A 20-year-old woman taking the combined oral contraceptive pill presents to the GP with a swollen, painful left calf. Doppler ultrasound confirms a le...

Question

A 20-year-old woman taking the combined oral contraceptive pill presents to the GP with a swollen, painful left calf. Doppler ultrasound confirms a left popliteal DVT. She is started on treatment-dose LMWH by the emergency department. At her GP follow-up, she asks when she can start a new method of contraception after the acute VTE. Which is the most appropriate advice?

Accepted Answer

CHC is permanently UKMEC 4 after VTE. Progestogen-only methods (POP, implant, LNG-IUS - all UKMEC 2) can be started immediately while she is being anticoagulated.

Answer

She can restart the COC once anticoagulated

Answer

She should avoid all hormonal contraception permanently

Answer

She must wait until anticoagulation is complete before starting any contraception

Answer

Only condoms can be used after a VTE

uk-drcog MCQ (SBA): Contraception After Acute VTE - Starting Progestogen-Only