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Combined hormonal contraception contraindication — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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ModerateOB/GYN (prenatal care, contraception, screening)Combined hormonal contraception contraindicationUSMLE Step 3

A 39-year-old woman requests contraception. She smokes 15 cigarettes daily and has well-controlled hypertension. Pregnancy test is negative and she prefers a highly effective method. Which of the following is the most appropriate at this time?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Recommend a long-acting reversible contraceptive method

Estrogen-containing contraception is higher risk in smokers over age 35 and in hypertension; LARC methods are highly effective alternatives.

Reference: CDC U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use