Is it possible to take Yarina after 40. Contraceptives in the premenopausal period

Content

The choice of contraceptive method often depends on the age of the patient. Specialists prescribe birth control pills after the age of 40 to help prevent conception. In order to avoid side effects, before use, you must definitely read the instructions, as well as listen to the recommendations of the doctor.

Features of contraception after 40 years

In adulthood, in the life of a woman, an unusual period begins for her - perimenopause. This period is characterized by a gradual decline in fertility, as well as changes in the menstrual cycle, hormone levels and other areas of the reproductive system.

Important! According to statistics, upon reaching the age of 40 and over the next 5 years, the vast majority of the female population is able to bear and give birth to a healthy child.

The female body is no longer so young and vigorous, in premenopause there are symptoms of menopause - there is increased sweating, irritability and other unpleasant signs. After 40 years, contraceptives for women can be as follows:

  • barrier methods;
  • birth control pills;
  • intrauterine devices;
  • rings, implants and patches;
  • surgical methods of contraception.

The choice of contraceptive method at this age should only take place with the consent of the gynecologist, as there are many risks and adverse reactions to medications. You can learn more about this from the video:

Until what age can you take birth control pills?

The use of contraceptives by women after 40 years is allowed for an extended period of time. Often, gynecologists prescribe funds for six months in advance, carefully monitoring the adaptation period in the first months of admission. According to medical information, it is recommended to take such funds before the onset of menopause.

In menopause, the body is no longer able to conceive a child and endure it, so the need for contraception disappears. Some gynecologists may prescribe contraceptives for medicinal purposes: hormonal disruptions are observed during menopause, and pills perfectly solve such problems.

Rules for taking hormonal contraceptives after 40 years

The main rule for the use of hormonal contraceptives for patients after 40 years of age will be to follow the proposed scheme. Gynecologists recommend taking the first pack after the last menstruation, and the duration of such protection should be at least six months - then the contraceptive effect is 100% guaranteed.

Here are some more features of the use of hormonal contraceptive pills for patients after 40 years:

  • adherence to the scheme: no gaps, taking the birth control pill at the same time of day;
  • premature discussion with the gynecologist of compatibility with other drugs;
  • discontinuation of treatment if side effects occur;
  • to give up smoking.

It is better not to skip pills, otherwise you will have to use additional contraceptive measures. If you miss less than 12 hours, you can take the missed birth control pill and then stick to the scheme. If you miss the medicine for more than half a day during the next week, you need to use a condom.

Contraindications and side effects

With increasing age, the number of contraindications and undesirable manifestations increases. This is due to the emergence of various chronic diseases. The main contraindications include:

  • varicose veins;
  • hypertension;
  • oncology;
  • predisposition to the development of thrombosis.

Comment! Women who smoke are in a special risk group, so you need to stop smoking or take specialized drugs.

Side effects when using contraceptives for girls after 40 years:

  • dermatological rashes;
  • thrombosis, strokes, heart attacks;
  • migraine;
  • weight gain;
  • swelling;
  • bouts of hypertension.

The manifestation of side effects is observed when the wrong dosage was selected, and also if there is intolerance to the components.

What is better to choose birth control pills after 40 years

Methods of contraceptives for women after 40 years are selected solely according to the patient's history. To avoid the risk of complications, the gynecologist may prescribe a blood test for hormone levels, as well as other examinations. Subject to the presence of endometriosis, menopause and other conditions, appointments will also differ. They will not only produce a protective effect, but also heal the body.

Contraceptives for endometriosis after 40 years

Endometriosis is a common condition during menopause. With a change in hormonal levels and the extinction of reproductive function, the symptoms of endometriosis can increase, causing daily discomfort.

Warning! At this age, doctors can prescribe COCs, as well as intrauterine devices.

Combined contraceptive pills for women in the treatment of endometriosis after 40 years of age help to improve well-being and eliminate the consequences of the disease. These tablets include:

  • "Janine";
  • "Yarina";
  • "News";
  • "Belara";
  • "Jess".

These drugs do an excellent job with hormone fluctuations, so the pain from endometriosis disappears and the patient's condition improves.

Contraceptive pills for menopause after 40

The primary feature of the selection of drugs is to choose only those options that do not contain a large amount of hormones. Such medications prevent the development of endometrial hyperplasia, as well as restore hormonal levels, removing the manifestations of menopause.

A few of the most common options:

  • "Divitren";
  • "Divina";
  • "Cyclo-Proginova";
  • "Trisequens";
  • "Grandaxin".

As a preparation for menopause, women are also suitable for such options as: Yarina, Diana, Marvelon.

The best birth control pills after 40

Modern contraceptives for women over 40 are divided into several groups:

  • mini-pill - do not contain ethinyl estradiol;
  • combined oral contraceptives;
  • birth control pills for women who smoke.

The dosage of the best contraceptives for women is selected individually.

List of mini-pill drugs after 40 years

Ethinylestradiol-free tablets are prescribed for those patients who are not suitable for combined oral contraceptives. These contraceptives differ in the content of progestin, they are less effective than COCs, but have fewer side effects. Pharmacies offer popular and proven contraceptives for women. Their names for patients after 40 years:

  1. "Charosetta". The active substance is desogestrel, the reception begins on the first day of menstruation. Desogestrel inhibits the maturation of the egg, you can take pills for migraine and vascular diseases. The cost is within 1000 rubles.
  2. "Microlut". The drug contains levonorgestrel, inhibits ovulation and release of the egg. In addition to the protective function, it reduces soreness and the amount of discharge during menstruation. Estimated price - from 350 rubles.
  3. "Exluton". The active ingredient is linestrenol. The drug has a high cost - from 3 thousand rubles, but there are few side effects. It is not recommended to combine Exluton with antibiotics.

Tablets with one active ingredient have a positive effect on the female body. They are indicated in cases where estrogen cannot be taken. Some drugs are recommended to be used intermittently.

Combined oral contraceptives after 40 years

This type of pill perfectly protects against unwanted pregnancy and completely slows down ovulation. Mini-pill compared to new generation birth control pills for patients over 40 years of age have more side effects. The most popular drugs:

  1. Marvelon. The drug contains a combination of desogestrel and ethinylestradiol, suppresses ovulation, protects against pregnancy. It affects the condition of the skin, improving it, eliminating acne and acne. There are 21 tablets in a pack, the estimated cost is from 1600 rubles.
  2. "Trisiston". The combination of ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel inhibits ovulation, thickens the uterine mucus, preventing pregnancy. The cost of the drug is 550 rubles.
  3. Triquilar. They are low-dose birth control pills, women over 40 are best suited. The combination of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol will help prevent pregnancy and improve premenopausal health. The price of the drug is from 600 rubles.
  4. "Jess". The most common and high-quality drug for contraception. Contains ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone, there are active and inactive tablets in the pack. The cost is from 1100 rubles.
  5. "Silest". This drug combines norgestimate with ethinyl estradiol. During the reception, the maturation of the egg stops, the price starts from 400 rubles.

Comment! If in the first month of taking strong side effects are observed, it is better to refuse the drug.

As you can see, all of these drugs contain ethinylestradiol, a synthetic analogue of estrogen. The correct intake and dosage of modern contraceptives after 40 years will help prevent pregnancy and reduce the manifestations of premenopause.

Contraceptive pills after 40 for women who smoke

Women who are addicted to tobacco are not recommended to use COCs. This is due to the presence of side effects and contraindications, in particular, the risk of blood clots. Therefore, gynecologists prescribe more gentle drugs that do not contain estrogen.

Important! The composition of drugs for smoking girls includes only one component - progestin.

Based on the foregoing, the conclusion suggests itself that smoking patients are recommended to use only mini-pills - they just do not contain ethinyl estradiol and perfectly perform a contraceptive function.

Non-hormonal contraceptives for women over 40

With the irregularity of sexual life to be protected daily, it makes no sense. In this case, gynecologists prescribe non-hormonal drugs. They are recommended to be taken only in special cases:

  • "Patentex Oval"- available in the form of vaginal suppositories, have a spermicidal effect;
  • "Pharmatex" - produced in capsules, tablets, creams and suppositories, contain benzalkonium chloride, which has a contraceptive effect;
  • "Gynekotex" - tablets with the active substance benzalkonium chloride;
  • "Traceptin" - vaginal tablets based on potassium hydrotartrate.

The peculiarity of the use of non-hormonal drugs is that they must be used immediately before sex.

Conclusion

Birth control pills after 40 years are an excellent method of contraception for women. They not only help prevent unwanted pregnancy, but also have healing properties. The drugs are able to reduce the manifestations of the approaching menopause, as well as to establish the menstrual cycle.

Doctors' opinion

Most gynecologists are of the opinion that it is necessary to prescribe contraceptives after 40 years only if indicated. For medicinal purposes, to eliminate the symptoms of an impending menopause, these pills have shown themselves on the positive side.

Tomina Valeria Arkadievna, gynecologist, Novomoskovsk

When patients aged 40 and over come to me with a request to prescribe oral contraceptives, the first thing I do is refer them to tests and other diagnostics. During the oral interview, I always find out if a woman smokes, because after 40 years there is an increased risk of thrombosis when taking hormonal substances. In general, birth control pills have worked well. In most patients, the manifestations of premenopause decreased: irritability disappeared, mood stabilized.

Savinova Anastasia Viktorovna, gynecologist-obstetrician, Pskov

I am often asked by my patients if a certain type of drug can be taken because it was recommended by a friend who is also in her 40s. I always categorically answer that the body of each woman is individual, while I make appointments only after examinations. I often prescribe to women after 40 years of age mini-pill tablets containing only 1 type of hormone - they act gently, maintaining the contraceptive effect, and have fewer side effects.

Hormonal preparations for women after 40 should be selected by a doctor. At this age, the physiological extinction of the ovaries begins and a gradual decrease in the production of hormones responsible for the reproductive function of the female body, as well as supporting the work of the whole organism. The period of extinction of reproductive function is called menopause, in half of women it occurs with a number of unpleasant symptoms. To alleviate the condition, hormone therapy is prescribed.

Indications for taking hormones

There are several indications for prescribing sex hormones to women:

Case number 1 - To eliminate the climacteric syndrome. This makes it possible to prolong youth. A gradual decrease in the secretion of female sex hormones begins after the age of 40-45 (premenopause). At the age of 50, menstruation stops, menopause occurs. After menopause, postmenopause begins. Remenopause, menopause and postmenopause are combined into a single climacteric period. More than half of women tolerate these changes absolutely normally, but some suffer, and sometimes very much. But there are also positive aspects: during menopause, the development of endometriosis stops.

The problem is that estrogens have a significant impact on the functioning of all organs and systems. Their deficiency leads to multiple violations of physiological functions. The cardiovascular system suffers (famous flushes to the face, drops in blood pressure, attacks of palpitations and pains in the heart), thermoregulation (sweating, fever is replaced by chills and fever), the neuropsychic state is disturbed (irritability, tearfulness, anxiety), a woman quickly getting old. The skin and mucous membranes age especially intensively, metabolism is disturbed (osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, obesity). All the painful symptoms of menopause are united under the general name of menopausal syndrome.

With mild and moderate severity of the menopausal syndrome, there is no need for medical assistance, a fairly healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition. But a severe course requires correction. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is carried out - synthetic drugs are administered, which leads to the elimination of signs of menopausal syndrome and the restoration of the normal functioning of the female body.

Case number 2 - for the purpose of contraception. Almost a hundred years ago, a discovery was made: high doses of female hormones prevent pregnancy. The first hormonal pills were released only 50 years after the discovery. They prevented pregnancy, but had significant side effects. Low-dose contraceptive hormones appeared about 25 years ago. The mechanism of their action is associated with the function of the pituitary gland with an excess of sex hormones according to the feedback principle.

Case number 3 - the treatment of cancer. It suppresses the secretion of hormones that stimulate the growth of tumors. Hormone-dependent neoplasms include breast cancer and endometrial cancer.

When hormone therapy is unacceptable - contraindications

Before HRT and the appointment of hormonal contraceptives, a thorough examination is carried out. in. The list of contraindications for the appointment of such drugs:

  • tendency to thrombosis;
  • endocrine pathology: obesity, thyroid disease;
  • endometriosis (contribute to the growth of foci of endometriosis);
  • liver disease with liver failure;
  • severe menstrual and intermenstrual bleeding;
  • malignant tumors of the breast and endometrium;
  • age after 60 years.

Varieties of drugs for hormone therapy in the form of tablets

To conduct HRT, normalize hormonal levels and alleviate the manifestations of menopausal syndrome, various hormonal drugs are prescribed. Active active ingredients in them are artificial analogues of female sex hormones, which contribute to the restoration of youth. The following types of hormones are prescribed in tablets:

  • esters of estradiol (estradiol valerate - the best artificial estradiol);
  • conjugated estrogens from horse urine and their chemical analogues;
  • micronized (purified and ground) forms of estradiol and progesterone.

Overview of used hormonal agents

The most popular hormonal drugs for women over 45 include:

Livial (Organon, Netherlands)

Estrogen suppresses the secretion of gonadotropic hormones from the pituitary gland, eliminating the symptoms of menopause. For prophylactic purposes, it is prescribed to prevent osteoporosis.

Take 1 tablet (2.5 mg) daily for three months.

Estrophem (Novo Nordisk, Denmark)

Synthetic estrogen (estradiol valeorate) in tablets of 2 mg. Take a tablet 1 time per day.

The duration of the course of treatment is determined by the doctor.

Trisequens (Novo Nordisk, Denmark)

Combined remedy (synthetic estrogens and progesterone). Suitable for HRT, well relieves menopause symptoms. Dosage and duration of use of the drug are individual.

Proginova (Bayer Pharma, Germany)

Synthetic estrogen (estradiol valeorate). Best suited for cyclic HRT. Take one tablet a day from the first days of menstruation for 21 days; then a break until the next menstruation; in postmenopausal women, you can start taking it any day.

Klimonorm (Bayer Pharma, Germany)

It contains estradiol valerate and synthetic analogues of progesterone. It can be used for HRT, it is better than others for the treatment of cyclic disorders. Dosages and course of treatment are selected by the gynecologist.


Femoston (Abbot, The Netherlands)

Medicine with micronized estradiol and chemical analogues of progesterone.

It can be used in individually selected dosages.

Opinion of a gynecologist-endocrinologist (video)

Doctor's advice on the use of drugs to alleviate the condition with menopause:

Taking phytoestrogens as part of hormone therapy

Medicines for HRT sometimes give side effects and have a number of contraindications. With a mild menopause, hormone-like herbal remedies - phytoestrogens - are prescribed to eliminate its unpleasant symptoms.

These funds are produced in the form of herbal remedies, homeopathic medicines and food supplements (BAA). They have a slight regulating and stimulating effect on the hormonal system of a woman, regulate metabolism, and restore youth. Phytohormones have few contraindications (mainly thrombosis, tumors and individual intolerance), have almost no side effects and can be used to relieve and prevent menopause symptoms. They should be prescribed by a doctor after a thorough examination of the woman.

The list of phytoestrogens includes pharmaceutical products with the following names:

  • Tsi-Klim (Evalar, Russia)
  • Estrovel (Valeant Pharma, Belarus)
  • Remens (Richard Bittner, Austria)
  • Feminal (Jadran, Croatia)
  • Inoklim (Innotec International Laboratory, France)
  • Klimafem (Regena Nye Cosmetic, Germany)
  • Klimadinon (Bionorica, Germany).

Taking birth control pills containing hormones

After 40 years, the secretion of sex hormones begins to decrease, and after 45 years, not every menstrual cycle is accompanied by ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). But this does not exclude the possibility of becoming pregnant, which is often completely undesirable at this age. In this case, hormonal contraception comes to the rescue, which can be used only after consulting a gynecologist.

Consider several types of birth control pills.

Combined oral contraceptives (COCs)

  • Jess– COC of a new generation, better inhibits the maturation of the egg, has a beneficial effect on uterine myoma, inhibiting tumor growth;
  • Silest- actively suppresses the maturation of the egg, relieves the symptoms of menopause;
  • Marvelon- in addition to contraceptive properties, it has an anti-aging (anti-aging) effect.

mini pili

Hormonal birth control pills containing chemical analogues of progesterone. They do not completely suppress the maturation of the egg, but block the release and fertilization of the egg.

Advantage: no estrogen substitutes that cause weight gain and cardiovascular pathology. Take one tablet once a day continuously.

List of popular mini-pill names:

  • Microlute- quite reliably protects against pregnancy, if you strictly observe the daily time of admission;
  • Exluton- the principle of operation is the same as that of Microlut.

Contraceptives for emergency contraception

Postinor- a drug containing a synthetic analogue of progesterone. It will prevent the onset of pregnancy during unprotected sexual contact, if you take 2 tablets as early as possible with an interval of 12 hours.

Features of taking hormones

A feature of taking all types of hormonal drugs is a mandatory preliminary examination of a woman. Only after the examination, the gynecologist individually selects a drug for a woman, its dosage and duration of use.

How carefully the drug was selected, as well as how correctly it is taken, depends on its effectiveness and possible manifestations of side effects.

Drugs that fight menopause and cancer

After forty-five years of age, against the background of HRT or taking COCs, the risk of developing cancer increases. Therefore, experts believe that self-administration of these drugs (even phytoestrogens) during this period should be completely excluded.

With the development of cancer during menopause, drugs are used that can simultaneously suppress tumor growth and stop the symptoms of menopause:

  • Chlortrianisen - used in the treatment of malignant tumors of the mammary glands during menopause; contains a synthetic analogue of estrogen, which suppresses tumor growth and relieves the unpleasant symptoms of menopause;
  • Microfollin - used in the treatment of breast cancer during menopause, contains synthetic estrogens;

Hormonal preparations for women aged during menopause should be selected individually after a preliminary examination.

This is very important, because during the period of physiological restructuring, a woman's body is very sensitive to any influences. An improperly selected remedy can cause serious diseases of the liver, cardiovascular system, and even cancer.

The choice of a method of contraception in women over the age of 45, i.e., in the so-called "transitional" period, is often a very difficult task due to the peculiarities of this age period, associated with the inevitable processes of gradual extinction of ovarian function, the presence of a number of gynecological and extragenital diseases, the appearance of vegetovascular and other early symptoms of menopause. Despite the fact that fertility decreases in this age period, cases of childbearing in women over 45 years of age are not so rare. According to statistics, in Western Europe, up to 30% of women aged 45-54 years have a regular menstrual cycle and are fertile. At the same time, against the background of a regular rhythm of menstruation, the frequency of ovulatory cycles reaches 70-95%, and with oligomenorrhea - up to 34%. By this age, many women are already deciding the number of children in the family; situations such as remarriage, accidents with children and the need for childbirth are rare. In most cases, the onset of pregnancy makes you think about abortion.

Abortions in premenopausal women are much more often accompanied by various complications; the frequency of the latter is two to three times higher than in women of reproductive age. Often after an abortion, inflammatory diseases of the genital organs, complications associated with the presence of uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and exacerbation of extragenital pathology occur. It has been proven that an abortion performed in the "transitional" period often provokes a severe course of the climacteric syndrome and is a background for the development of hyperplastic processes in the target organs - the uterus and mammary glands.

When choosing a method of contraception in this age period, in addition to the need for reliable prevention of abortion, the question arises of avoiding influence on metabolic processes that have undergone (or are undergoing) age-related changes against the background of the high sensitivity of the female body to exogenous influences. Prevention and treatment of the initial symptoms of menopausal syndrome and, if possible, slowing down the aging process are among the main tasks of contraception at this age.

Of course, hormonal contraceptives (HC) are the most promising in this regard, but before the advent of modern hormonal agents, including microdosed drugs and releasing systems, the use of HC was associated with a number of problems.

Hormonal contraception over the 40-year period of its development has established itself not only as one of the most effective ways to prevent pregnancy, but also as a new, promising area of ​​medicine. Oral contraceptives (OCs) are widely used throughout the world. In recent years, more and more new combined oral contraceptives (COCs) have been created. At the end of the 80s. OCs with higher progestogen selectivity for progesterone receptors have been synthesized - these are desogestrel, norgestemate and gestodene.

Recent studies have shown that modern microdosed drugs of the latest generation have no or minimal metabolic effect on the female body. In view of this, they can be used by non-smoking women after 40 years of age in the absence of risk factors associated with hypercoagulability (WHO, 1996). Such risk factors when using any type of hormonal contraception include, first of all, cardiovascular diseases, liver disease, heavy smoking in combination with COCs.

It should be remembered that hormonal contraceptives are contraindicated in the presence of a history of thromboembolism, cardiovascular pathology, severe diabetes mellitus, and malignant neoplasms of the reproductive system.

In the absence of these contraindications, microdosed preparations can be used quite widely. They are not only highly reliable, but also have a protective effect, including the symptoms of menopausal syndrome, which are quickly stopped.

Estrogens are known to have a positive effect on brain function and emotional state in perimenopausal women. In addition, numerous studies have confirmed the positive effects of oral contraceptives on cognitive processes, improving memory and mood. It was found that the estrogen component of OK reduces the concentration of monoamine oxidase (MAO), which leads to an increase in serotonin levels, as well as brain excitability, and thereby improves mood.

We have studied the efficacy and possibility of using the microdosed combined oral contraceptive (COC) novinet in premenopausal women.

Microdosed COC containing 20 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol and 0.150 mg of desogestrel. The composition of the drug includes a third-generation progestogen, which is a derivative of levonorgestrel, - desogestrel, which has high selectivity for progesterone receptors and high progestogenic activity.

A distinctive feature of the drug is the minimum content of the estrogen component, which significantly reduces the risk of estrogen-dependent side effects. Under the influence of the drug, there is mainly a prevention of the release of FSH and LH, which prevents the process of ovulation. The effect is enhanced by increasing the viscosity of cervical mucus, which makes it difficult for sperm to enter the uterine cavity.

We observed 35 somatically healthy women aged 44 to 47 years (mean age 45.4+0.4 years) who had no contraindications to hormonal contraception. In addition to the general clinical study, we measured blood pressure (BP) and body weight, blood tests for hemostasis and lipid spectrum, extended colposcopy, cytological examination of smears from the surface of the cervix and cervical canal, ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs.

Dynamic monitoring of patients was carried out every three, six and 12 months from the start of contraception. Menstrual cycle disorders were not detected, only in six (17.1%) patients the cycle duration was reduced to 21 days, which, apparently, is associated with hormonal changes in the body.

During the treatment, not a single case of pregnancy was registered, i.e., the contraceptive efficacy of the drug was 100%. Novinet had a regulating effect on the menstrual cycle, which was expressed in the establishment of a cycle duration of 25-27 days in all patients. The average duration of the menstrual cycle was 27.5 + 0.3 days. Menstrual-like reactions lasted 3.4+0.3 days, scanty menstrual-like discharge was observed in three (8.6%) women. Eight women had adverse reactions: in the form of intermenstrual bleeding (two cases), breast engorgement (six cases).

All adverse reactions disappeared within the first two to three months of COC use and did not require therapeutic measures.

Four women who experienced physical ailment (weakness), emotional discomfort (bad mood) prior to the appointment of contraception recorded a significant improvement in the second month from the start of contraception. It should be noted that in four patients with premenstrual syndrome, after three months of using Novinet, a positive effect was also observed.

While taking the drug, there were no significant changes in body weight.

The initial indicators of the blood lipid spectrum in patients before the use of Novinet were normal. After 12 months, there was a trend towards an increase in HDL levels, which have anti-atherogenic potential, and a decrease in LDL, which have atherogenic potential.

The conducted studies also testified to the absence of negative dynamics of changes in the blood coagulation system.

Studies of the state of the cervix using a complex of the most informative research methods did not reveal any pathological changes.

Thus, the results of the study indicate that the modern microdose COC novinet is a highly effective contraceptive, well tolerated by women of premenopausal age, does not have a significant effect on blood pressure, body weight, blood lipid spectrum and hemostasis, and also allows to achieve a therapeutic effect in patients with premenstrual syndrome and women experiencing emotional discomfort due to age-related (hormonal) changes in the body.

Based on the materials of the magazine "The Attending Doctor"

Are you in your 40s, so are you sure you don't have to worry about contraception anymore? And here you are wrong! Many women in their 40s and 50s still need protection from unwanted pregnancies.

It is no secret that for most of us who have reached middle age, the conception of a child becomes an undesirable event - the children are already adults, and we want to live at least a little for ourselves. In addition, late pregnancy can lead to various gynecological and hormonal problems.

Despite advances in medicine and obstetrics, doctors still warn of the risks of late pregnancy, including the risk of genetic diseases, difficult recovery after childbirth, a higher risk of complications, exacerbation of chronic diseases. It is for this reason that women over forty need to be especially careful when choosing contraceptives.

Cons of pregnancy in middle age and older

Despite the fact that in the modern world the appearance of a child after 40 years is not new, but a very common phenomenon, one should not ignore the fact that the reproductive functions of a woman in adulthood differ from the capabilities of the body at 22-35 years old.
  1. Metabolism slows down, the level of sex hormones decreases, the first signs of menopause appear.
  2. Decreases the chance of conceiving a child. This is due to the fact that with age, the number of female germ cells (follicles) decreases. In addition, the remaining follicles are exposed to adverse environmental conditions, and this can lead to gynecological diseases.
  3. If there are chronic diseases of the reproductive organs accumulated by a woman throughout her life, in adulthood they can worsen and lead to problems with conceiving and bearing a child.
  4. The vascular system becomes more fragile, its elasticity decreases.
  5. The sensitivity of the reproductive, as well as the cardiovascular and motor systems, to tension and stressful events is growing.
Given all these factors, the selection of contraceptives in adulthood should be treated with the utmost care and caution. It is advisable to consult with a gynecologist in order to choose the most suitable type of contraception for the body.

Types of contraceptives and their features

In order to choose the right contraceptive, you need to be well versed in their types and understand the advantages and disadvantages of each of them.

Some types of contraceptives:

  • positively affect the menstrual cycle of a woman after 40 years,
  • help reduce the risk of reproductive diseases,
  • relieve the symptoms of the onset of menopause and promote an increase in sexual desire,
  • improving general well-being and mood.
The estrogens and progesterones contained in them contribute to the prevention of uterine fibroids and other unpleasant diseases.
Many women are afraid to use contraceptives, but they are completely safe.
The most common include:

Contraceptive pills for women over 40

Let's take a closer look at birth control pills:

estrogen and progestin

Such pills contain a certain amount of the hormones estrogen and progestin, which block ovulation and prevent fertilization.

Tablets are produced in various formulations, some of them can:

  • regulate, reduce its intensity and duration of flow,
  • reduce cramps and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS),
  • swelling or soreness of the breast
  • fatigue,
  • headache,
  • back pain, joint pain,
  • muscle pain,
  • anxiety or depression.
For maximum effectiveness, doctors advise taking the tablets at about the same time each day.

Common reported side effects include nausea, weight gain, decreased libido, and headaches, but it is not clear to what extent (if any) the tablets contribute to this.

Birth control pills are often the best choice for women who are healthy and don't smoke.

Female smokers who take estrogen pills face a higher risk of blood clots, stroke or heart attacks, as well as other health problems that estrogen can affect:

  • excess weight,
  • high blood pressure,
  • blood clots,
  • headaches or migraines,
  • mammary cancer.
For non-smoker women over 40, these pills have both contraceptive and non-contraceptive benefits as they regulate irregular premenopausal bleeding and hot flashes, help prevent ovarian cancer and reduce the risk of postmenopausal fractures (due to osteoporosis).

Progestin Only

Oral contraceptives, which contain the hormone progestin but not estrogen, thicken cervical mucus and the thin lining of the uterus, preventing sperm from entering and fertilizing an egg.

These pills can make periods shorter and easier. However, they need to be taken at the same time each day to be effective; however, you must use a backup method if you take your pill more than three hours late.

Common side effects include sudden bleeding, weight gain or frequent yeast infections (thrush), and increase the risk of ovarian cysts.

This option may be a good choice for women who cannot use estrogen-based contraception, such as those who are overweight or who smoke.

List of the most famous and proven hormonal birth control pills:

  1. "Jess" and "Jess-plus". The advantage of this company is a small list of contraindications. Often these tablets are used to treat reproductive diseases. They promote the release of fluid from the body and reduce swelling.
  2. Depo Provera. Sold as solutions for injection. These pills appeared on the contraceptive market not so long ago, but they have already proven themselves well.
  3. "Silest". A contraceptive that causes softening of the walls of the uterus, and thereby suppresses the activity of eggs.
  4. Marvelon. This drug has a beneficial effect on the skin, and also affects the reduction of hair growth in unwanted places.
  5. "Regulon". A contraceptive that helps prevent uterine fibroids in women. It also has a beneficial effect on the menstrual cycle.
  6. Spermicides. They include various candles, gels, foam preparations. Their function is to block the activity of spermatozoa.

Other birth control options

For middle-aged women, the following are less commonly recommended:
  • Diaphragms and over-the-counter spermicides have a relatively high failure rate and are generally not considered effective.
  • Progesterone injections (Depo-Provera) may increase the risk of osteoporosis and weight gain.
  • The hormone patch (Ortho Evra) causes higher levels of estrogen to circulate in the body compared to combined birth control pills. This may lead to a slightly higher risk of side effects.
Intimate relationships are an important part of the life of every woman at any age. They increase the feeling of importance, improve mood, promote intimacy and create warmth between spouses. Do not forget that a competent selection of contraceptives contributes to greater pleasure from intimacy.

Birth control pills after 40 years can be an ideal contraceptive. They are the prevention of cancer, according to some studies - strengthen women's health. The main thing is to use after consulting a doctor and exactly observing the required dosages.

On the other hand, many post-use reviews and some medical research cast doubt. Cases of depression are often noted in the reviews. And according to medical research, those side effects that were noted in the instructions as extremely rare, in reality turn out to be frequent.

Now many women began to give birth not only after thirty, but also after forty years. Obliges to do this is the rhythm of current life, ambitions in a career, and so on. Regardless of whether you still want to have a baby or not, you need to pay attention to methods of contraception.

By the age of 40-45, the risk of a difficult pregnancy and difficult childbirth also increases.

The likelihood of conception and bearing a completely healthy baby is reduced. Therefore, there is often an urgent need to protect yourself. There is no desire to use condoms, and the woman thinks about oral contraceptives.

The benefits of birth control pills

In Europe, women have long preferred this type of contraception to prevent conception after the age of forty. In the CIS, this practice is much less common. Public opinion spreads rumors that such drugs have many negative effects. Therefore, candles and pills are less popular among post-Soviet women.

Yes, pills have contraindications. But if you don’t have any, the pills will play the role of not only a contraceptive, but also a general tonic:

  • The menstrual cycle is stabilized;
  • The risk of cancer will be reduced;
  • It will turn out to avoid unpleasant symptoms of menopause;
  • The general emotional background will increase;
  • Sexual desire will reappear;
  • The necessary hormones will protect the female organs from diseases.

What are the alternatives

Contraceptives can be found in large quantities at any pharmacy. A wide offer sometimes makes a woman wonder what to choose.

Before you choose the right method of contraception, we advise you to talk to a gynecologist. Better yet, go through a general examination before this. This will increase the likelihood that you will choose the best remedy.

It is worth noting that pills are the best alternative possible in the case of a woman after 40:

  1. reduces sensitivity. This is especially true for male peers at this age. Which can negatively affect not only the stability of the partner's erection, but also the very possibility of having sexual intercourse.
  2. Not everyone likes it for purely psychological reasons. There is a fear of a foreign body. In addition, the spiral has many contraindications. And in many cases, it can actually cause inflammation.
  3. Ointments and suppositories that kill sperm are not 100% effective. In addition, for their application it is required to escape from intimate foreplay. As a result, women who use such remedies often forget about them.

When choosing the most suitable option, you need to take into account your health, the state of female organs. And also how undesirable conception is during this period - the level of reliability of the required remedy depends on this. Oral female contraceptives just have great reliability and a minimum of contraindications.

Side effects

Side effects of such drugs are usually written in the instructions, but not all of the fair sex pay attention to them. Therefore, then unpleasant symptoms and even diseases are taken by surprise.

Different brands of drugs have fairly similar side effects. So, among them:

  • Pressure drop;
  • Anemia;
  • kidney failure;
  • Hearing loss;
  • Changes and a decrease in the general emotional background;
  • swelling and discomfort of the breast;
  • Diarrhea or vice versa, constipation;
  • Increased risk of developing diabetes;
  • Skin rashes;
  • Nausea and vomiting.

The most famous and dangerous side effect of hormonal pills is thrombosis. Its danger reaches its peak for women after 40 years, so you need to be especially careful. In the instructions, thromboembolism is usually noted as a very rare side effect.

Medical statistics say otherwise. Carefully use hormonal contraceptives, but rather refuse them if you:

  • Smoke;
  • Have a high level;
  • Suffer from excessive blood clotting;
  • Experienced traumatic injuries;
  • Experienced serious operations.

Contraindications

After forty years, you need to constantly be observed in the antenatal clinic. Indeed, at this age, the genitals often become inflamed, and the risk of cancer increases. Only a gynecologist can choose the right pills. The choice is made taking into account the frequency of sexual intercourse, health, age, bad habits. So, cigarettes reduce the effectiveness of hormonal pills.

Chronic pathologies accumulated by the age of 40 are also taken into account when choosing a brand of tablets. It is worth considering alternative contraceptive methods if:

  • Diabetes;
  • throat inflammation;
  • Hypertensive attacks;
  • Cardiovascular diseases;
  • Obesity;
  • Frequent headaches and migraines.

In this section, it is worth mentioning the "rapid birth control pills." They contain a progestogen or antiprogestin in a large volume. Such funds have a sharp and largely negative effect on the female body. The condition of tissues worsens, the menstrual cycle gets off. There is a blow to the state of gynecological organs, and it is generally undesirable to use such drugs. Even after a single dose, it is worth undergoing a preventive examination.

How to use

Contraceptive pills for women can only be used as prescribed by a doctor. You can't choose your own brand. Dosage and time of admission are also agreed with the attending gynecologist. Otherwise, serious side effects are possible. Oral contraceptives work effectively only if they are taken on time and as needed. By the age of 40, it is especially important to monitor the hormonal background.

One box usually contains 21 tablets. Each of them has its own number, so as not to get confused. During menstruation, tablets are not taken. If blood starts to stand out at the wrong time or your head hurts, you need to stop taking it and talk about it with your gynecologist.

If contraceptives are combined with certain medications (especially antibiotics), the contraceptive effect may disappear. It is worth remembering when starting sexual contact.

Popular brands of tablets

List of new generation drugs:

  • Jess and Jess + have few contraindications, often help with diseases of the female organs. Helps maintain the balance of water in the body and avoid edema, which often occurs by the age of 40;

  • Depo Provera. Modern Russian contraceptive drug. Effective, but injected, which should be discussed separately with the attending gynecologist;
  • Silest change hormones so that the uterine tissues become soft. Because of this, the egg cannot function normally;
  • Marvelon is suitable not only as a contraceptive, but also as a dermatological medication. Improves the condition of the skin, eliminates the appearance of hair in unnecessary places, is the prevention of wrinkles;
  • Regulon is not only a contraceptive, but also a stabilizer of the menstrual period. Serves as a prophylaxis against uterine fibroids.

Means are potent, affecting all body systems. Therefore, the decision on admission should be made only together with the doctor. The instructions must be read carefully and take the tablets only in accordance with it. Particular attention should be paid to the dosage and time of administration.

If there are no contraindications, you need to choose a remedy based on age. By the age of 40, it is better not to take products containing female hormones in their pure form. Girls at a young age are assigned just such funds - after all, they have the mildest effect on all systems of the female body.