A 36-year-old woman with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and occasional diarrhoea uses a COC. She asks whether her IBS affects her pill's efficacy. Wha...

Question

A 36-year-old woman with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and occasional diarrhoea uses a COC. She asks whether her IBS affects her pill's efficacy. What should she be advised?

Accepted Answer

Mild IBS with occasional diarrhoea is unlikely to significantly affect oral contraceptive absorption; however, if she experiences severe diarrhoea (>24 hours), the missed pill rules should apply

Answer

IBS always reduces oral contraceptive efficacy

Answer

She must switch to a non-oral method

Answer

IBS is UKMEC 3 for CHC

Answer

She should take the COC rectally during IBS flares

uk-dfsrh MCQ (SBA): IBS Mild Diarrhoea COC Absorption

A 36-year-old woman with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and occasional diarrhoea uses a COC. She asks whether her IBS affects her pill's efficacy. What should she be advised?