Anonymous wrote:What are you using for birth control in your 40s?

Seasonique or the generic, low dose, take for 12 weeks, so only 4 periods a year. Or, take continuously, so no periods

We are leaving out 50% of those who are responsible here (or at least they should be responsible): the men ! Why does birth control always have to fall on the women?

At a minimum, family planning in peri / late 40s should include getting dear husband tested. Take him to any fertility clinic (or even the family generalist), and get a semen analysis.

What you might find (like we did) is that his sperm count is so low that we really didn’t need to worry anymore.

I (46) am on year 7 of a 9 year hormonal IUD. GYN says she will look at my hormone levels in 2 years and see if we should replace it once it expires. I've not had a period since 3 months post insertion. Also using estradiol gel.

"The regular dose pills are not recommended after 40 because your stroke risk naturally increases at this age, and the higher dose of estrogen increases this risk." Never heard this before - will inquire with doctor.

I take a low-estrogen birth control pill. The regular dose pills are not recommended after 40 because your stroke risk naturally increases at this age, and the higher dose of estrogen increases this risk. I take generic Alesse prescribed by my PCP. I went on it due to heavy periods and severe PMS that started in my 40s, and it has completely resolved both issues.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:51, periods every 3-4 months or so, on progesterone for sleep. My gyn (who specializes in peri/menopause) told me I don't need to worry about b/c anymore.

I think the previous discussion was regarding BC for peri symptoms and not pregnancy.

Np.

Given my age (late 40s) Gyn offered to replace my regular IUD I’d worn for 10+ years for a different model which is much smaller and made primarily for teenage girls. Her thought was my fertility was probably much lower and the teen-IUD would be sufficient (plus our frequency isn’t what it used to be).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m 51. Just regular BCP. Nothing different.

Isn't 51 too old don't they tell you to stop at 49/50?

No, the guidelines say through age 55 is fine.

Would you mind linking to the guidelines you are referencing?

Age 52, on OCP.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m 51. Just regular BCP. Nothing different.

Isn't 51 too old don't they tell you to stop at 49/50?

No, the guidelines say through age 55 is fine.

Anonymous wrote:51, periods every 3-4 months or so, on progesterone for sleep. My gyn (who specializes in peri/menopause) told me I don't need to worry about b/c anymore.

I think the previous discussion was regarding BC for peri symptoms and not pregnancy.

51, periods every 3-4 months or so, on progesterone for sleep. My gyn (who specializes in peri/menopause) told me I don't need to worry about b/c anymore.

I went off the pill finally at 33 when we wanted to try for a second child and never went back on. I’m almost 46. After I had the second child at 35, I told my husband I didn’t want to go back on bc as I’d handled it on my end for 15 years for us at that point and asked him to get a vasectomy. He didn’t want one. I figured he’d get tired of condoms after about 10 minutes, but it’s been 11 years and here we are. I hate them, but am at the point where I’m determined to just wait until menopause now. I don’t buy them, so if we run out he’s SOL for that night until he gets more. I’m stunned he’s lasted 11 years.

I’m still with the same ob/gyn who delivered my kids… anyone switch to a gyn who specializes in peri/meno stage? If so, would love to hear abt that

53 and on triphasic BCP. Anyone else?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m 51. Just regular BCP. Nothing different.

Isn't 51 too old don't they tell you to stop at 49/50?

+1 Also curious...

51 and still on BCP. Each year, she says next year is the year we’ll go off. Everything seems fine, why alter it? My guess is she will suggest at 52 (next time I’ll see her).