skip to main content

Diabetes with vascular disease — DFSRH MCQ

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

HardUKMECDiabetes with vascular diseaseDFSRH

A 43-year-old woman has type 1 diabetes with background retinopathy and microalbuminuria. She asks for the combined pill because it previously improved acne. Blood pressure is 138/84 mmHg and she does not smoke. What is the most appropriate contraceptive method?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Copper IUD

Diabetes with microvascular complications makes CHC a poor choice, and a copper IUD is highly effective without hormonal vascular risk. Pill, ring and patch share oestrogen-associated risk and are not rescued by normal blood pressure. Aspirin is not used to justify high-dose oestrogen contraception. The pearl is to identify diabetic end-organ disease, not just diabetes duration.

Reference: UKMEC 2025; FSRH Guideline: Combined Hormonal Contraception