Do I need contraception at age of 50?

[AWholeLottaNosy]

I've recently met a new partner who has asked me to go on contraveption. I've only ever used condoms or withdrawal method before. Can I still get pregnant at my age? Is there a way of finding out if you are still fertile?

I can't go on the pill for health reasons and I've just been reading the thread about the Mirena coil and some of the side effects sound horrendous!

What should I do..?

[Mostlyjustaluker]

If you want to have unprotected sex and not get pregnant then you will need to use contraception.

You will need to protect yourself from sti so condoms and/or both being checked out for stis.

[AWholeLottaNosy]

Thanks all. My periods are still regular and I've had no peri menopausal symptoms at all. It would be horrendous to get pregnant at this age but I read there's only a 5% chance of that happening?

[bonzo77]

New partner wants you to take contraception. Ie to take full responsibility so he doesn't need to use condoms. So he probably has bareback sex with various people. You need to use condoms so he doesn't give you a sexually transmitted infection. Use something else in addition if you are very worried about pregnancy.

[dementedpixie]

If you normally use condoms and are happy with them then why should you need to take anything else? sounds like he is being selfish tbh.

[AWholeLottaNosy]

I don't have a problem with being asked to sort out contraception, I've always kind of winged it in the past! Just trying to establish if I do definitely need it and what would be the best one.

[HellKitty]

The rise in sti's in women your (my) age is pretty scary so protect yourself. I loved my Mirena though and was told that if I get another now then I could go through menopause without realising.

[AWholeLottaNosy]

Hell kitty. That's good to hear about your coil. I've just been reading the thread on here about it and a lot of people seemed to have had really bad experiences!

[dementedpixie]

www.patient.co.uk/doctor/contraception-and-the-mature-woman - gives info on when you can stop/what options you have

[gamerchick]

If you're still using regular periods then you're still fertile.

What you should be saying to him that you won't be ditching the condoms before you both have a full sexual health screen and check up.. The sensible thing to do in a new relationship and the ladies at the clinic will be able to answer all your questions

[Costacoffeeplease]

I know someone who did get pregnant at 50 so it is possible, but apart from that, you really do need to use condoms to prevent sti's

[NeedABumChange]

I'm pretty sure women have a fertility high just before the menopause so I'd definitely get something sorted.

[differentnameforthis]

My periods are still regular Then you are still ovulating & still need to contraception.

To be honest, I'd expect a 50yr old female to know that!

Also, I'd still be inclined to use condoms with a new partner.

[3catsandcounting]

Mirena coil has been fantastic for me for past 15 years (I'm 52) and still have it - but nigh on impossible to get anyone into fit one at 50.

[3catsandcounting]

Sorry, my last post sounded misleading - I had my most recent coil fitted at 47, and was told it would be my last. They don't tend to fit them after late '40s.

[dementedpixie]

If you read the link above that I posted it said that if the IUS (mirena coil) is inserted from age 45+ then it can be left in place until no longer required (rather than them not doing it at all for women age 50 or over)

[AWholeLottaNosy]

Thanks for all your advice and experiences. I guess there's part of me that wants to be told, oh of course you can't conceive at age 50 so you don't really need contraception!

[Feminine]

Just because you are still having periods, doesn't mean you are still ovulating.
Even if your body 'seems to' ovulate, it probably isn't.
I'd use condoms for health though. :)