Coping with… CONTRACEPTION IN LATER LIFE

We need protection until we’ve stopped ovulating, says Dr Melanie Wynne-Jones

- Dr Melanie Wynne-Jones

Many of us need reliable contraception until our ovaries call it a day. We may be less fertile with age, but could still get pregnant until we’re 55 or have reached the menopause – no periods for at least a year in the over-50s, or two years if we’re under.

Combined oral contraceptive Combined oestrogen/ progestogen hormones in the form of the (COC) pill, patch or vaginal ring can provide contraception with extra benefits, including regular periods, reduced flow, and protection against some cancers and gynaecological conditions – even relief of menopausal symptoms (although ‘standard’ HRT isn’t contraceptive). You insert the vaginal ring and leave it in for three weeks out of four.