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Original poster

Do I really need contraception at my age?

98 replies

BigButtons · 04/03/2019 15:52

I'm 51- in a newish relationship after years of being single. I had the mirena fitted a month ago and have bled continuously every day since. I am getting to the point where I want it taken out.
Before the mirena I still had periods every month but surely at my age - in reality-nothing's going to stick anyway?

OP posts:
BuffaloSpringfield · 06/03/2019 18:34

Im 43 and don't bother. Nothing else is going to stick at this point in time. I stopped at 40

Drum2018 · 06/03/2019 18:49

43? Lots of women your age and older are having babies. Are you through menopause?

pickletickled · 06/03/2019 18:53

Im 43 and don't bother. Nothing else is going to stick at this point in time. I stopped at 40
Do you really think it can't happen? Shock
I know a few women who have accidentally fallen pregnant at your age and older. Not to mention women who choose to conceive, and do so naturally. So unless you have already been through the menopause then it can and could happen to you.

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Women's health
BuffaloSpringfield · 06/03/2019 18:57

Im not menopausal, peri, probably I have regular periods, but only a 24 day cycle. It hasnt happened so far, and really dont think it will.

pickletickled · 06/03/2019 19:58

24 day cycle doesn't make you safe. The luteal phase of the cycle only needs to be 11 days or more - so you can ovulate on day 12 or 13 and boom there's your surprise :)

HeyCarrieAnneWhatsYourGame · 06/03/2019 20:09

You don’t need contraception at your age- if you want a baby 🤷🏼‍♀️

My great-aunt was born when her mum was 54. About two months after my dad, who wasn’t even her first grandchild! 😆

PiebaldHamster · 06/03/2019 20:13

The 54-year-old was covering for a daughter who got pregnant.

Original poster
BigButtons · 06/03/2019 20:33

Blimey, i’m a risk taker but no way would I consider myself ‘safe’ at 43!

OP posts:
BuffaloSpringfield · 06/03/2019 20:36

Ive not had a scare or a hint of a pregnancy. If I haven't fallen in over 2 years, it just wont happen. Im way too long in the tooth.

thecutecouple · 06/03/2019 21:03

I wouldn't risk it.

Alconleigh · 06/03/2019 22:06

You've got 6 children though.....you're clearly very fertile. I'd say perhaps it is more of a risk for you at 51 than me at 42 or Buffalo at 43. We all have to judge on our own bodies ultimately. I've had a lot of unprotected sex without a hint of a pregnancy, and I'd be astonished if I was releasing any viable eggs at 42.

MondeoFan · 06/03/2019 22:14

I had a baby at 43 so it can def happen. I was having regular periods still and wasn't a total shock when I got pregnant

BuffaloSpringfield · 06/03/2019 23:17

I havent had a pregnancy scare past 32. Used withdrawal between 32 and 39. From 39 I havent bothered with contraception. Im clearly no longer fertile. Only two babies in my 20s.

thecutecouple · 07/03/2019 00:36

Take folic acid. Best to be prepared, especially if you aren't using contraception.

BuffaloSpringfield · 07/03/2019 00:42

Dont be silly. Its been years with no pregnancy now!

pallisers · 07/03/2019 00:47

Highly unlikely you will get pregnant at 51 and carry the baby to term. But not unknown ...

Basically the only women who get pregnant at 51 are those who don't want to be pregnant :)

I wanted my ob to take my mirena out at age 50 - I wasn't completely through menopause. She said "50 is average age of menopause not an actual age". I left it in for another year.

Take out the mirena and find another contraception.

Kind of amazed at the poster who stopped contraception at 40. MIL had her last child at 42 no intervention and big gap.

ThriftyMcThrifty · 07/03/2019 02:06

My neighbor just found out she’s pregnant at 49. She has five kids already though, so probably more fertile than most.

UatuTheWatcher · 07/03/2019 03:25

For those saying they don’t think they’d get pregnant in their 40’s I had five years of help to get pregnant with DC1 ( been trying since my 20’s) and at 37 gave birth. Then had three years of help with DC2 who was born when I was 41.

Went to the doctor as I had been feeling ill for months to be told I was pregnant with DC3 who was born when I was 43, natural conception and no help, go figure.

BrizzleMint · 07/03/2019 03:42

Yes. I am 52 and had no periods for nearly a year then had three in quick succession - ample baby opportunities there!

Original poster
BigButtons · 07/03/2019 06:40

Well I started taking these pills that are supposed to stop bleeding. This morning I am flooding - the worst it's ever been. back tot the dr today. Going to take this damn thing out and re think my options.

OP posts:
BrexitFreesBritain · 07/03/2019 08:28

You need condoms to protect you If it's a new relationship dont you?

theworldistoosmall · 07/03/2019 08:37

Do you know that some sti's take a few months to show up in tests?

Birdsgottafly · 07/03/2019 09:00

"There are very few babies born to women in their 50s but miscarriages happen and it can all be very distressing."

A lot of babies are still born to Women over 45. Even in the celebrity world.

My Mum had me in her 40's amd I got pregnant, but miscarried in my 40's.

OP have you done ovulation tests?

Would he not use condoms?

BuffaloSpringfield · 07/03/2019 09:12

Really sorry to hear that, op!
Get well soon!Flowers

outpinked · 07/03/2019 09:26

This thread has been depressingly enlightening for me. I had no idea women in their fifties still had to think about contraception Sad. Had hoped I could be more than done with it by my late forties tbh.