Contraception and Family Planning Practice Questions

Q: Following which of the tubectomy procedures listed below, best result is achieved for reversal sterilization (recanalization procedure) ?

Fallopian ring occlusion. ***Fallopian ring occlusion*** - This method uses a **silicone band** to occlude the fallopian tube, causing minimal damage to the surrounding tissue. - The small segment of the tube affected allows for a **higher success rate** in re-anastomosis during reversal sterilization due to preserved tubal length and integrity. *Electrocoagulation* - This method involves **burning and destroying** a significant segment of the fallopian tube with an electric current. - The extensive tissue damage and scarring make **recanalization difficult** and significantly reduce the success of reversal. *Irving method* - This procedure involves **ligating and dissecting** the fallopian tube, then burying the proximal end into the broad ligament. - The complex anatomical alteration and potential for **significant scarring** make reversal challenging and less successful. *Pomeroy ligation* - This technique involves **ligating and excising a loop** of the fallopian tube, which causes moderate tissue damage and segment removal. - While reversal is possible, the **removal of a tubal segment** can result in a shorter tube and a lower success rate compared to tubal ring occlusion.

Q: Minipill containing 75 µg of desogestrel is used for contraception. Which of the following is its schedule of administration ?

Taken continuously without pill-free intervals. **Taken continuously without pill-free intervals** - **Minipills**, containing only progestin such as desogestrel, are designed for continuous daily administration to maintain consistent progestin levels and contraceptive efficacy. - Unlike combined oral contraceptive pills, minipills do not include a **pill-free interval** as there is no estrogen component to initiate a withdrawal bleed. *Taken once a day pill for 3 months with 7 days pill free interval* - This regimen is more characteristic of **extended-cycle combined oral contraceptives** or specific progestin-only regimens not typically applied to standard minipills like desogestrel. - A 7-day pill-free interval is usually for combined oral contraceptives to allow for a **withdrawal bleed**. *Taken for 21 days with 7 days pill free interval* - This is the standard regimen for **combined oral contraceptive pills**, which contain both estrogen and progestin. - The 7-day pill-free interval allows for a **hormone withdrawal bleed**, which is not part of minipill administration. *Taken once a day pill for 2 months with 7 days pill free interval* - This schedule is not a standard administration for either **minipills** or typical combined oral contraceptives. - **Continuous use** is crucial for minipills to maintain their contraceptive effect.

Q: What is the drug of choice for emergency contraception ?

Levonorgestrel only pill. ***Levonorgestrel only pill*** - **Levonorgestrel-only pills (LNG-EC)** are the most common and effective form of emergency contraception globally, available over-the-counter in many regions. - It works primarily by **inhibiting or delaying ovulation** and is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. *High dose oestrogen alone* - High-dose estrogen alone is **not used** for emergency contraception due to its high incidence of side effects like severe nausea and vomiting. - While estrogens can affect implantation, their use without progestin for EC is **ineffective and unsafe** compared to other methods. *Danazol* - **Danazol** is an attenuated androgen that was explored for emergency contraception but has been largely **abandoned** due to variable efficacy and a high incidence of side effects like androgenic effects. - It works by suppressing ovulation and endometrial development but is **inferior** to levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate. *Yuzpe regimen (combined oral pill)* - The **Yuzpe regimen** uses a combination of estrogen and progestin from regular oral contraceptive pills, which is **less effective** and has more side effects (nausea, vomiting) than levonorgestrel-only pills. - This method requires taking **two doses 12 hours apart**, making it less convenient than single-dose levonorgestrel.

Q: Following statements are correct about levonorgestrel containing intra-uterine contraceptive device (Mirena) except

It increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy. ***It increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy*** - This statement is **INCORRECT**. The **levonorgestrel-releasing IUD (Mirena)** does NOT increase the absolute risk of ectopic pregnancy compared to women not using contraception. - In fact, it **significantly reduces** the risk of ectopic pregnancy by preventing pregnancy altogether. The absolute risk of ectopic pregnancy is much lower in IUD users than in non-contraceptive users. *It reduces the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease* - The **levonorgestrel-releasing IUD (Mirena)** actually reduces the risk of PID. This is because **progestin thickens cervical mucus**, creating a barrier that can prevent ascending infection. - Unlike older copper IUDs, newer IUDs (both copper and hormonal) are generally not associated with an increased risk of PID after the first month following insertion. *It releases 20 µg/day of levonorgestrel* - The **Mirena IUD** is designed to release approximately **20 micrograms of levonorgestrel per day** initially, which then gradually decreases over its lifespan. - This consistent low-dose release is crucial for its contraceptive and therapeutic effects. *It increases the risk of ovarian cyst formation* - **Levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs** can increase the incidence of **functional ovarian cysts**. This is because the hormonal action can interfere with the normal follicular development and ovulation cycle. - These cysts are usually benign, asymptomatic, and resolve spontaneously.

Q: Combined oral pills protect the woman against all except

Venous thromboembolism. ***Venous thromboembolism*** - Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) contain estrogen, which increases the synthesis of **coagulation factors**, elevating the risk of **venous thromboembolism (VTE)**. - While the absolute risk is low, it is a known serious side effect and COCs do not protect against it; rather, they can increase its likelihood. *Pelvic inflammatory disease* - **Combined oral pills** can reduce the risk of **pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)** by thickening cervical mucus, which acts as a barrier to ascending infections. - They also decrease menstrual flow and endometrial proliferation, making the uterus less hospitable to infection. *Benign breast disease* - Combined oral contraceptives have been shown to **reduce the incidence of benign breast diseases**, such as fibrocystic changes and fibroadenomas. - This protective effect is thought to be related to the hormonal regulation provided by the pills. *Menorrhagia* - COCs are commonly used to treat **menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding)** as they regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce the amount and duration of bleeding. - The progestin component thins the endometrial lining, leading to lighter periods.

Q: Which of the following is not related to the use of Levonorgestrel releasing intra-uterine contraceptive device ?

Inhibition of ovulation. ***Inhibition of ovulation*** - Levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs primarily act by thickening cervical mucus, thinning the **endometrium**, and creating a local inflammatory reaction that impairs sperm viability and fertilization. - While some systemic absorption of levonorgestrel occurs, it is generally **insufficient to consistently inhibit ovulation**, unlike higher-dose hormonal contraceptives. *Reduction of pain and dysmenorrhoea in endometriosis and adenomyosis* - The **local release of levonorgestrel** directly in the uterus helps to thin the endometrial lining, reducing prostaglandin production and mitigating pain associated with conditions like endometriosis and adenomyosis. - This local hormonal effect suppresses the growth of ectopic endometrial tissue and decreases uterine contractions, leading to a significant reduction in pain. *Amenorrhoea in 50% of cases* - The **endometrial thinning** caused by continuous levonorgestrel release often leads to a significant decrease in menstrual bleeding, and in about 50% of users, this results in complete amenorrhoea over time. - This effect is beneficial for women with heavy menstrual bleeding or dysmenorrhoea. *Reduction of blood loss* - Levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs are well-known for their efficacy in treating **heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)**. - The progestin causes significant atrophy and thinning of the endometrium, reducing the amount of tissue shed during menstruation and thus **decreasing blood loss**.

Q: Safe period is calculated by

Length of menstrual cycle. ***Length of menstrual cycle*** - The **"safe period"** or **rhythm method** of contraception relies on estimating the fertile window by tracking the length of the menstrual cycle. - Ovulation typically occurs around day 14 of a 28-day cycle, and the fertile window includes the days leading up to and immediately after ovulation, which is determined by the overall cycle length. *Length of luteal phase* - The **luteal phase** is relatively constant in most women, lasting about **14 days**, irrespective of the overall cycle length. - While it's part of the menstrual cycle, its length alone does not provide enough information to calculate the fertile window for overall "safe period" estimation. *Date of ovulation* - The **date of ovulation** is a crucial component in determining the fertile window but is a specific point within the cycle, not the overall calculation method for the "safe period." - Methods to predict ovulation (e.g., basal body temperature, ovulation predictor kits) help identify the fertile window but are not how the cyclic "safe period" is initially calculated for planning purposes. *Duration of menstrual flow* - The **duration of menstrual flow** (usually 3-7 days) is highly variable among individuals and has no direct correlation with the timing of ovulation or the fertile window. - It marks the beginning of a new cycle but does not help in identifying the fertile days for natural family planning.

Q: Which of the following is an absolute contraindication for combined contraceptive oral pills ?

Previous history of thrombo-embolism. ***Previous history of thrombo-embolism*** - A history of **thromboembolism** significantly increases the risk of recurrent events with combined oral contraceptive pills (COCs) due to their procoagulant effects [1, 2]. - COCs contain **estrogen**, which can enhance the synthesis of clotting factors and decrease natural anticoagulants, making them absolutely contraindicated in this setting [1]. *Migraine without aura* - **Migraine without aura** is generally considered a relative contraindication or a condition requiring careful consideration, not an absolute contraindication, for combined oral contraceptive pills. - The risk of **stroke** is slightly elevated in women with migraine without aura using COCs, but it is not as high as with migraine with aura. *Diabetes mellitus* - **Diabetes mellitus** itself is not an absolute contraindication for combined oral contraceptive pills, especially if it is well-controlled and there are no vascular complications. - However, in cases of diabetes with **vascular complications** (e.g., nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy) or of >20 years' duration, COCs are generally contraindicated. *Gall bladder disease* - While combined oral contraceptive pills can increase the risk of **gallstone formation**, especially in susceptible individuals, it is not considered an absolute contraindication. - The effect is linked to **estrogen-induced changes** in bile composition, but careful monitoring is usually sufficient rather than absolute avoidance.

Q: Success of tubal re-canalization is best with :

Laparoscopic ring application. ***Laparoscopic ring application (Falope ring/Tubal clips)*** - Mechanical occlusion methods (clips and rings) cause **minimal tissue destruction**, typically affecting only **2-3 cm** of the fallopian tube. - The tubal segments remain relatively **healthy and undamaged**, with minimal scarring and fibrosis. - Reversal success rates are **highest at 70-90%** due to the preservation of tubal architecture and length. - These methods are considered the **most reversible** form of tubal sterilization. *Pomeroy's technique* - Involves excision of a tubal loop (approximately 3-4 cm) with ligation, causing moderate tissue damage. - The cut ends heal by scarring, and some tubal length is permanently lost. - Reversal success rates are moderate at **60-70%**. - More tissue damage than clip/ring methods but still reasonably reversible. *Uchida's technique* - Involves separating the serosa from the muscularis, ligating and excising a **larger segment** of the tube (4-5 cm). - Creates more extensive tissue damage with greater tubal length loss. - Reversal success rates are lower at **40-50%** due to the complexity and extent of tissue disruption. *Fimbriectomy* - Involves complete removal of the **fimbrial end** of the fallopian tube, which is essential for ovum pickup. - Even if re-anastomosis is technically successful, the **absence of fimbriae** results in extremely poor functional outcomes. - Reversal success rates are very poor at **<20%**, making this the least reversible sterilization method.

Question 1

Following which of the tubectomy procedures listed below, best result is achieved for reversal sterilization (recanalization procedure) ?

Accepted Answer

Fallopian ring occlusion

Answer

Electrocoagulation

Answer

Irving method

Answer

Pomeroy ligation

Question 2

Minipill containing 75 µg of desogestrel is used for contraception. Which of the following is its schedule of administration ?

Accepted Answer

Taken continuously without pill-free intervals

Answer

Taken once a day pill for 3 months with 7 days pill free interval

Answer

Taken for 21 days with 7 days pill free interval

Answer

Taken once a day pill for 2 months with 7 days pill free interval

Question 3

What is the drug of choice for emergency contraception ?

Accepted Answer

Levonorgestrel only pill

Answer

High dose oestrogen alone

Answer

Danazol

Answer

Yuzpe regimen (combined oral pill)

Question 4

Following statements are correct about levonorgestrel containing intra-uterine contraceptive device (Mirena) except

Accepted Answer

It increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy

Answer

It reduces the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease

Answer

It releases 20 µg/day of levonorgestrel

Answer

It increases the risk of ovarian cyst formation

Question 5

Combined oral pills protect the woman against all except

Accepted Answer

Venous thromboembolism

Answer

Pelvic inflammatory disease

Answer

Benign breast disease

Answer

Menorrhagia

Question 6

Which of the following is not related to the use of Levonorgestrel releasing intra-uterine contraceptive device ?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of ovulation

Answer

Reduction of pain and dysmenorrhoea in endometriosis and adenomyosis

Answer

Amenorrhoea in 50% of cases

Answer

Reduction of blood loss

Question 7

Safe period is calculated by

Accepted Answer

Length of menstrual cycle

Answer

Length of luteal phase

Answer

Date of ovulation

Answer

Duration of menstrual flow

Question 8

Which of the following is an absolute contraindication for combined contraceptive oral pills ?

Accepted Answer

Previous history of thrombo-embolism

Answer

Migraine without aura

Answer

Diabetes mellitus

Answer

Gall bladder disease

Question 9

Success of tubal re-canalization is best with :

Accepted Answer

Laparoscopic ring application

Answer

Uchida's technique

Answer

Fimbriectomy

Answer

Pomeroy's technique

Question 10

In a woman using an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) an unexpected pregnancy occurs and the IUCD threads are visible. What is the reason to recommend removal of the device ?

Accepted Answer

To prevent the risk of subsequent septic abortion and preterm labour

Answer

To prevent post partum haemorrhage

Answer

To prevent congenital abnormality of the newborn

Answer

To prevent perforation

Contraception and Family Planning — MCQs

Contraception and Family Planning — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?