When a woman reaches
thirty-five, her chances of becoming pregnant are not as likely as
before. Many mistakenly think they no longer need to use birth
control. However, unless they wish to become pregnant, some form of
birth control is necessary until after menstruation ceases.
Birth control takes on
a new challenge for these so-called \"mature\" women. In
addition to preventing pregnancy, the chosen contraceptive should be
one that is not likely to cause any harmful side effects. While most
women over 35 can still use birth control pills safely, there are a
few risk factors that must be considered.
Oral
Contraceptive Risk Factors For Women Over 35
Birth control pills are
a simple, safe, and effective way to prevent pregnancy. When taken as
directed, most oral contraceptives have a 99% or higher success rate.
In general, women 35 and older who have previously taken oral
contraceptives should be able to continue using their same brand of
birth control pill.
However, if a woman of
that age smokes, birth control pills are not recommended. The longer
the patient has smoked, the more risk is involved in taking oral
contraceptives. The chance of heart problems greatly increases if a
patient smokes while taking birth control pills. For this reason,
women in this age group are advised to quit smoking or use another
method of birth control.
Patients who have had
heart problems or suffer from diabetes should also refrain from using
oral contraceptives. Diabetic women especially have a much higher
risk of developing atherosclerosis and other heart related
conditions.
Women in their thirties
and forties who have never used birth control pills in the past
should be able to safely start taking oral contraceptives if desired.
As with younger females, your physician can decide which brand of
birth control pills will work best for you.
Benefits
of Birth Control for Women 35 and Older
Besides preventing
pregnancy, birth control pills can lessen a woman\'s chances of
developing serious illnesses including several types of cancers.
Combination birth control pills which contain both estrogen and
progestin help to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Even when a
woman reaches the age where birth control is no longer necessary, the
added protection from ovarian cancer may continue for several years
after she stops taking the birth control pill.
Women who suffer from
other menstrual related problems such as ovarian cysts can benefit
from the use of birth control pills. Excess bleeding and pelvic pain
can both be controlled through the use of oral contraceptives.
Uterine fibroids are
another common problem for women in their thirties and forties. These
fibroids or tumors can form either inside or outside the uterus area.
Although they are non-cancerous, uterine fibroids can cause extreme
pain and discomfort in women. While birth control pills cannot reduce
the size of uterine fibroids, they are very effective in regulating
heavy bleeding and reducing pain.
The
Ortho Evra Skin Patch
Another birth control
method that is gaining popularity is known as \"the patch\". Even
more convenient than birth control pills, the
Ortho
Evra patch only has to be applied once a week. This
unique form of birth control delivers an abundant supply of estrogen
and progestin to the body through skin absorption. Patients can
safely wear the patch while swimming, exercising, or showering.
It is important to note
that the Ortho Evra skin patch contains a higher concentration of
estrogen than traditional oral contraceptives. As with other types of
birth control, smoking is strongly discouraged. Women who smoke while
using the Ortho Evra patch can experience serious complications,
including blood clots and stroke.
Although the Ortho Evra
skin patch is generally safe for most patients to use, it is best to
discuss with your family doctor or gynecologist what side effects may
result. The most common complaint from patients using Ortho Evra is a
slight skin irritation to the area where the patch is applied.
Plan B
- Emergency Birth Control
Although not intended
to serve as a regular oral contraceptive, Plan B birth control pills
are another option for women 35 and older. Many women will stop using
their regular method of birth control once they reach a certain age.
While they may not have stopped menstruating altogether, their
periods can be irregular and sporadic, leading them to believe
pregnancy is no longer possible. To their dismay, a percentage of
these women will become pregnant unexpectedly.
In order to prevent
unplanned pregnancies,
Plan
B is available for emergency situations involving
unprotected intercourse. The main disadvantage is that the pills must
be taken a short time after sexual contact occurs. Most physicians
recommend taking the first pill within three days after unprotected
sex and the second dose twelve hours later.
Choosing
the Best Birth Control Method for You
Before deciding which
form of birth control to use, you\'ll want to first schedule a
consultation with your physician. Even if you\'ve been taking birth
control for years, it\'s best to reevaluate your decision once you
reach a certain age. Depending on your overall health, your doctor
may recommend another birth control method or suggest an oral
contraceptive that contains a lower dosage of hormones.
To learn more about the
various types of birth control, click on the links:
Ortho
Evra patch,
Plan
B, and
Ortho-Tricyclen.
To read more articles
about birth control pills and other women\'s health issues, visit our
Women\'s
Health Information Library.
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