skip to main content

Migraine with aura and CHC — DFSRH MCQ

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

ModerateCombined hormonal contraceptionMigraine with aura and CHCDFSRH

A 31-year-old woman asks to restart a combined oral contraceptive pill. She has monthly migraine, and twice in the last year she has had 20 minutes of shimmering visual disturbance before the headache. She is normotensive, does not smoke, and has no other medical history. 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: B — Desogestrel POP

Visual aura makes combined hormonal contraception inappropriate because migraine with aura is UKMEC 4 for CHC owing to stroke risk. A progestogen-only pill is suitable and avoids oestrogen exposure. The patch and ring carry the same CHC eligibility issue; deferring contraception leaves her at avoidable pregnancy risk.

Reference: FSRH UKMEC; FSRH Guideline Combined Hormonal Contraception