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Original poster

Contraception in your 40s

69 replies

GinghamWorld · 07/01/2023 23:54

Interested to hear what everyone uses, post DC?

I've somehow managed on the pill my whole life but it feels old-fashioned now?All I hear about is coils and implants. Sounds so scary to me! I don't have many girlfriends in real life to discuss this with, so let me know!

I'm marvellously happy with my two DC and really need to get something sorted out so we don't rock the boat with a third!

Thank you!

OP posts:
ColourMeExhausted · 08/01/2023 00:03

My DH got a vasectomy once we knew we were definitely done. I really didn't want to keep taking the pill, and didn't fancy the coil or any other form. I was very lucky that he was open to having it done, but appreciate it's not for everyone. Is it an option for you?

Bobbybobbins · 08/01/2023 00:05

Same as above - DH got the snip. I'd had enough of hormonal birth control.

Teapleasebobb · 08/01/2023 00:07

I'm mid 40s and been on the mini pill for 10 years (and was on the combined pill before that from 17). I don't like the sounds of the implant or the coil, mainly as if there are issues with them, then it's very difficult to get them removed, so I'm happy to stay as I am, also loving that I haven't had a period since I've been on it!

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Women's health
Soozikinzii · 08/01/2023 00:08

I was sterilised after my last child at 38 .

dementedpixie · 08/01/2023 00:09

Was on the mini pill and then the mirena coil (had to get it removed under general anaesthetic though) and then dh had a vasectomy so don't use anything (am 49 years old)

HisNameWasMike · 08/01/2023 00:11

He had a vasectomy. We never wanted to breeeeeeeed!

Sunshineandrainbow · 08/01/2023 00:14

46 and have a copper coil, lasts 10 years and no hormones.

mrsfollowill · 08/01/2023 00:15

Sorry another one who's DH had the snip! We got to the age where we didn't want any more DC so he went and got it done, I offered to go and get done myself but he stepped up - I had done the pregnancy and horrific birth so I think he felt a bit obliged.

Mumof1andacat · 08/01/2023 00:15

I was on the mini pill but was too scared I would forget it so I had the implant at 24. I'm now 38 and I would never go back to the pill. Still very scared I would for get it. I had it out to have my son. He's now 10

emmylousings · 08/01/2023 00:19

Mirena coil for last decade, it's great for me. Almost no periods, no side effects, very reliable form of contraception.

ShatParp · 08/01/2023 00:25

Mid 40s and just gone back on mini pill, apparently it's ok until 55!

Original poster
GinghamWorld · 08/01/2023 01:47

Hmm we never seriously really talked about the snip with DH but don't imagine he'd be open to this at the moment. Hopefully it will be an option in a few years.

@dementedpixie oh wow general anaesthetic, is this always required? Not sure I'm ready for the coil if so!

@ShatParp "apparently it's ok until 55" I didn't know there was an age limit, why is that?

@Soozikinzii I read that they can sometimes do the sterilisation during a Csection? I had a planned csection with my second, it felt too final to consider this at the time but feel like I missed my chance now.

From these answers I think I might have to do the pill again. So annoying to have to do something about it every day (especially when DTD is such a rare occasion at the moment with small DCs, ah!) for the next 15 or so years...

OP posts:
theculture · 08/01/2023 05:00

Another for mirena

I was sceptical after hearing some horror stories but for me and several close friends it's been amazing, I had very very heavy periods and as the PP have very little now. I haven't had one taken out yet though . .

I wish I had had it years ago!

RambamThankyouMam · 08/01/2023 07:04

Glorious abstinence!

MadameSzyszkoBohusz · 08/01/2023 07:45

I'm 44 and on my second Mirena - no anaesthetic needed for insertion or removal, it was uncomfortable but no worse than a smear test.

I love it. I've had no side effects and, even better, no periods!

Sunnysidegold · 08/01/2023 07:49

I've had the mirena for ages as I have endometriosis. You don't usually require a general anaesthetic to have it removed.

My coil stopped my periods and the symptoms I was having. It helped me get my life back and not be out of action for more than a week a month.

It might be worth having a chat with family planning to chat through your options?

DuncanBiscuits · 08/01/2023 07:51

Condoms.

endofthelino · 08/01/2023 07:53

I had copper coil inserted at the elected section with my last child. Have now moved to more a as part of HRT. It’s brilliant, it’s having contraception without ever needing to think about contraception.

KangarooKenny · 08/01/2023 07:56

DH had the snip as I wasn’t using hormones, and condoms weren’t helping the ED he was starting with due to antidepressants.
In my late 40’s I started with heavy periods causing anaemia, so I’ve had a Mirena put in. Brilliant thing, wish I’d done it years ago.

CMOTDibbler · 08/01/2023 08:01

Mirena, and now I'm on HRT and still have it as then I only need oestrogen HRT. I have never had any problems of them being changed and am on my 5th in my life

illiterato · 08/01/2023 08:13

Had a mirena since dd was born so now on number 3 and think it’ll probably be my last as I’ll be 53 when it’s taken out. It’s been brilliant for me- no periods bar a tiny bit of occasional break through bleeding. It can also help with peri menopause symptoms although not sure I’m there yet. I know they’re not for everyone but I definitely feel that I made the right choice.

illiterato · 08/01/2023 08:14

The removal under GA happens if the strings get pulled up into your cervix. It’s rare but does happen. Otherwise the doctor just pulls the strings and it’s out.

MrsJBaptiste · 08/01/2023 08:34

DH has the snip. He'd always said he'd go down this route when we'd had two kids as it was his 'turn' although when the time got nearer, he did begin to regret saying that! However he had it done when I was 40 - job done ✔️

ShatParp · 08/01/2023 09:31

@GinghamWorld it just says 55 on the pack leaflet - I guess as most women won't be having periods by then so won't be fertile.

Amore2 · 08/01/2023 09:50

Pill until DC, condoms for last 10 years. It’s only 97% effective but we tend to abstain during most fertile days.

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