Contraception recommendations in 40s please

[Glystl]

Hi after cringing my way through appointment at local pharmacist for the morning after pill, been thinking really need to sort out something more reliable than just condoms. I've 3 kids, one still breastfeeding. Know I'm looking for the unicorn but I really don't want to gain weight or fk up my hormones up any more than they are already. I'm clearly into perimenopause and gutted about weight gain on my stomach and my cycle having gone nuts already. I really don't think I can deal with anything that will make it worse! (Hence currently just relying on condoms.) We definitely don't want any more kids but DH squeamish about anything medical so won't countenance a vasectomy (the sod). Any tips?

Salpingectomy? Apparently some people are offered this during birth, obviously depending if it's CS.

Copper coil?

Mirena worked well as it helps with peri too

Mirena

Mirena. I had mine fitted for menopause at 44. Wouldn't be without it now.

Mini pill. If you’re considering the mirena it’s basically the same - progesterone only, in tablet form. I’ve been on it for years and years. You can take it safely at any age and then into menopause alongside oestrogen as part of the progesterone part. I am 45 and been on it 15 years now. Initially you do have some bleeding and spotting which makes a lot of women give up with it too early but if you persevere it does usually calm down and stop completely- I haven’t had any bleeding at all for many years now.

Mirena iud

Mirena, then if you need HRT it will act as the progesterone component.

8 years for contraceptive use or 5 years for HRT. Minimal systemic absorption and no weight gain. Most women won’t bleed at all with one.

I had the contraception injection in my late 30's, and these were fine. A little inconvenient to keep going back to the GP to have the next one, but it did suit me, no weight gain or odd bleeding.
Then I moved to the Mirena Coil and HRT patches when I went through early menopause and I've had this for about 7 years now, also with no odd side effects.

Abstinence until he sorts out his squeamishness.

Well, quite. But it'll be a long wait!

Thanks for all the positive messages re mirena. Had been put off by all the horror stories but i suppose can only give it a go. Would the sexual health clinic be a better option than GP? Insertion all sounds a bit grim

@Glystl i mean it's not fun, but you've had three children you can cope.

It's a million times easier when you are on your period, I've had mine done on and off my period. The period is much more comfortable.

I've also had it done by GP and by a private GP. The second was nicer as there was time to lie on the bed and relax for a few minutes afterwards before I left.

Mirena took me through from age 40 to 53 when I was post menopause.
Yes it's uncomfortable to insert but the benefits were life changing for me. No weight changes.
If you're dead against the hormone element the copper coil is fine. I had several in my 20s and 30s before having children.