Single Best Answer (SBA) · Contraception
In the WHO medical eligibility criteria for contraception, what does Category 4 mean?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. An unacceptable health risk - the method is not to be used
WHO medical eligibility criteria
The WHO eligibility categories guide whether a contraceptive method is appropriate for a given condition.
| Category | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1 | No restriction - use under any circumstances |
| 2 | Benefits generally outweigh risks - generally use |
| 3 | Risks usually outweigh benefits - not usually recommended unless other methods are unavailable/unacceptable |
| 4 | Unacceptable health risk - method NOT to be used |
Why A
Category 4 denotes an unacceptable health risk, so the method should not be used (e.g. COCP in a woman with a history of VTE or migraine with aura).
Why the others are wrong
The other options describe categories 1, 2 and 3, or are not WHO definitions; category 4 specifically means do not use.
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