Contraception aged 40+

[PosiePootlePerkins]

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.

Thanks for that link terrylene that's really helpful. Giving up PIV sex you say, that's not a bad suggestion! I have quite a low sex drive these days (I also wonder if that's linked to the pill?) but DH might not agree!

Ollivander

I found that I was only interested in the week off.

When I came off, the week off was all the time, even though I was on pop and had a prolapse repair

From my experiences:

Positives of staying on the pill - period control, hormone control, mood control

Negatives - night sweats (because of the high progestogen which got significantly worse when my own hormones dropped) headaches during the week off (fended off by drinking water) Lack of Libido.

Positives of coming off: Libido, no sweats, no headaches.

Negatives: hormone swings, loads of periods, low oestrogen problems (sorted with hrt and kind doctor). Contraception worries.

PS, giving up PIV not giving up sex

If you're a normal weight and a non smoker you can stay on the combined pill until 50.

However with worsening PMT symptoms and low sex drive I'd maybe consider a non-hormonal method such as a copper coil. You can always add HRT if needed.

We need family planning clinics that merge seamlessly into menopause clinics as one reaches the end of reproductive years.

Joined up thinking - probably too much

My PMT is much better on the Mirena coil than it was on the combined pill, and not much in the way periods, which is fab

Terry I like your thinking, we can but dream...
Thanks everyone for all your comments, really helpful to hear your experiences. I have some research and a doctors appointment to sort!