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Original poster

Dr wants to change my contraceptive pill, Older ladies help please

7 replies

Abitskint · 01/03/2004 14:22

Okay, I am 43, and have been on the same pill for about 8 years, except for the 18 months for conception and pg when I was 38, and a break last year while I had an op and recovery.

Went back on this pill in November. Dr just re-prescribed, but says that as I am now older (and presumably less fertile), perhaps we should change to a lower dose pill, or a different method. I can't face cap, and prefer not to use condoms, so it's either coil, or change pills, but I'm worried about upsetting my hormones, when I'm happy as I am.

Anyone been there, got any advice?

OP posts:
Davros · 01/03/2004 16:12

I'm 44. I tried a change about 2 years ago to one of those you take at the same time every day. A doddle I thought, I'm an organised person... well, I couldn't remember to take it at the right time, I found the whole thing stressful and the next time I saw the Dr he just said OK, switch back.... When I talked to him there didn't seem to be a huge number of reasons to change, I can't quite remember now. Sorry if not much help but hopefully you'll get more answers here and I would quiz the Dr more.

Davros · 01/03/2004 16:12

P.S. It was probably longer than 2 years ago, maybe 3-4

Lisa78 · 01/03/2004 16:20

Abitskint, I've had the same sort of thing as you - am 37 and 3/4! I presume your dr is your GP and not someone specialised in FPA? My GP was quite happy for me to talk to a FP doctor and when I did, she was quite happy for me to keep on ovysmen, and I think I have been on that about 15 years bar pregnancy and now b/f, even tho its pretty old and highish dose so my GP was happy to go along with that
Don't think GP's have the specialist knowledge, just a broad view, so they are offering the best advice they can - but check at FP clinic, see what they say, I'll bet they are happy for you to keep your pill

CookieMonster · 02/03/2004 13:03

Abitskint, I too am 43 and on the pill. I started taking it again last year after a break of a couple of years and wanted to go back on the one I was previously on because I felt it suited me. My GP wanted me to go on a low-dose one but when she found out I was a non-smoker and my blood pressure was fine, she had no problem giving me the higher-dose pill.
Have another chat with your GP and if you meet both of those criteria I'm sure it'll be fine.

fio2 · 02/03/2004 14:16

My Mum (47) takes the mini pill if that helps and has done since her late 30's

Kayleigh · 02/03/2004 15:13

I didn't want to go back on the pill at 38 after having ds1 and ds2. I had been on it since I was about 18 and felt that my body had benefitted from the three years I had been off it while having my children (we used condoms in-between pregnancies). I looked at our options and in the end my husband had a vasectomy as we were sure we were not going to want any more children.

Would you considor that or sterilisation as an option ?

crystaltips · 02/03/2004 16:37

ABS ( nice abbreviation hey !! ) - I went on the pill at 17 and except for 2 pregnancies have been on until now at the grand old age of 39 ( and a bit!! ).

Whenever I get my next prescriprion I ask my GP whether or not I should come off the pill or change and the answer is alway the same ...

If I am not having probelms with it - and continue to have OK blood pressure and continue not to smoke then I should be OK taking the pill till menopause ...

I am on a fairly low dosage - Microgynon 30.

HTH

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