A 32-year-old woman presents for contraceptive counselling. She has well-controlled hypertension on medication with BP consistently 130/85 mmHg and no target organ damage. According to WHO MEC, combined oral contraceptive pills are classified as:

• A Category 1 (no restriction)
• B Category 3 (risks generally outweigh advantages)
• C Category 2 (advantages generally outweigh risks) ✓
• D Category 4 (absolute contraindication)

Explanation

In adequately controlled hypertension with systolic BP <160 and diastolic <100 mmHg and no target organ damage, COCPs are WHO MEC Category 2. Category 3 applies when BP is systolic 140-159 or diastolic 90-99 without target organ damage. Category 4 applies when systolic BP >/=160 or diastolic >/=100, or with vascular disease.

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.