If you are in your 40s, what contraception do you use?

[borisjohnsonshair]

Have never been able to take any form of pill, so have always relied on condoms/withdrawal. However, just had to take a morning after pill due to an accident, even though pregnancy is unlikely. If you're in your 40s, what do you use? Just looking for some ideas and opinions thanks.

I'm 43 and use Evra patches, although I'm thinking to go back to Mirena cos that was fabulous.. no periods ever!

GP phoned earlier and I am being referred to Urology. Downside is the 'mess' made in the op, especially considering the haematoma and blood vessel damage could be disturbing blood supply = one of the boys may have to go - no fix ! Great ! :-( Rather get rid of the lot including plumbing as that has better success !

Anyone any advice ? There seems to be no-where for us blokes on line ?

Gosh, no advice for you, fuzz, not really my area !

All the best, though

Have a google, I found a Yahoo Vasectomy Pain support group with up to date posts. (US based...but a start ?)

Checked the yahoo one out, but been waiting a few weeks to have 'membership approved'. In the US they all seem to go for reversal, but it's about £3k here and I'm not getting un-fixed - been through enough already.

I didn't read past the fact there are current replies. Keep looking. But nothing should beat a specialist referral. Find out the name and number of the consultant secretary and keep nagging, say you will take a cancellation/be available at short notice etc (if you can)

Copper coil - fed up with hormones and love it as it can stay put for 8 years. Mooncup copes just fine ;-)

Nothing.

I have a cycle like clockwork and know when I'm ovulating when we use non penetrative methods. Has worked well for 10 years including 2 planned pregnancies.

Erk. I presume a surprise baby would not be too much of a disaster then, RNN ?

AF We categorically do NOT want any more kids, it wouldn't be a disaster but it just isn't going to happen. Honestly we have worked just fine this way for 10 years. Works for us but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to others who don't know their cycle.

I am sure it has worked for you very well, RNN.

But this is a thread for the over 40's. By definition, very soon your "ultra reliable, like-clockwork" cycle is going to start pissing around. The signs you look for will start to not be so obvious, less distinct.

Don't say you weren't warned !

Thanks for you concern AF I agree that without my usual signs things would be more difficult and I might have to come back to this thread for ideas.

Happy to help, am not criticising, btw. Wouldn't like you to rely on something that is probably getting less and less reliable with every year that passes.

I know the "signs" too. I still get them at mid-40's, but wouldn't rely on them.

Poor Fuzz. Hope the doctor can sort something. My DH can barely summon the courage to visit the dentist so vasectomy is out of the question.

We've happily used natural family planning (temp and cervical fluid) for the last 17 years (one child, on purpose). I'm now 45. Everything still regular but I've had some extra training and think I'm geared up for the menopause (famous last words).

Here's some info from the family planning association:
www.fpa.org.uk/helpandadvice/contraception/naturalfamilyplanning

As the fpa says, it is worth getting some training if you want the method to work properly. There's a list of NFP teachers here:
www.fertilityuk.org/ukpractitionersearch.htm

On the mini pill. Am 41 soon. Tried to get sterilised but pct wont fund it as I havent tried coil or implant or injection.

Condoms, then implant - been fine after initial heavy bleed, have had no periods since.

Would recommend implant as an option to consider.