Birth Control Options for Women Over 40

Gillian Dean, MD, MPH Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai The Mount Sinai Hospital Birth Control Options for Women Over 40 Many women believe, once they pass 40, that they are no longer fertile. In fact, a woman can get pregnant, intentionally or not, into her late 40s and beyond. And pregnancy after age 40 may carry greater risks. For this reason, contraception until menopause is important for women who are at risk for pregnancy and don't want to be pregnant. Because of misconceptions about the health risks of different birth control methods, some health care providers discourage perimenopausal women (those transitioning toward menopause) in their 40s and 50s from using contraceptive methods, such as birth control pills, that they previously relied on in their 20s and 30s. The truth is that a healthy, nonsmoking woman can safely use almost any contraceptive method, including the pill, all the way through menopause. Many contraceptive methods are available, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The main thing to consider (after health issues for women choosing certain contraceptives) is what method you are most motivated to use. By choosing a method that appeals to you, you will be more likely to use it correctly and stick with it. Forgettable Contraception When I talk with patients about contraception, I begin by discussing the methods that are most effective, safest, and easies...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news