Why are oral contraceptives recommended for 12 months after suction curettage for hydatidiform mole?

• A. Oral contraceptives prevent recurrence of molar pregnancy.
• B. Pregnancy within 1 year decreases chances of a future successful pregnancy.
• C. Diagnostic testing for hCG levels are elevated by pregnancy.
• D. Molar recurrences are higher if conception occurs within 1 year after initial mutation.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is to ensure reliable monitoring after evacuation of a hydatidiform mole. Serial hCG testing is used to confirm that the disease has resolved and to detect any persistent trophoblastic tissue. However, hCG levels rise with pregnancy, so if a woman conceives during the follow-up year, the new pregnancy would elevate hCG and make it impossible to tell whether rising or persisting hCG is due to residual mole or a pregnancy. Using oral contraceptives for about a year prevents pregnancy and allows accurate interpretation of the hCG surveillance tests. The other statements don’t capture this monitoring reason—the issue isn’t preventing recurrence or affecting future fertility timing directly, but avoiding hCG interference to ensure safe, reliable follow-up.