Contraception and Family Planning Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following is a contraindication to subdermal contraceptive implant?

Undiagnosed genital bleeding. ***Undiagnosed genital bleeding*** - Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding is a key contraindication because hormonal methods, including the implant, may mask potentially serious underlying causes such as **endometrial or cervical cancer**. - Comprehensive evaluation must be completed and a definitive diagnosis established before initiating the implant to ensure patient safety. *Hypertension* - **Mild to moderate hypertension** is generally not a contraindication for progestin-only methods like the contraceptive implant, which has minimal effect on blood pressure. - Progestin implants are often a good alternative for women with hypertension who have contraindications to **estrogen-containing contraceptives**. *Diabetes mellitus* - **Diabetes mellitus** (uncomplicated by vascular disease) is not a contraindication for progestin-only contraceptives, which are safe for diabetic management. - The implant has minimal adverse effects on **glucose metabolism** and is classified as a Category 2 (benefits generally outweigh risks) method by WHO MEC criteria. *PID* - A **history of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)** is not a contraindication for the contraceptive implant, as it is a systemic hormonal method and not an intrauterine device. - Unlike IUDs, the subdermal implant does not interact with the uterine cavity or tubes, thus posing no risk of inducing or exacerbating **pelvic infection**.

Q: OCPs can be given in which of the following conditions?

HIV. ***HIV***- HIV infection itself is **not a contraindication** to the use of Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs).- OCPs are a safe and highly effective contraceptive method for women living with HIV, though potential interactions with certain **Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)** regimens must be considered.*HTN*- OCPs can cause or exacerbate **hypertension** by activating the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system through increased **angiotensinogen** production.- The use of OCPs is strongly discouraged in women with **uncontrolled** or **severe hypertension** due to increased risk of stroke and myocardial infarction.*DM*- OCPs are relatively contraindicated in women with diabetes mellitus who have **associated vascular complications** (e.g., retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy) or long-standing disease (>20 years).- While modern low-dose OCPs are generally safe for *uncomplicated* DM, they can transiently worsen **glucose tolerance** and require careful monitoring.*Hyperlipidemia*- OCPs, particularly those with higher estrogen content, can significantly increase serum **triglyceride levels**, which dramatically raises the risk of **pancreatitis**.- They are relatively contraindicated in individuals with severe or uncontrolled **hyperlipidemia** due to concerns about accelerating cardiovascular disease risks.

Q: In which of the following conditions would the use of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) require the most careful consideration due to contraindication concerns?

HIV infection. ***HIV infection*** - According to WHO Medical Eligibility Criteria (MEC), HIV infection presents varying levels of concern depending on disease status: - **Stable HIV on ART**: MEC Category 2 (benefits generally outweigh risks) - **Severe/Advanced HIV (AIDS)**: MEC Category 3 (risks usually outweigh benefits) - The primary concern is the increased risk of **pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)** in immunocompromised patients - Among the options provided, HIV infection represents the **strongest relative contraindication** requiring careful clinical assessment before IUCD insertion - Recent guidelines emphasize individualized decision-making based on immune status, viral load, and ART adherence *Hypertension* - **Hypertension** is NOT a contraindication for IUCD use (MEC Category 1) - Neither copper IUDs nor levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs (LNG-IUD) affect blood pressure - IUCDs are safe contraceptive options for women with controlled or uncontrolled hypertension - No cardiovascular risk associated with IUD use *Hyperlipidemia* - **Hyperlipidemia** is NOT a contraindication for IUCD use (MEC Category 1) - IUDs do not affect lipid metabolism or lipid levels - Both copper and hormonal IUCDs can be safely used in women with abnormal lipid profiles *Diabetes mellitus* - **Diabetes mellitus** is NOT a contraindication for IUCD use (MEC Category 1/2) - Both copper and hormonal IUDs are safe and effective for diabetic patients - IUCDs are often preferred over combined hormonal contraceptives, which may affect **glycemic control** - No increased risk of complications with proper insertion technique

Q: Oral contraceptive pill prevents all except?

Cervical cancer. ***Cervical cancer***- Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are associated with an *increased* risk of **cervical cancer**, particularly with prolonged use (typically >5 years), not a protective effect. - The mechanisms are unclear, but OCPs may increase the risk of persistent **HPV infection** or cervical ectopy, making the cervix more vulnerable.*Epithelial ovarian cancer*- OCPs provide substantial and long-lasting protection against **epithelial ovarian cancer**, with the benefit persisting for decades after cessation.- The protection is thought to be due to the suppression of **ovulation** and resultant decrease in the number of repair cycles of the ovarian surface epithelium.*Endometrial cancer*- OCPs significantly reduce the risk of **endometrial cancer** by providing a continuous supply of progestins.- The **progestin** component of OCPs counteracts the proliferative effects of estrogen on the endometrium, preventing hyperplasia and subsequent carcinogenesis.*Colon cancer*- OCP use is associated with a modest but consistent reduction in the incidence of **colorectal cancer** across numerous studies.- This protective effect is hypothesized to be due to OCP-induced changes in **bile acid metabolism** or effects on local hormone receptor signaling in the colon.

Q: All of the following are protected by OCPs except?

Carcinoma breast. ***Carcinoma breast*** - OCPs do not protect against **breast cancer**; large meta-analyses suggest a small, transient increase in risk, particularly with **current or recent use**, which generally dissipates 10 years after stopping. - This marginal increase in risk is attributed to the **estrogen component**, which promotes proliferation in hormone-sensitive breast tissue. *Carcinoma endometrium* - OCPs offer significant long-term protection against **endometrial cancer**, mediated primarily by the **progestin component**, which induces endometrial atrophy. - Protection lasts for many years after discontinuing OCPs and is one of the most prominent non-contraceptive benefits. *Colonic cancer* - OCP use is associated with a reduced risk of **colorectal cancer**, a benefit that appears to be related to the duration of use. - This protective effect is thought to be mediated by the actions of estrogen on bile acid metabolism and subsequent modulation of cell proliferation in the **colonic mucosa**. *Ovarian cancer* - OCPs provide robust, durable protection against **ovarian cancer**, with the risk reduction correlating significantly with the duration of intake. - The primary protective mechanism is the **suppression of ovulation**, which reduces trauma and proliferation of the ovarian surface epithelium.

Q: OCPs are not protective for?

Breast Ca. ***Breast Ca (Correct Answer)*** - OCPs are **not protective** against breast cancer - Current or recent use is associated with a **small, reversible increase** in risk, particularly with prolonged use (>5 years) - The risk is attributed to **exogenous estrogen and progesterone** stimulating hormone-sensitive breast tissue proliferation *Endometrial Ca (Incorrect - OCPs ARE protective)* - OCPs offer significant protection against endometrial cancer, reducing risk by about **50%** - This benefit is primarily due to the reliable dose of **progestin**, which induces **endometrial atrophy** and counteracts unopposed estrogen effects *Ovarian Ca (Incorrect - OCPs ARE protective)* - OCPs provide powerful protection against ovarian cancer, with benefit increasing with duration of use and persisting for decades after cessation - Mechanism involves suppression of **gonadotropins** and prevention of **repeated ovulation**, reducing trauma and carcinogenic transformation potential of the ovarian epithelium *Colorectal Ca (Incorrect - OCPs ARE protective)* - OCP use provides a long-lasting protective effect against colorectal cancer - This protective effect is thought to be mediated by **synthetic progestins and estrogens** altering local hormone receptors or bile acid composition

Q: A 32-year-old woman presents with intermenstrual bleeding following the insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD). She reports no other complications. What is the most appropriate initial management step?

Reassure the patient and observe. **Reassure the patient and observe (Correct)** - Irregular bleeding (spotting or intermenstrual bleeding) is a very common and expected side effect, especially during the first **3 to 6 months** after IUD insertion (both copper and hormonal). - In the absence of signs of infection (fever, purulent discharge, pelvic pain), IUD expulsion, or pregnancy, the initial management is typically **reassurance** that symptoms often resolve spontaneously. *Remove the IUD (Incorrect)* - IUD removal is generally reserved for failure of medical management, **IUD expulsion**, severe complications (e.g., **perforation**), or persistent, unacceptable side effects after the initial adaptation period. - Removing the IUD prematurely for expected spotting unnecessarily terminates a highly effective form of **contraception**. *Perform a pelvic ultrasound (Incorrect)* - Imaging is usually indicated if there is suspicion of **IUD malposition** (e.g., missing strings, pain, suspected expulsion) or to rule out other causes of bleeding like **pregnancy** or structural uterine abnormalities (fibroids, polyps). - Since the bleeding is expected and transient in the immediate post-insertion phase, an ultrasound is generally not mandatory as the *initial* step in an otherwise asymptomatic patient. *Prescribe hormonal therapy (Incorrect)* - While treatments like low-dose **estrogen** or **NSAIDs** can sometimes manage persistent, heavy bleeding, simple spotting is typically managed conservatively first. - Adding hormonal therapy might mask important underlying issues or add unnecessary risk/side effects for a symptom that is likely to resolve spontaneously.

Q: Identify the image given below:

Diaphragm. ***Diaphragm*** - The image shows a **dome-shaped barrier device** with a flexible rim, characteristic of a diaphragm. A hand is demonstrating how it can be folded for insertion. - Diaphragms are used with **spermicide** and are placed over the **cervix** prior to intercourse to block sperm. *Vaginal sponge* - A vaginal sponge is typically a soft, **polyurethane foam device** that contains spermicide and is inserted into the vagina. - It would appear more porous and less rigid than the device shown. *Vaginal ring* - A vaginal ring is a **flexible, plastic ring** that is inserted into the vagina to release hormones. - It has a distinct ring shape and is usually made of a smooth material, unlike the device pictured. *DMPA* - **DMPA (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate)** is an injectable contraceptive, administered as a shot. - It is not a physical device, but a **hormonal medication**.

Q: Identify the image given below:

Lippes loop. ***Lippes loop*** - The image displays a **serpentine or S-shaped intrauterine device (IUD)**, which is characteristic of the Lippes loop. - The Lippes loop was one of the **first-generation IUDs**, typically made of polyethylene, and is now largely historical. *Progestasert* - **Progestasert** was a **T-shaped IUD** that released progesterone, not a serpentine loop. - Its mechanism involved local progesterone release to inhibit sperm motility and fertilisation. *Mirena* - **Mirena** is a **T-shaped intrauterine system (IUS)** that releases levonorgestrel, not a loop. - It is a hormonal IUS widely used today for contraception and to treat heavy menstrual bleeding. *CuT 380 A* - **CuT 380 A** is a **T-shaped copper-releasing IUD**, not a loop. - The "Cu" indicates copper, and "T" refers to its characteristic T-shape, with 380 mm² of copper surface area.

Q: Identify the image given below:

IUD. ***IUD*** - The image displays a **T-shaped device** with a **copper coil** wrapped around its stem, which is characteristic of a copper intrauterine device (IUD). - IUDs are placed in the uterus for **long-term contraception**. *Vaginal ring* - A vaginal ring is a **flexible, soft plastic ring** that is inserted into the vagina and releases hormones. - Its appearance is distinct from the T-shaped device shown, lacking the copper coil. *Vaginal sponge* - A vaginal sponge is a **soft, disposable sponge** containing spermicide, inserted into the vagina before intercourse. - It does not resemble the rigid, T-shaped structure seen in the image. *Diaphragm* - A diaphragm is a **dome-shaped, flexible cup** with a springy rim that is inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix. - It is also very different in appearance from the object in the image.

Question 1

Which of the following is a contraindication to subdermal contraceptive implant?

Accepted Answer

Undiagnosed genital bleeding

Answer

PID

Answer

Diabetes mellitus

Answer

Hypertension

Question 2

OCPs can be given in which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

HIV

Answer

DM

Answer

Hyperlipidemia

Answer

HTN

Question 3

In which of the following conditions would the use of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) require the most careful consideration due to contraindication concerns?

Accepted Answer

HIV infection

Answer

Diabetes mellitus

Answer

Hypertension

Answer

Hyperlipidemia

Question 4

Oral contraceptive pill prevents all except?

Accepted Answer

Cervical cancer

Answer

Colon cancer

Answer

Endometrial cancer

Answer

Epithelial ovarian cancer

Question 5

All of the following are protected by OCPs except?

Accepted Answer

Carcinoma breast

Answer

Colonic cancer

Answer

Carcinoma endometrium

Answer

Ovarian cancer

Question 6

OCPs are not protective for?

Accepted Answer

Breast Ca

Answer

Endometrial Ca

Answer

Ovarian Ca

Answer

Colorectal Ca

Question 7

A 32-year-old woman presents with intermenstrual bleeding following the insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD). She reports no other complications. What is the most appropriate initial management step?

Accepted Answer

Reassure the patient and observe

Answer

Prescribe hormonal therapy

Answer

Remove the IUD

Answer

Perform a pelvic ultrasound

Question 8

Identify the image given below:

Accepted Answer

Diaphragm

Answer

Vaginal sponge

Answer

Vaginal ring

Answer

DMPA

Question 9

Identify the image given below:

Accepted Answer

Lippes loop

Answer

Progestasert

Answer

Mirena

Answer

CuT 380 A

Question 10

Identify the image given below:

Accepted Answer

IUD

Answer

Vaginal ring

Answer

Vaginal sponge

Answer

Diaphragm

Contraception and Family Planning — MCQs

Contraception and Family Planning — MCQs

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