Contraception for the Over 40's

[TokyoSushi]

I wondered if anybody would mind sharing their experiences... I'm approaching 40 and looking for a different type of contraception as I'm not currently on any.

Main aims are: contraception (obviously!) family complete so definitely don't want any more DC but also to greatly reduce my periods which are becoming steadily heavier, probably to do with age.

Not keen on any sort of coil/IUD, will obviously go to GP for advice as well.

Any recommendations?

I had a mirena coil for 5 years---- age 40-45 it was brilliant. Friend has one too and has resolved her heavy periods problem. I never had any at all. If you are discounting this option because you've had previous e experience just ignore me but if not maybe have a rethink.

The snip is even better but doesn't do much for your periods...

Ive got the cooper coil. Had it fitted at 40 and it lasts 10 years. I think the only options at our age is the coil (mirena or cooper). Or snip if your partner will, but mine wont!

sorry to state the obvious, but the combined Pill will help massively with your periods. I basically don't have them!

It's just the thought of having the coil put in I think, but I'd consider it!

DH would have the snip, but it's more the period thing that I'm sick of!

Tokyo so you can't take the Pill, I'm guessing?

Coil - I really would avoid. My understanding it's grim to have fitted and then they can give you jip if you want it removed.

I can take the pill, I was under the impression I'm too old for it, am I not?

no Tokyo, it's fine. They keep changing their minds but an up to date doctor will now say it's fine till about 50 or around menopause.

my plan is to switch from Pill to HRT probably.

I tried coming off it for a while - odd reasons probably but I just wanted to avoid the doctor after being subjected to some horrible and completely unnecessary tests (not pill related) - but went back on because I'm much better on the Pill. Am 44.

there may be issues if you smoke, are overweight etc etc.

My GP told me that current guidelines state (all other health issues being equal) that I could continue to take the pill until menopause (I am 41). I choose not to take it, as the last one I tried made me really unwell (hot flushes, migraines, tearful, anxious, and depressed).

I currently use barrier methods only (having had 2 mirena coils in the past). I would recommend the coil, although I really struggled with horrible insertion, as after an initial settling down period I didn't think about it at all until it was removed. The removal was simple and I didn't feel a thing (although I have given birth vaginally to 2 DC which might make a difference I guess). For me the coil was great for regular and pain free light periods.

I am hoping that DH will go for the snip, but it currently seems a bit disproportionate in light of the frequency of our .

I have an implant, stabilises my hormones so I don't get hormonal migraines too. Not sure what will happen when I'm too old for it actually!

I also have Mirena coil and the insertion was uncomfortable but fine, I had spotting for a few weeks, now after two years my periods have practically disappeared (I get a bit of spotting for a day but that's all). Regulated my PMT as well. I would really recommend it. I'm 47 and took the pill until 45, it was fine because I wasn't smoking, not overweight and no other health issues.

Ooh interesting stories here, I'd thought about the implant too, I was on the pill for years and loved it, so good to have options!

I'm slightly overweight (size 14) but otherwise healthy.

Did you give birth vaginally? I found having the coil inserted fine given that I had. I also took painkillers beforehand

I'm in my forties and take the pill, been on the same one since I was 19.