Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

What form of contraception is recommended for a patient with sickle cell disease?

1. Oral contraceptives

2. Condoms

3. Depo-Provera

4. Intrauterine device

The correct answer is: Depo-Provera

The recommendation for Depo-Provera as a form of contraception for a patient with sickle cell disease is primarily based on its safety profile and the specific health considerations of this patient population. Depo-Provera, an injectable form of progesterone, offers several advantages for individuals with sickle cell disease. First, its non-estrogenic nature is significant, as estrogen can potentially increase the risk of thromboembolic events, particularly in patients already predisposed to complications from sickle cell disease. This population is often more vulnerable to venous thromboembolism due to various factors, including dehydration and impaired blood flow. Second, Depo-Provera provides a long-acting reversible contraceptive option that eliminates the need for daily adherence, which can be a challenge for some patients in managing their health conditions. This can lead to improved consistency in birth control use, thus effectively preventing unwanted pregnancies. Additionally, for individuals with sickle cell disease, the absence of a monthly menstrual cycle due to the hormonal effects of Depo-Provera can help alleviate dysmenorrhea and associated pain crises, adding to the benefit of using this contraceptive method. While other forms of contraception may also be suitable, they may not align as well with the physiological risks or