A 26-year-old woman requests contraception. She has a history of migraine without aura and is a non-smoker. Which WHO Medical Eligibility Criteria (MEC) category applies to combined hormonal contraceptives for her?
- A Category 1 (no restriction)
- B Category 2 (advantages generally outweigh risks) ✓
- C Category 3 (risks generally outweigh advantages)
- D Category 4 (unacceptable health risk)
Correct answer: B. Category 2 (advantages generally outweigh risks)
Explanation
Migraine without aura in a woman under 35 years who does not smoke is WHO MEC Category 2 for combined hormonal contraceptives. The advantages generally outweigh the risks. Migraine with aura is Category 4 regardless of age. Age over 35 with migraine without aura would be Category 3 or 4 depending on smoking status.
Reference: WHO Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 5th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.