Contraception over 40
From the age of 40 years, fertility decreasesQuickly (Pearl Index). It is wise for contraception to continue for two years after your last spontaneous period if you are more than 45 and for one year if you are more than fifty. For women who seem to have an earlier menopause, there is a tiny risk of ovulation and they should use contraception if they wish to be certain. For a non-smoker, who is not obese and who has a normal blood pressure, the combined oral contraceptive pill can be continued until the menopause. If the combined pill is contraindicated a progestogen only pill provides a good alternative.
The IUCD, barrier methods and sterilisation have a place. If periods are heavy the LNG-IUS (Mirena) may improve the loss and provides excellent contraception.
Please click on the required question.
- 1 How important is effective contraception for the world's population?
- 2 How long can my partner's sperm survive in me?
- 3 How long are my eggs capable of fertilisation?
- 4 How long does my fertile phase last?
- 5 What is an ideal contraceptive?
- 6 How can the effectiveness of a contraceptive method be measured?
- 7 Can knowledge of the fertile phase be used for effective contraception?
- 8 I am breast-feeding my baby. Do I need contraception?
- 9 How effective is coitus interruptus?
- 10 How effective are condoms (sheaths)
- 11 What are the advantages and disadvantages of condoms?
- 12 How long have vaginal methods of contraception been available?
- 13 How can I get a diaphragm (cap)
- 14 How can the cap be checked?
- 15 How effective are diaphragms and caps?
- 16 What are the advantages and disadvantages of vaginal methods?
- 17 What is the contraceptive sponge?
- 18 How effective is the contraceptive sponge?
- 19 What is the female condom?
- 20 What are the advantages and disadvantages of female condoms?
- 21 How effective are spermicides?
- 22 What are the advantages and disadvantages of spermicides?
- 23 Which contraceptives are appropriate for an adolescent?
- 24 Which contraceptives are appropriate for a woman in her forties?
- 25 If I am taking the combined oral contraceptive pill or cyclical HRT, how can I tell when I have reached my menopause?
- 26 How effective is the Persona Unipath Personal Contraceptive System?
- 27 Where can I obtain further information about contraception?
- 28 Support Groups.
Thank you for choosing to visit us.
This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.
I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.
