Contraceptive Pills After 35: The Importance Of Choosing The Right Medication

Introduction

Taking contraceptive pills is a common way to prevent unwanted pregnancies. However, the effectiveness and side effects of contraceptive pills can depend on age, medical history, and lifestyle. After the age of 35, women’s bodies undergo hormonal changes that can affect the choice of contraceptive pills. In this article, we will discuss the importance of choosing the right contraceptive pills after the age of 35.

How Do Contraceptive Pills Work?

Contraceptive pills contain synthetic hormones that mimic the natural hormones produced by the body. There are two types of contraceptive pills - combination pills and progestin-only pills. Combination pills contain estrogen and progestin hormones that work together to suppress ovulation and thicken cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg. Progestin-only pills contain only progestin hormones that thicken cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching the egg and thinning the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation of a fertilized egg.

Why Is Choosing The Right Contraceptive Pill Important After 35?

After the age of 35, women’s bodies undergo changes in hormone levels. The ovaries produce fewer eggs, and the production of estrogen and progesterone hormones decreases. This hormonal shift can result in irregular periods, increased risk of developing certain health conditions, and higher chances of side effects from contraceptive pills. Therefore, it is important to choose the right contraceptive pills that suit a woman's individual needs and medical history.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Contraceptive Pills After 35

1. Medical history: Women with a history of blood clots, stroke, heart disease, or breast cancer may need to avoid contraceptive pills containing estrogen. 2. Health risks: Women who smoke, have high blood pressure, or are overweight may need to avoid contraceptive pills containing estrogen due to an increased risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. 3. Lifestyle: Women who have heavy periods or migraines may benefit from progestin-only pills that can help reduce the symptoms.

Side Effects Of Contraceptive Pills After 35

Common side effects of contraceptive pills after 35 may include mood swings, decreased sex drive, irregular periods, and hot flashes. However, these symptoms can vary depending on the type of contraceptive pill and a woman's individual response to it.

How To Choose The Right Contraceptive Pill After 35

Consulting a healthcare professional is the best way to choose the right contraceptive pill after 35. A healthcare professional can help evaluate the risks and benefits of different types of contraceptive pills based on a woman’s medical history, lifestyle, and preferences.

Conclusion

Choosing the right contraceptive pills after 35 is important for both preventing unwanted pregnancies and reducing the risks of side effects. Consulting with a healthcare professional and considering individual medical history, lifestyle, and preferences can help women make an informed decision about the right contraceptive pills to take.

FAQs:

1. Are contraceptive pills effective after 35?
Yes, contraceptive pills can still be effective after 35. However, the effectiveness and side effects may vary depending on the type of contraceptive pill and a woman’s individual response to it.
2. What are the risks of taking contraceptive pills after 35?
The risks of taking contraceptive pills after 35 include an increased risk of blood clots, stroke, heart disease, and breast cancer. Women with a history of these conditions may need to avoid contraceptive pills containing estrogen.
3. Can contraceptive pills after 35 cause menopause?
No, contraceptive pills do not cause menopause. However, the symptoms of menopause may develop naturally after the age of 35 due to hormonal changes in the body.
4. Can contraceptive pills after 35 affect fertility?
No, contraceptive pills do not affect fertility in the long term. However, women may need to stop taking contraceptive pills to conceive, and it may take a few months for fertility to return to normal.
5. Can women over 35 take emergency contraception?
Yes, women over 35 can take emergency contraception. However, emergency contraception should not be used as a regular form of birth control. Women who have more than three episodes of unprotected sex per month may need to consider other forms of regular birth control.