Previous stroke and CHC — DFSRH MCQ

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HardUKMECPrevious stroke and CHCDFSRH

A 42-year-old woman with previous ischaemic stroke asks for the combined transdermal patch for dysmenorrhoea. She has normal blood pressure and does not smoke. What is the UKMEC category for CHC?

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Correct answer: B — UKMEC 4

Previous stroke makes CHC an unacceptable risk and is UKMEC 4. Normal current blood pressure does not remove the history of arterial thrombosis. Lower-dose or transdermal combined methods still contain oestrogen and remain inappropriate. The pearl is that arterial events are major contraindications to combined hormonal methods.

Reference: UKMEC 2025; FSRH Guideline: Combined Hormonal Contraception