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Expensive But No Less Efficient Birth Control for Women Over 50

All the processes associated with childbirth in the female body are controlled by hormones. With the help of drugs that contain synthetic analogs of female hormones, pregnancy can be prevented even at the stage of egg maturation.

Up-to-date hormonal birth control can perform three main things:

  • stop ovulation;
  • make the mucus in the cervix thick so that the sperm cannot get to the egg and fertilize it;
  • disrupt the growth of the uterine lining (endometrium) – as a result, the fertilized egg cannot reach the uterus.

This is usually enough to prevent pregnancy. Women who use hormonal contraceptives need a condom to protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections. Hormonal contraceptives do not protect against germs.

Intrauterine devices not recomended

An intrauterine device is a common method of protection against pregnancy. It excludes the attachment of a fertilized egg to the wall of the uterus. Even if conception occurs, implantation becomes impossible.

Using such a birth control option over 50, a woman’s health may deteriorate. The use of a spiral with menopause becomes a common cause of cervical inflammation, heavy menstrual flow and ectopic pregnancy. According to gynecologists, this is an unreliable method of protection, since there are known cases of pregnancy when using an intrauterine device.

Side effects

  • Sexually transmitted diseases;
  • Weight gain;
  • The function to conceive will restore only 10-18 months after the last injection;
  • The drug should not be used for over two years in a row, as it may cause a temporary decrease in bone density.

All contraceptives containing only progestin can cause bleeding to become irregular and more prolonged. The disadvantage of copper-containing IUDs is that they often provoke more abundant and painful periods.

Subcutaneous implant

How to use. Under local anesthesia, it is injected under the skin once every 3 years on any day of the cycle. You can withdraw it at any time.

Pros

  • Most reliable method (less than 0.5 pregnancies per 100 women per year of use);
  • The maximum possible period for hormonal contraceptives is valid: 3 years;
  • It doesn’t matter whether you have children or not;
  • Reduces the amount of menstrual secretions.

Cons

Painful sensations may occur when inserting and removing the implant.

Vaginal ring

How to use. Place into the vagina once a month, like a tampon. After 3 weeks, the ring must be removed. Then, there is a week off. After a week, place a new ring.

Pros

  • The ring is more convenient to use;
  • Compared to a patch: invisible on the body.

Cons

  • May be felt inside the vagina;
  • It may fall out – then it must be rinsed under running water and reinserted;
  • The risk of vaginal microflora disorders increases, symptoms may worsen in people with vaginosis and candidiasis;
  • May interfere with intercourse.
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