skip to main content

CHC and inflammatory bowel disease — DFSRH MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardUKMECCHC and inflammatory bowel diseaseDFSRH

A patient with active Crohn’s disease requests CHC. She is taking systemic corticosteroids and has recently had substantially reduced mobility during admission. What is the best contraceptive plan?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Avoid CHC for now and offer a medically eligible non-oestrogen method

The best answer is “Avoid CHC for now and offer a medically eligible non-oestrogen method”. Active inflammatory bowel disease can increase venous-thromboembolism risk, particularly with hospitalisation, immobility and systemic corticosteroid exposure. Those additional risks make oestrogen-containing contraception inappropriate at present. Route does not remove CHC-associated VTE risk. An eligible POP, implant or intrauterine method can provide effective contraception without leaving a treatment gap.

Reference: CoSRH, UK Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use 2025: https://www.cosrh.org/Common/Uploaded%20files/documents/UKMEC_2025.pdf