I'm 44 and trying to figure out the best form of birth control. I'm concerned about using any with hormones at my age. I'm a non-smoker, pretty healthy, normal weight, have had 1 child and am in a monogamous relationship.
I definitely don't want to risk pregnancy. My son is grown, in college and I don't plan to have more children.
I'd like to get any info from women who've used the low estrogen pills, and any and all info on use of other forms of bc!
Any bad experiences, side effects, failures?
I've read so many statistics that go back and forth on the safety of taking the pill/hormones, especially for women over 35-40. A cancer can take so long to manifest itself, how can you really know?
I am using the Today sponge. I thought it was a pretty effective method, so it says on the box. In reading online medical sources, it has a 15-40 % failure rate out of 100!
I know a tubaligation is an option, but the thought of making it so final is a mental thing..no more babies.
2007-01-08 04:51:51 · 9 answers · asked by Marie123 3 in Health ➔ Women's Health
I'm in almost the same boat at age 41. I don't want anymore children, but I don't want to have to undergo any procedures - too final.
I have elected to go the BC pill route. I do not smoke and am of a normal weight and in good health otherwise. I am also taking the pill because I want to only have my period once every three or four months. I take active pills every day and only stop every three or four months for a week to have a period. This helps me manage anemia as well as freeing me up to have a good sex life without the bother of menstruating.
I am not worried about the cancer aspect as the information keeps changing. It appears that the pill helps guard against some cancers, but may contribute to some as well. I am slightly more concerned about blood clots though.
There are also several good implants that can be placed too, but I prefer the pill because if there are any side effects, it's easy to just discontinue the pill. The hormones are the same.
I am currently taking Alesse.
2007-01-08 05:08:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tubal ligation is a very good option. You are 44 and if you were to become pregnant now, you will have more of a chance of having children with different physical and cognitive problems. Not only that, if you were to have a child THIS YEAR, you would be 62 by the time they were 18. Not that it isn't possible, but think about it. And, what if, Big G forbid, you were to pass before the child was 18? Be content with the child you have.
2007-01-08 04:54:57 · answer #2 · answered by What, what, what?? 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
vasectomy. Many men cringe at the word but it is the only "fool proof" method and is by far the simpilist and cheapest procedure with the lowest (read no) side effects. Just tell him if he is willing to get a V he can get it more often. Tubaligation is very hard on the woman and any many should feel guilty for suggesting his woman should do that before he get a V. A V takes a one to two day recovery and the Homework for the next six weeks is quite fun.
2007-01-08 04:58:08 · answer #3 · answered by KB 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am thinking along the lines that you do. I'm 42 and all of my years working with health care practitioners in the holistic or alternative world, this is my answer. It simply does not exist.
Unfortunately, hormones now and cancer later or... just do the final thing (surgery) and hope for grand kids. Sorry, I wish I could give you really good news.
By the way, to learn my experience with understanding cancer prevention, see my web site that I put together to help put the pieces of the puzzle together about hormones and cancer.
2007-01-08 04:56:21 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would take the risk and stick with the sponge. i just don't think it's safe for anyone over 40 to be taking bcp's- even low dosage ones...
i know i kept changing pills in my late 30s and was then diagnosed with early stage breast cancer at 42... no family history, I am thin, exercise a lot... The pill was the only risk I could think of.
this was 3 years ago and i'm okay for now...
2007-01-08 04:55:44 · answer #5 · answered by Not so looney afterall 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sponge?!!
That is how I got pregnant at 39!!
Have you considered the newer IUD's available? Most are coated with a hormone-however there are a couple options without.
One method two of my 'older' friends have used is the 'shot' that lasts several months-both did gain significant weight though.
Have you talked to your doctor? They will have the best information for you.
2007-01-08 05:02:26 · answer #6 · answered by oldmomfromportland 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nuvaring - it has the absolute lowest dose of hormones a very, very few side effects. The risk of pregnancy is LOWER than with an oral dose of birth control.
I've used it for over a year now and love it!
2007-01-08 04:53:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a medical doctor and a Catholic. Please research Natural Family Planning (NFP). This is very good, in some studies better than OCP's, and it is amazing to me that people will use pills and shots and rings instead of using a safe method that works. Google natural family planning and find an instructor in your area. Call your local Catholic church. They will have someone who can teach you .. you do not have to be Catholic to use this. Good Luck.
2007-01-08 09:04:57 · answer #8 · answered by Catholic1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Abstinence. Or ask your doctor. No one here can make healthy recommendations for you - this has to be discussed with a professional.
2007-01-08 04:54:13 · answer #9 · answered by Enchanted 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Have him wear a condom And oral sex is good.
2007-01-08 05:02:52 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋