Contraception for older women

Abstract

Ensuring that a woman has effective contraception that suits her preferences and comorbidities is important regardless of her age. Although a woman’s fertility decreases with age, particularly after 35, GPs need to provide contraceptive advice until the menopause, in order to prevent an unplanned pregnancy. This is particularly important due to the increased risks associated with pregnancy in older women, and the higher risk of fetal chromosomal abnormalities. This article will focus on the age-related issues specific to particular contraceptive methods, as well as how to determine the menopause and when contraception can safely be stopped.