A 29-year-old woman with no living children is diagnosed with severe mitral stenosis (valve area <1.5 sq cm) in NYHA Class II. According to WHO Medical Eligibility Criteria, which contraceptive method is safest for her?
- A Copper-T IUD ✓
- B Combined oral contraceptive pills
- C Progesterone-only pills
- D Combined hormonal patch
Correct answer: A. Copper-T IUD
Explanation
In valvular heart disease with pulmonary hypertension or atrial fibrillation, COCPs are WHO MEC Category 4 (absolute contraindication) due to thrombosis risk from estrogen. Copper-T IUD (Category 2) is safe as it has no hormonal or thrombotic effects. Progesterone-only pills are Category 2-3 but estrogen-containing methods are contraindicated in structural heart disease with complications.
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.