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Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Family planning

Contraception aged 40+

33 replies

PosiePootlePerkins · 05/04/2017 19:47

Hi
I'm interested to hear what contraception works for you in your 40s. I have been on the pill for years but am aware I can't stay on it forever. Also my moods and PMT are becoming worse the older I get. I don't really know what else to use, apart from condoms of course but I need something that is as reliable as possible.
Any advice/experiences gratefully received.

OP posts:

Report

JonesyAndTheSalad · 06/04/2017 14:46

God I came off it in my late 20s. I had my last child aged 36 and have been using the withdrawl method ever since! I'm very good with my periods and tend to know my ovulation times so it's clear when our risky time is.

No accidents at all. I won't and would not continue to take a powerful drug which affected me in so many ways.

I hate condoms. I'm obviously not the most responsible person in the world but DH and I decided it was a risk we were happy to take and so far it's ok.

NerrSnerr · 06/04/2017 14:49

My GP told me I could stay on the implant until menopause. It works well for me so plan to keep using it.

Anasnake · 06/04/2017 14:52

Mini pill for me

PosiePootlePerkins · 06/04/2017 15:30

Ooh just seen the replies thank you! Withdrawal method not an option as I need something as reliable as possible (not medically safe for me to give birth again)
I don't know much about the implant, interesting nerrsnerr you've been told OK to stay on it until menopause. How do you find your moods in general with it?

OP posts:

Namelesswonder · 06/04/2017 15:44

My GP told me I could stay on the mini pill till around 55.

SleepFreeZone · 06/04/2017 15:49

I think contraception in your forties is a bit bonkers. But then I'm 42, would love anothe baby and whilst we never use any protection I also don't get pregnant lol. It's pretty funny.

PosiePootlePerkins · 06/04/2017 15:54

Why bonkers sleepfree? I already stated I can't risk having another baby. I could die giving birth. I have two DS who need their mum. I have a DH who would like his wife to be here, whilst being able to have a healthy sex life. I am looking for an effective form of contraception which is safe to use in my 40s, with as few side effects as possible.
I will look into the mini pill, thank you for suggesting it PPs.

OP posts:

FloatedWide · 06/04/2017 15:54

I was thinking about the coil (non hormonal one). You can have one for ten years providing your periods aren't heavy.

PosiePootlePerkins · 06/04/2017 15:56

Is that a copper coil Floated? I wonder if that could work for me. I am going to book a GP appointment to discuss my options.

OP posts:

FloatedWide · 06/04/2017 15:57

Yeah, I think so. I need to go and have a chat too but at my six week check yesterday it came up as a good option.

PosiePootlePerkins · 06/04/2017 15:57

Don't really know if my natural periods would be heavy as I've been on the pill for so many years, they're very light at the moment.

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PosiePootlePerkins · 06/04/2017 15:58

Thanks floated

OP posts:

SillySongsWithLarry · 06/04/2017 15:58

I was sterilised age 23. It has been reliable so far. I would definitely recommend it for someone who are sure that their baby days are done.

Ollivander84 · 06/04/2017 15:58

I'm younger but have a copper coil and love it - I don't do well with hormones! I forget I have it. Periods slightly longer, they used to be 5-6 days and now more 6-7 but that's it

JonesyAndTheSalad · 06/04/2017 15:59

What about the snip? Do you have a partner or DH? Or could you have the operation yourself? Tubes tied?

Thirtyrock39 · 06/04/2017 15:59

I had a bad time with the mini pill really affected me mentally havevtried it twice for about a year (was told things would improve after 6 months). I was feeling suicidal by a year on it and feel a million times better now. The benefits of it were that I never got my period and it reduced my headaches but otherwise I'd never recommend it.
We are now using condos. Want dh to get the snip but seems unlikely . People say the copper coil is good

Thirtyrock39 · 06/04/2017 15:59

Condoms not condos !

beekeeper17 · 06/04/2017 16:01

What about your partner getting a vasectomy? I have a lot of friends who have gone with that option once they're into their forties and know that they don't want any more children, to allow their partner to come off contraception.

FloatedWide · 06/04/2017 16:01

That's good to know olli, I don't know anyone who's used one. I'm not interested in hormonal stuff so apart from condoms the coil seems the only option.

Ollivander84 · 06/04/2017 16:03

I haven't had DC and the fitting was ok. I asked for instilligel or however you spell it, it's a local anaesthetic gel. They use a speculum, then measure womb (that was worst bit for me, just like one huge period cramp) then the coil goes in
I would go to a family planning who do them every day, my fitter used to be a midwife so I trust her a lot! On my second now as I've had 5 year ones

PosiePootlePerkins · 06/04/2017 16:04

Thirtyrock sorry to hear that, what a horrid experience
Those of you asking about DH, yes I do need to have that conversation with him. Things are a little complicated by the fact that he also has a medical condition. (We're not very lucky with our health in general!)
Yes I could ask about getting sterilised myself. No idea how effective it is. Would need to do some research.
Really appreciate all the replies everyone, its giving me lots to think about.

OP posts:

FloatedWide · 06/04/2017 16:05

Your 'Fitter'

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PosiePootlePerkins · 06/04/2017 16:07

Like a kitchen fitter, but with a very small appliance

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Ollivander84 · 06/04/2017 16:12

Very much so. I panicked after seeing the box it came in - if you have to collect it yourself it's about a foot and a half long
She's moved to a different place about 40 mins away but I'll still go there. I fired the speculum out and she made me cry laughing by going "ah, someone does their pelvic floor exercises. Let's try that again"

terrylene · 06/04/2017 16:25

www.fsrh.org/standards-and-guidance/documents/cec-ceu-guidance-womenover40-jul-2010/

You can look here for what is appropriate.

I stayed on the pill until 49. It is fine if you are healthy up to 50. It was not perfect, but it prevented all the perimenopause problems like flooding and any crap from hormone fluctuations.
perils of perimenopause

POP is ok until 55. I didn't get on with it, after 49, in spite of having no problem whilst bf.

Mirena is good if you have flooding problems. You can then use oestrogen with it (patch or gel) if you have any menopause type problems. It is good for the progestogen part of hrt for 4 years, then you will need it replaced.

Then there are the condoms, or just give up PIV sex.

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