According to the Mayo Clinic, most women begin to experience menopause around age 51. A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine revealed that women can use hormone based birth control up until they reach menopause. Besides the option of birth control pills, women in their 40s have other hormone-based birth control options, such as IUD and implants. Other options include condoms, which are ideal for women who have multiple partners, and sterilization for women who no longer want to reproduce.
Birth Control Pills
Until recently, Ob-Gyns recommended that women take birth control pills up until age 35. However, a meta-analysis performed by Dr. Andrew M. Kaunitz, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, revealed that birth control pills can be safely taken until a woman reaches menopause. Besides the benefits of preventing pregnancy, the New England Journal of Medicine report stated that birth control pills can also ease the symptoms of menopause. Women have multiple options for birth control pills: combination pills, the extended-cycle pill and the progestin-only pill. The combination pill contains both estrogen and progestin, a synthetic form of progesterone. Progestin-only pills are an option for women who cannot take estrogen, such as smokers who are at risk for blood clots. Extended-cycle pills contain the same hormones as the combination pills, but they prevent monthly menstruation.
Intrauterine Device
Intrauterine devices, or IUDs, are a long-term birth control option for women in their 40s. An IUD is a T-shaped plastic device that contains either progestin or copper to prevent pregnancy. The IUD is inserted in the woman's uterus, and can last for 12 years. As of 2009, the cost for an IUD ranges from $150 to $500.
Implant
An implant is another option that contains progestin and is inserted into a woman's upper arm. Called an Implanon, it is the size of a match stick and is nearly 100 percent effective. An implant birth control lasts around three years, and ranges between $400 and $800, as of 2009.
Condoms
Condoms are a non-hormone birth control option that are ideal for women who are not monogamous or do not like using a hormonal birth control. Besides the male condom, women can also choose the female condom which is inserted into the vagina. According to Planned Parenthood, the male condom is 98 percent effective if always used correctly, and the female condom is 95 percent effective if always used correctly.
Sterilization
Sterilization is for women who no longer want to have children. Two options are available: a surgical option to block the fallopian tubes and a metal insert that obstructs the fallopian tubes. The second option, called Essure, is less invasive than surgery; as of 2009, the price ranges from $1,400 to $6,000.
References
- Mayo Clinic, Menopause
- Andrew M. Kaunitz, "Hormonal Contraception in Women of Older Reproductive Age", New England Journal of Medicine, 2008
- Planned Parenthood, Condom
