Contraceptive pills for women over 40. Questions
The choice of a method of contraception in women over the age of 45, i.e., in the so-called "transitional" period, is often a very difficult task due to the peculiarities of this age period, associated with the inevitable processes of gradual extinction of ovarian function, the presence of a number of gynecological and extragenital diseases, the appearance of vegetovascular and other early symptoms of menopause. Despite the fact that fertility decreases in this age period, cases of childbearing in women over 45 years of age are not so rare. According to statistics, countries Western Europe up to 30% of women aged 45-54 have a regular menstrual cycle and are fertile. At the same time, against the background of a regular rhythm of menstruation, the frequency of ovulatory cycles reaches 70-95%, and with oligomenorrhea - up to 34%. By this age, many women are already deciding the number of children in the family; situations such as remarriage, accidents with children and the need for childbirth are rare. In most cases, the onset of pregnancy makes you think about abortion.
Abortions in premenopausal women are much more often accompanied by various complications; the frequency of the latter is two to three times higher than in women of reproductive age. Often after an abortion, inflammatory diseases of the genital organs, complications associated with the presence of uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and exacerbation of extragenital pathology occur. It has been proven that an abortion performed in the "transitional" period often provokes a severe course of the climacteric syndrome and is a background for the development of hyperplastic processes in the target organs - the uterus and mammary glands.
When choosing a method of contraception in this age period, in addition to the need for reliable prevention of abortion, the question arises of avoiding influence on metabolic processes that have undergone (or are undergoing) age-related changes against the background of the high sensitivity of the female body to exogenous influences. Prevention and treatment of the initial symptoms of menopausal syndrome and, if possible, slowing down the aging process are among the main tasks of contraception at this age.
Of course, hormonal contraceptives (HC) are the most promising in this regard, but before the advent of modern hormonal agents, including microdosed drugs and releasing systems, the use of HC was associated with a number of problems.
Hormonal contraception over the 40-year period of its development has established itself not only as one of the most effective ways to prevent pregnancy, but also as a new, promising area of medicine. Oral contraceptives (OCs) are widely used throughout the world. IN last years more and more new combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are being developed. At the end of the 80s. OCs with higher progestogen selectivity for progesterone receptors have been synthesized - these are desogestrel, norgestemate and gestodene.
Recent studies have shown that modern microdosed drugs latest generation do not have or have a minimal metabolic effect on the female body. In view of this, they can be used by non-smoking women after 40 years of age in the absence of risk factors associated with hypercoagulability (WHO, 1996). Such risk factors when using any type of hormonal contraception include, first of all, cardiovascular diseases, liver disease, heavy smoking in combination with COCs.
It should be remembered that hormonal contraceptives are contraindicated in the presence of a history of thromboembolism, cardiovascular pathology, severe diabetes mellitus, and malignant neoplasms of the reproductive system.
In the absence of these contraindications, microdosed preparations can be used quite widely. They are not only highly reliable, but also have a protective effect, including the symptoms of menopausal syndrome, which are quickly stopped.
Known positive influence estrogens on brain function and emotional state in perimenopausal women. In addition, numerous studies have confirmed the positive effects of oral contraceptives on cognitive processes, improving memory and mood. It was found that the estrogen component of OK reduces the concentration of monoamine oxidase (MAO), which leads to an increase in serotonin levels, as well as brain excitability, and thereby improves mood.
We have studied the efficacy and possibility of using the microdosed combined oral contraceptive (COC) novinet in premenopausal women.
Microdosed COC containing 20 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol and 0.150 mg of desogestrel. The composition of the drug includes a third-generation progestogen, which is a derivative of levonorgestrel, - desogestrel, which has high selectivity for progesterone receptors and high progestogenic activity.
A distinctive feature of the drug is the minimum content of the estrogen component, which significantly reduces the risk of estrogen-dependent side effects. Under the influence of the drug, there is mainly a prevention of the release of FSH and LH, which prevents the process of ovulation. The effect is enhanced by increasing the viscosity of cervical mucus, which makes it difficult for sperm to enter the uterine cavity.
We observed 35 somatically healthy women aged 44 to 47 years (mean age 45.4+0.4 years) who had no contraindications to hormonal contraception. In addition to the general clinical study, we measured blood pressure (BP) and body weight, blood tests for hemostasis and lipid spectrum, extended colposcopy, cytological examination of smears from the surface of the cervix and cervical canal, ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs.
Dynamic monitoring of patients was carried out every three, six and 12 months from the start of contraception. Menstrual cycle disorders were not detected, only in six (17.1%) patients the cycle duration was reduced to 21 days, which, apparently, is associated with hormonal changes in the body.
During the treatment, not a single case of pregnancy was registered, i.e., the contraceptive efficacy of the drug was 100%. Novinet had a regulating effect on the menstrual cycle, which was expressed in the establishment of a cycle duration of 25-27 days in all patients. The average duration of the menstrual cycle was 27.5 + 0.3 days. Menstrual-like reactions lasted 3.4+0.3 days, scanty menstrual-like discharge was observed in three (8.6%) women. Eight women had adverse reactions: in the form of intermenstrual bleeding (two cases), breast engorgement (six cases).
All adverse reactions disappeared within the first two to three months of COC use and did not require therapeutic measures.
Four women who experienced physical ailment (weakness), emotional discomfort (bad mood) prior to the appointment of contraception recorded a significant improvement in the second month from the start of contraception. It should be noted that in four patients with premenstrual syndrome, after three months of using Novinet, a positive effect was also observed.
While taking the drug, there were no significant changes in body weight.
The initial indicators of the blood lipid spectrum in patients before the use of Novinet were normal. After 12 months, there was a trend towards an increase in HDL levels, which have anti-atherogenic potential, and a decrease in LDL, which have atherogenic potential.
The conducted studies also testified to the absence of negative dynamics of changes in the blood coagulation system.
Studies of the state of the cervix using a complex of the most informative research methods did not reveal any pathological changes.
Thus, the results of the study indicate that the modern microdose COC novinet is a highly effective contraceptive, well tolerated by women of premenopausal age, does not have a significant effect on blood pressure, body weight, blood lipid spectrum and hemostasis, and also allows to achieve a therapeutic effect in patients with premenstrual syndrome and women experiencing emotional discomfort due to age-related (hormonal) changes in the body.
Based on the materials of the magazine "The Attending Doctor"
An unwanted pregnancy can lie in wait for a woman, both at a young age and after 40 years. To avoid this, you must be protected. What are the best hormonal contraceptives for women over 40, and why should they be taken?
What types of contraception are best for women over 40?
There are many types of contraception today, and most often after 40 years, the following are used:
- Surgical sterilization, to put it simply. A reliable method of contraception, but irreversible.
- Gestagen contraception: effective protection against unwanted pregnancy, and excellent prevention of inflammation and infectious diseases.
- Condoms and caps are safe and convenient methods of contraception.
- Spiral - effective remedy contraception after 40. But it is not used for chronic inflammation and pathological changes in the uterus.
- Hormonal, combined contraceptives in the form of tablets: the best option that allows you to simultaneously normalize the level of hormonal levels and reduce the manifestations of the premenstrual phase.
Today, the market is represented by many drugs and contraceptives, doctors conditionally divide them into several groups:
- mini pili- preparations containing a minimum percentage of estrogen. They do not have negative side effects in the form of nausea and intolerance, do not affect the functioning of internal organs and systems, do not provoke addiction and help restore reproductive abilities. The percentage of protection is 95%. This group of drugs includes Micronor, Microlut, Charozetta and others.
- Oral contraceptives. Marked by a high concentration of hormones and, accordingly, greater effectiveness in preventing unwanted pregnancy, restores hormonal levels and reduces the percentage of breast and ovarian cancer. After 40, most often gynecologists prescribe Triziston, Silest, and Regulon.
With regard to emergency contraception, when the drug is taken immediately after intercourse, it is better for women after 40 not to use such. This measure is due to the fact that drugs can provoke the appearance of many side effects.
It is worth remembering that any even the most modern contraceptives for women over 40 should be prescribed only after a complete examination, and the exclusion of contraindications to taking hormonal drugs.
Benefits of oral contraceptives for women over 40
In addition to preventing pregnancy, oral contraceptives also have a positive effect on the female body:
- reduce the risk of developing oncology and ovarian disease;
- normalize the menstrual cycle and reduce the negative symptoms of premenstrual syndrome;
- facilitate a smooth transition to the stage of menopause, smoothing out all the vegetative manifestations of menopause.
In particular, contraceptives are needed during menopause, when periods may not be regular, and it is difficult to track when the next ovulation may begin, which greatly increases the likelihood of an unwanted pregnancy.
Despite the fact that pregnancy for a woman is always a joy and a miracle, but from a certain age, she can also carry danger. So after 40, pregnancy is fraught with such complications:
- difficulties in bearing - this is the strongest toxicosis, preeclampsia, as well as preeclampsia;
- high risks of not bearing a fetus, spontaneous miscarriages often occur, childbirth can be premature, or the child is born dead;
- the development of many related diseases and pathologies, both in the woman herself and in the child born (it is often in mature women that children with Down syndrome are born).
With regard to late abortion, here doctors also identify a number of serious and dangerous consequences. Doctors distinguish early and late consequences from an abortion performed after 40 years.
Early consequences of abortion:
- Bleeding - with heavy uterine bleeding, a minimum of blood transfusion may be required, and a maximum of emergency surgery.
- Allergic shock to the introduced anesthesia, as well as the negative impact of the latter on the heart and lungs, many internal organs and systems.
- Internal ruptures of the uterus - after 40, the elasticity of its walls decreases, and any injury can provoke its rupture and heavy bleeding.
Late negative consequences of abortion doctors include:
- Pathological malignant / benign neoplasms - it is the hormonal failure that the woman's body experiences that provokes the appearance of negative consequences in the form of tumors and fibroids, oncology.
- , which a woman does after 40, leads to the fact that the latter may not recover.
Among other things, it provokes an accelerated onset of menopause.
- Chronic inflammation - abortion is an operation, because the negative consequences in the form of inflammation can provoke sepsis, adhesions and infertility.
- Post-abortion syndrome - a malfunction of the endocrine gland provokes instability nervous system. Depression and mood swings, suicidal tendencies and unfounded fears are not a complete list.
- Autonomic disorders - pressure drops and disruption of the digestive tract, tachycardia attacks. And the chances of getting pregnant after an abortion after 40 are practically zero.
How long can you take birth control
The course of taking hormonal drugs, as well as other contraceptives, can be continued as long as there is a need to protect against unwanted pregnancy. If the drug is suitable - there is no need to take a break in taking it, if a periodic break in taking it is expected - for this period it is important to choose no less effective and safe protection against unwanted pregnancy.
As gynecologists note, it is important not to stop taking contraceptives for 2 years and after the onset of menopause and the cessation of menopause. The main thing to remember is that if you have chosen OK, then they begin to act after only 2 weeks after the start of their administration, and a full guarantee of preventing unwanted pregnancy comes at least a month later.
About contraceptives after 40 years on video:
Vigilance should not be lost: after 40 there is a risk of becoming pregnant, and this pregnancy can be a test for both the mother and the child. Women over 40 need effective contraception if they want to avoid pregnancy.
What changes with age?
The risk of pregnancy in women over 40 is relatively low. For example, in 2008, there were 8-9 births per 1,000 Canadian women aged 40-44.
On the other hand, the risk of spontaneousabortionand chromosomal abnormalities of the fetus increases significantly after 40 years. In addition, pregnancy often occurs with complications (high blood pressure, diabetes in pregnant women, etc.).
Why do you need contraception after 40 years?
Vigilance should not be lost: after 40 there is a risk of becoming pregnant, and this pregnancy can be a test for both the mother and the child. Women over 40 need effective contraception if they want to avoid pregnancy.
In addition, women at this age may experience extremely uncomfortable perimenopausal symptoms (eg, hot flashes, sweating, heart palpitations). In this case, taking hormone replacement therapy or hormonal drugscan be a real relief for them.
What means of contraception are used after 40 years?
If we talk about regular contraception, then WHO in its recommendations puts firstintrauterine devices (copper and progestin),progestin implants (these are subcutaneous implants with a hormone, for example, levonorgestrel) andsterilization (both female and male). During the first year of using any of these methods, unwanted pregnancy occurred extremely rarely - in only 1% of cases.
In countries such as the US and Canada, non-hormonal contraceptives lead by a wide margin (in the US, half of women over 40 prefer sterilization as the safest option, and half of Canadians prefer condoms). However, one in 10 women in the US and the UK and one in five Canadians take a variety of combined oral contraceptives (COCs).
If a woman over 40 has not chosen a planned method of contraception, she mayuse any method of emergency contraception There are no age restrictions for them. But if emergency methods are the same at any age, then the rules for prescribing planned contraception change slightly.
“Bonuses” of COCs
Sometimes contraceptives are prescribed in perimenopause precisely to eliminate unpleasant symptoms. In this case, it is important to remember that hormone therapy prescribed for this purpose may not provide the proper contraceptive effect if the regimen is not followed or, for example, when smoking.
What do I risk by taking birth control pills after 40?
Will taking contraceptives create additional risks for a woman? Will the condition of the heart and blood vessels worsen? What about cancer risk? Let's go in order.
Yes, there are conditions in which doctors approach the appointment of contraceptives very, very carefully.
About the heart. Before prescribing contraceptives, doctors carefully weigh all the risks, paying special attention to the cardiovascular system.
- The use of drugs containing estrogen increasesrisk of thrombosis, but only in women with additional cardiovascular risk factors.
- With caution, the doctor prescribes contraceptives to women with chronic diseases -obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure. 4 Women with risk factors for thrombosis are observed more comprehensively - with the involvement of both a gynecologist and a cardiologist.To conditions with unacceptable risk (that is, with themCOCs definitely cannot be accepted) relate:
About cancer. Of particular concern to women and their doctors is the relationship between hormonal contraceptives andbreast cancer.
When can you stop taking protection?
Women over 40 who no longer want children should use effective contraception until 2 years have passed since their last menstrual period.
Allen RH, Cwiak CA, Kaunitz AM. Contraception in women over 40 years of age. C Can Med Assoc J. 2013;185(7):565-573. doi:10.1503/cmaj.121280.
Cleary-Goldman J, Malone FD, Vidaver J, et al. Impact of maternal age on obstetric outcome. Obstet Gynecol. 2005;105(5 Pt 1):983-990. doi:10.1097/01.AOG.0000158118.75532.51.
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health/Center for Communication Programs and World Health Organization.Family Planning: A Global Handbook for Providers . Geneva (Switzerland): World Health Organization; 2011.
Kaunitz A.M. clinical practice. Hormonal contraception in women of older reproductive age.N Engl J Med. 2008;358(12):1262-1270. doi:10.1056/NEJMcp0708481.
Cardiovascular disease and use of oral and injectable progestogen-only contraceptives and combined injectable contraceptives. Results of an international, multicenter, case-control study. World Health Organization Collaborative Study of Cardiovascular Disease and Steroid Hormone Contraception.Contraception. 1998;57(5):315-324.
Choosing birth control pills after 40 years is necessary with extreme caution. In women at this age, physiological changes occur that bring the onset of menopause closer. Despite the decline in reproductive function, there is a risk of becoming pregnant, but the bearing of a child is often accompanied by an increased burden on health.
Women's health after 40 years
After 35 years, the natural death of immature eggs accelerates by 2-3 times, so after 40 many cycles become anovulatory. Menopause on average occurs at 50-55 years old, but in some cases, menstruation may stop as early as 45 (see). It is important to choose a method of contraception that does not harm the hormonal background.
By the age of 40, diseases that are associated with an unhealthy lifestyle accumulate in the body, bad habits and gradual aging. In most women, when they see a doctor, they find:
Metabolic disorders at an older age lead to obesity, the development of hyperandrogenism, diabetes mellitus, and thyroid pathology is common. Therefore, many patients complain of a menstrual cycle failure, bleeding and other signs of impaired hormone production.
Types of birth control pills after 40 years
Choosing birth control pills after 40 years is harder due to a large number contraindications. But it is impossible to completely abandon the methods of protection, few people agree to bear and give birth to a child at this age. Hormonal agents have been developed that are suitable for late reproductive age, which reliably protect against pregnancy and help stabilize the course of diseases associated with an increased concentration of estrogens.
Hormonal remedies
Contraceptives for a 40 year old woman can be produced in various combinations of hormones:
- combined oral contraceptives based on estrogens and gestagens;
- pure gestagenic preparations.
The first group of contraceptives is more popular. Single-phase contraceptives can be used with good menstrual control, but microdosed contraceptives are more likely to be accompanied by intermenstrual bleeding. Therefore, preference is given to 30 micrograms of estrogen.
Hormonal with gestagens after 40 can be prescribed for contraindications to the estrogen component. More often these are women with hypertension, diabetes and obesity.
Attention! Estrogens increase blood viscosity, so COCs are not recommended for those with a tendency to thrombosis, migraines, and a history of cerebrovascular accident.
Non-hormonal with phytoestrogens
Some patients are afraid that they will start to get fat on hormones or that other undesirable effects of oral contraceptives will appear. Therefore, they ask the gynecologist to prescribe herbal remedies with phytoestrogens. These are preparations, which include cimicifuga extract. It has been proven that the active substance can compensate for signs of estrogen deficiency, reduce the first manifestations of menopause symptoms, but they do not protect against pregnancy. This is due to the fact that progestins provide a contraceptive effect, and their analogues in plants have not been found.
Emergency contraceptives
After 40 years, it can be used from pregnancy, with caution and taking into account contraindications. The composition of contraceptive drugs includes levonorgestrel or mifepristone. These substances prevent fertilization or implantation of the ovum in the uterine wall, but they are not able to cause abortion on early term. There is also a risk of menstrual cycle failure. Therefore, resorting to this method of protection against pregnancy should be as rare as possible.
Criteria for choosing contraceptives after 40 years
Contraceptives after 40 years are selected based on the patient's history. Absolutely healthy women are prescribed a low-dose agent, which contains ethinylestradiol and any progestogen with low androgenic activity: norgestimate, levonorgestrel, desogestrel, gestodene. In other cases, the following indicators are taken into account:
Features of the selection of contraceptives after 40
After 40 years, oral contraceptives are selected taking into account the age of the woman and the likelihood of an early menopause. Sometimes menstruation stops as early as 45, which corresponds to early menopause. If this happens at 40, this is a premature menopause.
Premenopausal
It is possible to protect yourself after 40 years with the help of estrogen-progestin preparations, but the dosage is selected carefully. The condition of the mammary gland is taken into account and ultrasound is mandatory. If, according to its results, there is a suspicion of a neoplasm, hormones cannot be used. They increase the risk of breast cancer progression.
In case of menstrual irregularities, frequent dysfunctional bleeding, it is necessary to establish their cause. After 40, the incidence of cancer of the cervix, endometrium and ovaries rises sharply. These diseases may be accompanied by acyclic bleeding, but contraceptives are contraindicated.
It is also necessary to take into account the severity of the symptoms of the approaching menopause, so birth control pills are often used in premenopause as a component of hormone replacement therapy.
With menopause
Menopause is the period in a woman's life after the last menstruation, it is called menopause and is determined retrospectively. If there is no menstruation during the year, it is considered that menopause has come. The function of the ovaries is completely depressed, they practically do not produce estrogens, and eggs do not mature in them. Therefore, there is no need for contraception.
Hormonal drugs during this period are used for replacement therapy to alleviate signs of estrogen deficiency. But synthetic ethinylestradiol is prohibited, natural estrogen is required. The use of non-hormonal herbal remedies is allowed.
Smokers
After the age of 35, the risk of developing thrombotic complications increases when using contraceptives. Women are much more likely to have thrombosis. Therefore, after 40 years, methods of protection without the use of hormones are recommended. These can be disposable condoms, spermicides, but pure gestagens are allowed.
Rating of the best birth control pills after 40 years
In the review of contraceptives allowed at the age of 40, the leading positions are occupied by drugs that help to cope with heavy menstruation, regulate the cycle and prepare the body for menopause. But women should be regularly observed by a doctor, at least once a year undergo an examination by a gynecologist, take a smear for oncocytology.
№1 Qlaira
According to many researchers, after 40 years, these are the best birth control pills for mature women. This is the first modern contraceptive drug, which includes natural estrogen. Therefore, they provide protection against pregnancy, control the menstrual cycle well, and help prepare the body for the transition to hormone replacement therapy. The price of a package for 1 and 3 months is 1015-2850 rubles.
#2 Janine
As part of the contraceptive drug ethinylestradiol and gestaden. This component has a pronounced progestogenic effect, so the tablets are recommended for women with dysfunctional bleeding, frequent cycle failures, and oligomenorrhea. Janine is available in 21 tablets per pack, so a break of 7 days is required when using. The cost of packaging is from 940 rubles.
№3 Mercilon
The tablets are a combination of ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel, which has a weak progestogenic effect. It does not increase the sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens, does not lead to an increase in the concentration of male hormones. Therefore, birth control is recommended for women who show signs of hirsutism. The cost of a pack for 21 days is from 1300 rubles.
№4 Lactinet
These are contraceptives for women over 40 with a new generation of obesity, they do not increase the risk of vascular complications, thrombosis. Therefore, they can be used in cases where estrogens are prohibited. As part of desogestrel in the minimum dose required to protect against pregnancy. The cost of tablets is 500-750 rubles.
№5 Regulon
The composition of contraceptives includes synthetic estrogen and desogestrel. It does not have androgenic properties, so it can be used after 40 years for contraception and maintenance treatment for endometrial hyperplasia. Available in 21 tablets in a blister, the cost of one is from 370 rubles.
№6 Silest
As part of contraceptive pills, norgestimate, which has a pronounced progestogenic effect. It is necessary in women with dysfunctional bleeding, oligomenorrhea. But not recommended for hirsutism and acne. But the drug is not popular among doctors and patients, so it's hard to buy it.
№7 Tri-regol
Three-phase contraceptive based on ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel. Indicated for women with poor cycle control, signs of estrogen deficiency. Also, contraception helps to cope with other signs of a lack of estrogen - a decrease in libido, vaginal dryness. The cost of packaging is an average of 300 rubles.
#8 Triquilar
Estrogen-progestogen triphasic contraceptive, also recommended for deficiency symptoms female hormones in women after 40. There are 21 tablets in a package, after its completion a break of 7 days is required, during which menstrual-like bleeding is observed. The price of a package is an average of 600 rubles.
№9 Exluton
The tablets are a monocomponent hormonal contraceptive based on linestrenol. This is a gestagen that is recommended for use by women with menstrual irregularities, but without signs of hyperandrogenism, as well as with contraindications to estrogens. The cost of tablets is from 3400 rubles.
№10 Yarina
A modern contraceptive drug, which contains drospirenone, a progestogen that allows you to control the menstrual cycle, as well as get rid of swelling and weight gain in the second phase. It is recommended for women with signs of hirsutism associated with hyperandrogenism. The cost of packaging is from 1000 rubles. for a month up to 3400 for 3 cycles.
№11 Belara
A combination of ethinyl estradiol and chlormadinone, which has an antiandrogenic effect. Birth control pills are recommended for symptoms of excess male hormones, polycystic ovary syndrome. This is a good alternative if the drug with drospirenone or dienogest did not fit. Price from 600 rubles.
Rules for taking contraceptives after 40 years
Women of advanced reproductive age should adhere to general principles contraceptive use. But for them, a continuous regimen is allowed, when the tablets are drunk for 3 months in a row, only after that they take a break for 7 days. Then resume the course. This scheme helps to reduce the manifestations of hyperplastic processes, reduce the thickness of the endometrium.
How many years you can use birth control pills depends on your general health. If after 40 years there are signs of an imminent menopause, it is necessary to drink hormones for no more than 5 years. In other cases, it is necessary to switch to drugs for hormone replacement therapy after the age of 50.
Contraindications and side effects to drugs
When the body begins to age, the number of diseases that lead to the appearance of vascular pathology and the endocrine system increases. Therefore, you need to carefully consider the contraindications for the use of contraceptives:
Against the background of the use of contraceptives, undesirable effects may appear that will require the replacement of the drug or its cancellation:
- intermenstrual spotting;
- dryness of the vagina;
- mood swings;
- weight gain and swelling;
- scanty or heavy menstruation;
- pain in the calf muscles.
Are you in your 40s, so are you sure you don't have to worry about contraception anymore? And here you are wrong! Many women in their 40s and 50s still need protection from unwanted pregnancies.A sharp headache, shortness of breath, stabbing pains in the heart are a sign of severe pathology. This requires emergency medical attention.
It is no secret that for most of us who have reached middle age, the conception of a child becomes an undesirable event - the children are already adults, and we want to live at least a little for ourselves. In addition, late pregnancy can lead to various gynecological and hormonal problems.
Despite advances in medicine and obstetrics, doctors still warn of risks late pregnancy: among them the risk of genetic diseases, severe recovery after childbirth, a higher risk of complications, exacerbation of chronic diseases. It is for this reason that women over forty need to be especially careful when choosing contraceptives.
Cons of pregnancy in middle age and older
Despite the fact that in modern world the appearance of a child after 40 years is not new, but a very common phenomenon, yet you should not ignore the fact that the reproductive functions of a woman in adulthood differ from the capabilities of the body at 22-35 years old.- Metabolism slows down, the level of sex hormones decreases, the first signs of menopause appear.
- Decreases the chance of conceiving a child. This is due to the fact that with age, the number of female germ cells (follicles) decreases. In addition, the remaining follicles are exposed to adverse environmental conditions, and this can lead to gynecological diseases.
- If present chronic diseases reproductive organs accumulated by a woman throughout her life, in adulthood they can worsen and lead to problems with conceiving and bearing a child.
- The vascular system becomes more fragile, its elasticity decreases.
- The sensitivity of the reproductive, as well as the cardiovascular and motor systems, to tension and stressful events is growing.
Types of contraceptives and their features
In order to choose the right contraceptive, you need to be well versed in their types and understand the advantages and disadvantages of each of them.Some types of contraceptives:
- positively affect the menstrual cycle of a woman after 40 years,
- help reduce the risk of reproductive diseases,
- relieve the symptoms of the onset of menopause and promote an increase in sexual desire,
- improving general well-being and mood.
Many women are afraid to use contraceptives, but they are completely safe.
The most common include:
Contraceptive pills for women over 40
Let's take a closer look at birth control pills:estrogen and progestin
Such pills contain a certain amount of the hormones estrogen and progestin, which block ovulation and prevent fertilization.Tablets are produced in various formulations, some of them can:
- regulate, reduce its intensity and duration of flow,
- reduce cramps and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS),
- swelling or soreness of the breast
- fatigue,
- headache,
- back pain, joint pain,
- muscle pain,
- anxiety or depression.
General reported side effects include nausea, weight gain, decreased libido, and headaches, but it is not clear to what extent (if any) the pills contribute to this.
Birth control pills are often the best choice for women who are healthy and don't smoke.
Female smokers who take estrogen pills face a higher risk of blood clots, stroke or heart attacks, as well as other health problems that estrogen can affect:
- excess weight,
- high blood pressure,
- blood clots,
- headaches or migraines,
- mammary cancer.
Progestin Only
Oral contraceptives, which contain the hormone progestin but not estrogen, thicken cervical mucus and the thin lining of the uterus, preventing sperm from entering and fertilizing an egg.These pills can make periods shorter and easier. However, they need to be taken at the same time each day to be effective; however, you must use a backup method if you take your pill more than three hours late.
Common side effects include sudden bleeding, weight gain or frequent yeast infections (thrush), and increase the risk of ovarian cysts.
This option may be a good choice for women who cannot use estrogen-based contraception, such as those who are overweight or who smoke.
List of the most famous and proven hormonal birth control pills:
- "Jess" and "Jess-plus". The advantage of this company is a small list of contraindications. Often these tablets are used to treat reproductive diseases. They promote the release of fluid from the body and reduce swelling.
- Depo Provera. Sold as solutions for injection. These pills appeared on the contraceptive market not so long ago, but they have already proven themselves well.
- "Silest". Contraceptive, causing softening of the walls of the uterus, and thereby suppressing the activity of the eggs.
- Marvelon. This drug has a beneficial effect on the skin, and also affects the reduction of hair growth in unwanted places.
- "Regulon". A contraceptive that helps prevent uterine fibroids in women. It also has a beneficial effect on the menstrual cycle.
- Spermicides. They include various candles, gels, foam preparations. Their function is to block the activity of spermatozoa.
Other birth control options
For middle-aged women, the following are less commonly recommended:- Diaphragms and over-the-counter spermicides have a relatively high failure rate and are generally not considered effective.
- Progesterone injections (Depo-Provera) may increase the risk of osteoporosis and weight gain.
- The hormone patch (Ortho Evra) causes higher levels of estrogen to circulate in the body compared to combined birth control pills. This may lead to a slightly higher risk of side effects.