skip to main content

Fertility-awareness suitability — DFSRH MCQ

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

ModerateReproductive HealthFertility-awareness suitabilityDFSRH

A 34-year-old woman wants to use fertility-awareness methods. Her cycles vary from 24 to 45 days, she works night shifts, and she wants pregnancy avoidance for at least 2 years. What would you advise this patient?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Discuss lower reliability with irregular cycles and offer more effective alternatives

Fertility-awareness methods are less reliable with irregular cycles and require motivation, education and consistent tracking, so more effective alternatives should be offered. Calendar methods are particularly vulnerable to cycle variability. EC does not replace prospective contraception, DMPA suppresses ovulation rather than supporting cycle tracking, and fertility-awareness methods do not protect against STIs. The pearl is to match method reliability to the consequence of pregnancy for that patient.

Reference: FSRH Guideline: Fertility Awareness Methods; NICE CKS Contraception