To use natural cycles mid 40s

[Orangeblossom78]

for contraception? I mean the apps which predict a 'fertile window'. have a regular cycle and periods. We use condoms at present anyway but just wondering about just using them mid cycle. fertility would be less at this stage in life anyway - think low change of getting pregnant anyway.

If you're happy to deal with a potential pregnancy? You won't know in advance when your cycles start changing so it could be too late by the time you notice.

No, I would not want another pregnancy

You are very fertile as you approach menopause- I wouldn’t risk it

Are you very fertile? As I read you are not

You say Natural Cycles and then you say ‘apps that predict fertile window’ only actual Natural Cycles has been passed as allowed to be called contraception, the others are basically just calendars, so do make sure you use the right one.

I used NC for contraception very happily for a couple of years, now using it TTC. You do have to follow the guidance carefully and like any contraception there is a failure rate, but it worked well for us

Use the strip type tests to check ovulation. Your fertility doesn't increase towards the menopause, most women, in the UK (from UK background) won't be fertile past 45, regardless of what you read on here. Your cycle does change, though and if you are one of the fertile ones, that could be an issue.

A doctor would tell you that an average woman has a 4% chance, or less, of pregnancy each cycle.

It's for you to then weigh up any risk of pregnancy.

YABVU

Not sure in reality how low your chances really are. I know most MN posters think women are wizened old hags once they turn 40 who should be utterly ashamed for wanting to get pregnant ‘at their age’. (Judging by some of the posts running at the moment). I’m not in the UK but most people I know, both socially and professionally started their families in their mid to late 30s / 40s. I know of one woman (through work) who had her 1st ‘miracle’ child in her late 40s (without intervention). I know it’s more unusual but it’s certainly not unheard of / impossible. So unless you want to get pregnant, I think you certainly should continue to use some kind of contraception. I’m also mid 40s and there’s no way in hell I’d take the risk.
Would your partner consider a vasectomy?

An average woman of your age, that is, has a 4% chance, or less, of pregnancy.

"Would your partner consider a vasectomy?"

If your mid 40's, you only have a couple of years to go before you ditch the condoms, so it isn't worth any risks that a vasectomy can bring.

@Rystall NC works for women of all ages, so your point is irrelevant

It’s no more risky than using condoms, they have a similar failure rate

After a mmc at 45 I never worried about pregnancy.. 48 now and nowt....

My periods went on until my early 50s, became increasingly erratic from about 44. I’m in a FB group for peri and menopausal women, most have reported cycles changing and becoming unpredictable. Oestrogen and progesterone are also unpredictable, they don’t just turn off overnight. I know people in their mid -40s who have done this and then become pregnant. 4% is still a chance, and an average. It depends on whether you want an unplanned pregnancy, as that is a real risk.

I would have thought that menopause might be one of the worst times to rely on a method that requires regular cycles to work correctly.

This is how my sister ended up with her little surprise at 41... evidently she ovulated at a very unpredictable time early in her cycle. If pregnancy would be v unwelcome, i wouldn't risk it OP!

Having known three people who got pregnant naturally at 45 or older (one who had PCOS and had been told she wouldn't be able to) I wouldn't risk it.

I’m 41 and I wouldn’t. I have regular periods and have always got pregnant quickly. I absolutely don’t want another child so wouldn’t risk it.

Well as later this month I'm going to a baby shower for my friends "unexpected surprise" at aged 42 nearly 43 then I wouldn't risk it!! Her teens and husband are just thrilled not