzumab in adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapy in women with HER2/neu-overexpressing breast cancer. 2006. NGC:005004
• Paclitaxel for the adjuvant treatment of early node-positive breast cancer. 2006. NGC:005737
• Docetaxel for the adjuvant treatment of early node-positive breast cancer. 2006. NGC:005738
• Diagnostic imaging in breast cancer. 2006. NGC:005228
• Trastuzumab for the adjuvant treatment of early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer. 2006. NGC:005736

 

Cardiovascular Prevention/Treatment

Cardiovascular

• Evidence-based guidelines for cardiovascular disease prevention in women. 2004 (revised 2007).
  NGC:005565
• Management of patients with unstable angina/non ST-Elevation myocardial infarction. 2000 (revised 2007).  NGC:005906
• Percutaneous coronary intervention and adjunctive pharmacotherapy in women. 2005. NGC:004278
• Secondary prevention for patients with coronary and other atherosclerotic vascular disease. 2006. NGC:005019
• Management of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. 1996 (rev 2004; addendum 2008). NGC:006289
• Management of venous thromboembolism. 2007. NGC:005524
• Screening for high blood pressure. 1996 (rev 2007). NGC:005952
• Interventions to Promote Physical Activity and Dietary Lifestyle Changes for Cardiovascular Risk Factor Reduction in Adults.  2010. AHA

Stroke

• Primary prevention of ischemic stroke. 2006. NGC:005068
• Guidelines for prevention of stroke in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. 2006 (addendum 2008).  NGC:006659
• Stroke prevention. Life style and risk factor management. 2006. NGC:006251

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Endocrinology

• Androgen therapy in women. 2006. NGC:005343

Diabetes Mellitus

• Standards of medical care in diabetes. V. Diabetes care. 1998 (rev 2008). NGC:006281
• Standards of medical care in diabetes. VI. Prevention and management of diabetes complications. 1998 (rev 2008).  NGC:006282
• Standards of medical care in diabetes. VII. Diabetes care in specific populations. 1998 (rev 2008).  NGC:006283
• Diagnosis and management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. 1996 (rev 2008). NGC:006581
• Medical guidelines for the management of diabetes mellitus. Screening and diagnosis. 2000 (rev 2007).  NGC:005851
• Medical guidelines for the management of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes and pregnancy. 2000 (rev 2007).  NGC:005858

Gestational Diabetes

• Screening for gestational diabetes mellitus. 1996 (rev 2008). NGC:006437
• Standards of medical care in diabetes. III. Detection and diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). 1998 (rev 2008). NGC:006279

Osteoporosis

• Osteoporosis and bone mineral density. 1998 (rev 2007). NGC:005990
• Management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. 2006 Feb (updated 2009 Oct).  NGC:007590 

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

• Diagnosis and management of polycystic ovarian syndrome. 2006. NGC:005059

 

Gastroenterology

Colon Cancer

• Colorectal cancer screening. 2007. NGC:006244

 

Gynecology

Contraception

• First prescription of the combined oral contraception. 2003 (rev 2007). NGC:006302
• Emergency contraception. 2003 (rev 2006). NGC:006303
• Female barrier methods. 2007. NGC:006305
• Male and female condoms. 2007. NGC:006306
• Use of hormonal contraception in women with coexisting medical conditions. 2000 (rev 2006). NGC:005704
• Intrauterine contraception. 2007. NGC:006304

Endometriosis

• The investigation and management of endometriosis. 2006. NGC:005917

Fertility/Infertility

• Clinical Oncology recommendations on fertility preservation in cancer patients. 2006. NGC:005028
• Reproductive testing. Laboratory medicine practice guidelines: evidence-based practice for point-of-care testing. 2006. NGC:005648

General Gynecology

• Pelvic organ prolapse. 2007 (rev 2007). NGC:006532
• Diagnosis and management of vulvar skin disorders. 2008. NGC:006534
• Endometrial ablation. 2007. NGC:005698
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infection in women. 1994 (rev 2006).  NGC:005173
• Consultations requiring sexual history-taking. 2007.  NGC:006300
• The management of women of reproductive age attending non-genitourinary medicine settings complaining of vaginal discharge. 2006. NGC:004881
• Management of bacterial vaginosis. 1999 Aug (rev 2006). NGC:006014
• Antibiotic prophylaxis for gynecologic procedures. 2001 (rev 2006). NGC:005696
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding. 2006. NGC:005109
• Treatment of urinary tract infections in nonpregnant women. 2008. NGC:006536
• Elective and risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy. 1999 (rev 2008). NGC:006287
• Management of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. 1995 (rev 2006). NGC:005919
• Chronic abnormal uterine bleeding in nongravid women. 2006. NGC:005687
• Acute uterine bleeding unrelated to pregnancy. 2006. NGC:005180

Gynecologic Oncology

• Risk assessment and genetic counseling for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. 2007. NGC:006247
• Cervical cancer screening for women who attend STD clinics or have a history of STDs. 1993 (rev 2006). NGC:005192
• Guideline for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine use to prevent cervical cancer and its precursors. 2007.  NGC:006078
• Cervical cancer screening guideline. 2006. NGC:005576
• Staging and follow-up of ovarian cancer. 1996 (rev 2007). NGC:006007
• Follow-up after primary therapy for endometrial cancer. 2006. NGC:004867
• Chemotherapy for recurrent, metastatic, or persistent cervical cancer. 2006. NGC:005221
• The role of intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the first-line treatment of women with stage III epithelial ovarian cancer. 2006. NGC:005220
• Adjuvant radiotherapy in women with stage I endometrial cancer. 2006. NGC:004957
• Adjuvant hormonal therapy for stage I endometrial cancer. 2007. NGC:006237
• Use of systemic therapy in women with recurrent ovarian cancer. 2006. NGC:005672

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

• Self-collected samples for testing of oncogenic human papillomavirus. 2006. NGC:005098
• Quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine. 2007. NGC:005571
• Guideline for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine use to prevent cervical cancer and its precursors. 2007. NGC:006078
• HPV infection and genital warts. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines. 1993 (rev 2006). NGC:005191

Miscarriage

• The management of early pregnancy loss. 2006. NGC:005916
• Clinical policy guidelines. 1996 (rev 2008). NGC:006446

Ovarian Cancer – see Gynecological Oncology

Postpartum/Postnatal Care

• Postnatal care. Routine postnatal care of women and their babies. 2006. NGC:005150
• Routine prenatal and postnatal care. 2006 (rev 2008). NGC:006737
• Interventions for postpartum depression. 2005. NGC:004299
• Postpartum hemorrhage. 2006. NGC:005702

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

• Pelvic inflammatory disease. 1993 (rev 2006). NGC:005189
• HIV infection: detection, counseling, and referral. 1993 (rev 2006). NGC:005183
• One to one interventions to reduce the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV, and to reduce the rate of under 18 conceptions, especially among vulnerable and at risk groups. 2007.  NGC:005617
• Diseases characterized by urethritis and cervicitis. Update: fluoroquinolones no longer recommended for treatment of gonococcal infections. 1993 (rev 2006; addendum 2007). NGC:005597
• Medical care for menopausal and older women with HIV infection. 2008. NGC:006480
• Care for the HIV-infected female adolescent. 2007. NGC:005744
• Sexual assault and STDs. 1993 (rev 2006). NGC:005197
• Diseases characterized by vaginal discharge. 1993 (rev 2006). NGC:005188
• Gonococcal and chlamydial infections. 2007. NGC:006478
• Chlamydial urethritis and cervicitis. 2001 (rev 2006). NGC:005276
• Chlamydia trachomatis. 2006. NGC:006395
• HIV prophylaxis following non-occupational exposure including sexual assault. 2005 (rev 2008).  NGC:006475
• Behavioral counseling to prevent sexually transmitted infections. 1996 (rev 2008). NGC:006686
• Cervical cancer screening for women who attend STD clinics or have a history of STDs. 1993 (rev 2006).  NGC:005192
• Recommendations for use of antiretroviral drugs in pregnant HIV-infected women for maternal health and interventions to reduce perinatal HIV transmission. 1998 (rev 2008). NGC:006627
• Viral hepatitis in pregnancy. 2007. NGC:006535
• Management of herpes in pregnancy. 1999 (rev 2007). NGC:005948

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Hormone Therapy

• Hormone therapy for the prevention of chronic conditions in postmenopausal women. 1996 (rev 2005).  NGC:004276
• Estrogen and progestogen use in postmenopausal women. 2002 (rev 2008). NGC:006584
• The role of local vaginal estrogen for treatment of vaginal atrophy. 2007. NGC:005661

 

Lactation/Breastfeeding

• Improving the nutrition of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and children in low-income households. 2008.  NGC:006418
• Guidelines for hospital discharge of the breastfeeding term newborn and mother: "Going home protocol". 2007.  NGC:005987
• Breastfeeding friendly physician's office, part 1: optimizing care for infants and children. 2006.  NGC:005878
• Breastfeeding and the use of human milk. 1997 (rev 2005). NGC:004072
• Model breastfeeding policy. 2004 (published 2007). NGC:005871
• Contraception during breastfeeding. 2005 (published 2006). NGC:005877
• Breastfeeding best practice guidelines for nurses. 2003 Sep (addendum 2007). NGC:005959
• Primary care interventions to promote breastfeeding. 1996 (rev 2008). NGC:006745
• Analgesia and anesthesia for the breastfeeding mother. 2006. NGC:005879
• Breastfeeding the hypotonic infant. 2007. NGC:005883

 

Lifestyle, Diet, Exercise & Prevention

• Diet and lifestyle recommendations revision 2006. 2006. NGC:005476 
• Physical activity and public health: updated recommendation for adults. 1995 (rev 2007). NGC:006035 
• Physical activity and public health in older adults. 1995 (rev 2007). NGC:006038  
• Guidelines on nutrition and physical activity for cancer prevention: reducing the risk of cancer with healthy food choices and physical activity. 2002 (rev 2006). NGC:006082 
• Physical activity and public health in older adults. 1995 (rev 2007). NGC:006038 
• Nutrition and physical activity during and after cancer treatment. 2006. NGC:006079 
• Smoking cessation services in primary care, pharmacies, local authorities and workplaces, particularly for manual working groups, pregnant women and hard to reach communities. 2008. NGC:006361 
• Adult weight management evidence-based nutrition practice guideline. 2006. NGC:006622 
• VA/DoD screening and management of overweight and obesity. 2006. NGC:005577 
• Acupuncture and electroacupuncture: evidence-based treatment guidelines. 2004. NGC:005010 
• Defining and setting National goals for cardiovascular health promotion and disease reduction.  Circulation 2010;121:586-613. 

 

Menopause

• The role of calcium in peri- and postmenopausal women. 2001 Mar (rev 2006 Dec). NGC:005350
• Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of menopause. 1999 (rev 2006). NGC:005039 
• Postmenopausal uterine bleeding. 2006. NGC:005688 
• Evaluation and treatment of hirsutism in premenopausal women. 2008. NGC:006325 
• Management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. 2006. NGC:005035 

 

Neurology

Dementia, Cognitive Impairment & Alzheimer’s Disease

• Guideline for the treatment of patients with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. 1997 (rev 2007).  NGC:005974 
•   Dementia. 2001 (rev 2007). NGC:005659 

Headache

• Diagnosis and treatment of headache. 1998 (rev 2007). NGC:005845
• Menstrual migraine and menstrually-related migraine. Standards of care for headache diagnosis and treatment. 2004. NGC:004147

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Obstetrics / Pregnancy

• For gestational diabetes clinical guidelines  
• Medical management of ectopic pregnancy. 1998 (rev 2008). NGC:006533
• External cephalic version and reducing the incidence of breech presentation. 2006. NGC:005918 
• Episiotomy. 2006. NGC:005706 
• Recommendations for use of antiretroviral drugs in pregnant HIV-infected women for maternal health and interventions to reduce perinatal HIV transmission. 1998 (rev 2008). NGC:006627 
•   Screening for elevated blood lead levels in children and pregnant women. 1996 (rev 2006). NGC:005433 
•   Management of thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy and postpartum. 2007. NGC:005884 
•   Screening for iron deficiency anemia - including iron supplementation for children and pregnant women. 1996 (revised 2006). NGC:004965 
•   Routine antenatal anti-D prophylaxis for women who are rhesus D negative. 2008. NGC:006714   
•   Screening for bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy to prevent preterm delivery. 1996 (revised 2008). NGC:006227 
• The management of severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia. 2006. NGC:005033 
• Prevention of pertussis, tetanus, and diphtheria among pregnant and postpartum women and their infants. 2008. NGC:006540
• Routine prenatal care. 1997 (rev 2008). NGC:006704
• The management of breech presentation. 2006. NGC:005915
• Systemic diseases in pregnancy. 2004 (rev 2007). NGC:005825
• Birth after previous caesarean birth. 2007. NGC:005914
• Viral hepatitis in pregnancy. 2007. NGC:006535
• Management of herpes in pregnancy. 1999 (rev 2007). NGC:005948
• Asthma in pregnancy. 2008. NGC:006538
• Hemoglobinopathies in pregnancy. 2007. NGC:005700
• Obstetric cholestasis. 2006. NGC:004761
• Preterm prelabour rupture of membranes. 2006. NGC:005920
• Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment, and use of laparoscopy for surgical problems during pregnancy. 1996 (rev 2007). NGC:005977
• Guidelines for obstetric anesthesia. 1999 (rev 2007). NGC:005632
• Management of alloimmunization during pregnancy. 2006. NGC:005703
• Premature rupture of membranes. 1998 (rev 2007). NGC:005695
• Guideline for blood grouping and antibody testing in pregnancy. 2006. NGC:006196
• Thromboembolic disease in pregnancy and the puerperium: acute management. 2001 (rev 2007). NGC:005922
• The management of third- and fourth-degree perineal tears. 2001 (rev 2007). NGC:005921
• Management of labor. 2005 (rev 2007). NGC:005587
• External cephalic version and reducing the incidence of breech presentation. 2006. NGC:005918

 

Rheumatology

Chronic Pain

• Assessment and management of chronic pain. 2005 (rev 2008). NGC:006693
• NIH State-of-the-Science Conference Statement on multivitamin/mineral supplements and chronic disease prevention. 2006. NGC:006074

Fibromyalgia

• Management of fibromyalgia syndrome in adults. University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner Program - Academic Institution.  2009 May.  14 pages.  NGC:007367
• Guideline for the management of fibromyalgia syndrome pain in adults and children. 2005. NGC:004342

Lupus

• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). 2001 (rev 2007). NGC:005826

Osteoarthritis

• Use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs: an update for clinicians. 2007. NGC:005566
• Knee & leg (acute & chronic). 2003 (rev 2008). NGC:006561
• Hip & pelvis (acute & chronic). 2006 (rev 2008). NGC:006560
• Fall prevention for older adults. 1996 (rev 2004). NGC:003480
• Medical management of adults with osteoarthritis. 2003 (rev 2007). NGC:005981
• Osteoarthritis of the knees. 2007. NGC:005848
• Ottawa Panel for therapeutic exercises and manual therapy in the management of osteoarthritis. 2005.  NGC:004490
• Diagnosis and treatment of adult degenerative joint disease (DJD)/osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. 1996 (rev 2007). NGC:005844

 

Other

• Palliative care. 2007 (rev 2008). NGC:006526