contraception after many years.

[Startingover231]

I find myself in a new relationship after my marriage ended last year, all is going well and we are taking our time to develop a friendship before anything else. BUT we are nearing the point of a physical relationship. Talks of a weekend away etc. My dilemma is my STBXH had the snip many years ago, my new man hasn't. I haven't needed contraception for 15 years +. Where at 50 do I begin? Is it safe to go back on the pill at my age? Condoms don't really appeal in the long term to either of us and I definitely don't want to get pregnant at 50! My GP was incredibly supportive when my marriage broke up and I am almost embarrassed to go and discuss this with her for fear of being judged for moving on so quickly after spending many sessions in an emotional heap in her surgery when it first happened! It was never my intention to move on so quickly, it has just happened. Anyone any suggestions as to what are the sensible options for contraception at my age? and have any of you been in the same position?

Personally I take the Pill (Microgynon 30) - it's fine as long as you take it at the same time every day.

It's a good idea to be careful at 50 - my mum had boyfriends after her divorce and had a pregnancy scare at 52 as she was still pre-menopausal.

hmm! That's what I am afraid of! I can't begin to imagine the complications that would throw up!!

I have had the mirena coil fitted and I was 51. If you intend to use the coil for contraceptive protection, they will fit one up to 55.

Why not look into a mirena iud? They last about seven years so one procedure should do you until menopause. Very low dose of hormone - I wasnt a big fan of the pill but I will be having another mirena once baby is born :)
You need to get them placed by someone who knows what they are doing - your local sexual health centre will be much more experienced than your GP.

I was going to suggest mirena too.

Ultimate though I think you're best off talking your options through with a professional.

Personally I'd also both get checked for stds prior to not using a condom - not just pregnancy you want to avoid!

Whether or not you use a different type of contraception or not you definitely need to use condoms until you have both had a sexual health check. Your GP won't judge you for meeting someone quickly after your marriage break up.

Diaphragm? Easy to use, no side effects.

Usually you get offered mirena (with the possibility of oestrogen gel or patches if you get menopausal symptoms). It is also good if you have perimenopause bleeding problems, and is a minimal dose option for progesterone if you need hrt. If you like the idea and it suits you, it can be a good choice.

Or progesterone only pill (usually cerezette, which is a higher dose and more reliable).

The combined pill is usually not available when you reach 50, although there is a new one called Qlaira which you might get if you are lucky.

Condoms are fine

This might help: www.menopausematters.co.uk/contra1.php

OP why not pop along to your local sexual health clinic. They will be able to get you sorted, are much more experienced than your average GP and you won't need to spk to your GP.

Age 42 in a similar situation and have had the Copper Coil fitted. Had to take the mini pill for 3 weeks prior to getting fitted.

Have a brilliant weekend away!

OP the statistics for STIs are very high in your age group due to divorce and dating again.

If it were me in your situation the condoms would be non negotiable.

Sorry - the link in that article didn't work:
www.fsrh.org/pdfs/ContraceptionOver40July10.pdf

You might find it helpful to have a browse in the contraception topic to see what people have been saying about various methods.

I think it would be worth talking through the pros and cons of a mirena with a HCP. From your post, (the bit about the number of years you've not had to actually do contraception) I was wondering if you might find you prefer a method you only have to think about once every five years, rather than one you need to remember more actively and more often.

So if I went to a clinic, does this information get shared with my gp? I don't particularly want incomplete medical records either?

When I got my mirena I was asked if it was ok to let my gp know, so I assume it's not automatic.

I'm in the same situation as you. I'm also 50. I'm now on the mini pill. I saw the nurse at the doctors as at my surgery the nurse deals with family planning. It was fine.

Thank you all for your advice! I will make an appointment tomorrow... I think I probably favour the pill but I wasn't sure if that was possible at 50.

I was thinking I don't need sexual health testing i've only had sex with my husband for the past 27 years! Then I remembered that he'd had an affair!! Who knows what the ow could have given him and therefore me!!!!! The same situation is true for my new man!

Never dreamt starting again was going to be so complicated!!!