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| Birth Control Pills for Women Over 35 Special Considerations |
By:
Antonio LeMaire |
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When a woman reaches thirty-five, her chances of becoming pregnant are not as
likely as before. Many mistakenly think they no longer need to use birth
control. However, unless they wish to become pregnant, some form of birth
control is necessary until after menstruation ceases.
Birth control takes on a new challenge for these so-called "mature" women. In
addition to preventing pregnancy, the chosen contraceptive should be one that is
not likely to cause any harmful side effects. While most women over 35 can still
use birth control pills safely, there are a few risk factors that must be
considered.
Oral Contraceptive Risk Factors For Women Over 35
Birth control pills are a simple, safe, and effective way to prevent pregnancy.
When taken as directed, most oral contraceptives have a 99% or higher success
rate. In general, women 35 and older who have previously taken oral
contraceptives should be able to continue using their same brand of birth
control pill.
However, if a woman of that age smokes, birth control pills are not recommended.
The longer the patient has smoked, the more risk is involved in taking oral
contraceptives. The chance of heart problems greatly increases if a patient
smokes while taking birth control pills. For this reason, women in this age
group are advised to quit smoking or use another method of birth control.
Patients who have had heart problems or suffer from diabetes should also refrain
from using oral contraceptives. Diabetic women especially have a much higher
risk of developing atherosclerosis and other heart related conditions.
Women in their thirties and forties who have never used birth control pills in
the past should be able to safely start taking oral contraceptives if desired.
As with younger females, your physician can decide which brand of birth control
pills will work best for you.
Benefits of Birth Control for Women 35 and Older
Besides preventing pregnancy, birth control pills can lessen a woman's chances
of developing serious illnesses including several types of cancers. Combination
birth control pills which contain both estrogen and progestin help to reduce the
risk of ovarian cancer. Even when a woman reaches the age where birth control is
no longer necessary, the added protection from ovarian cancer may continue for
several years after she stops taking the birth control pill.
Women who suffer from other menstrual related problems such as ovarian cysts can
benefit from the use of birth control pills. Excess bleeding and pelvic pain can
both be controlled through the use of oral contraceptives.
Uterine fibroids are another common problem for women in their thirties and
forties. These fibroids or tumors can form either inside or outside the uterus
area. Although they are non-cancerous, uterine fibroids can cause extreme pain
and discomfort in women. While birth control pills cannot reduce the size of
uterine fibroids, they are very effective in regulating heavy bleeding and
reducing pain.
The Ortho Evra Skin Patch
Another birth control method that is gaining popularity is known as "the patch".
Even more convenient than birth control pills, the Ortho Evra patch only has to
be applied once a week. This unique form of birth control delivers an abundant
supply of estrogen and progestin to the body through skin absorption. Patients
can safely wear the patch while swimming, exercising, or showering.
It is important to note that the Ortho Evra skin patch contains a higher
concentration of estrogen than traditional oral contraceptives. As with other
types of birth control, smoking is strongly discouraged. Women who smoke while
using the Ortho Evra patch can experience serious complications, including blood
clots and stroke.
Although the Ortho Evra skin patch is generally safe for most patients to use,
it is best to discuss with your family doctor or gynecologist what side effects
may result. The most common complaint from patients using Ortho Evra is a slight
skin irritation to the area where the patch is applied.
Plan B - Emergency Birth Control
Although not intended to serve as a regular oral contraceptive, Plan B birth
control pills are another option for women 35 and older. Many women will stop
using their regular method of birth control once they reach a certain age. While
they may not have stopped menstruating altogether, their periods can be
irregular and sporadic, leading them to believe pregnancy is no longer possible.
To their dismay, a percentage of these women will become pregnant unexpectedly.
In order to prevent unplanned pregnancies, Plan B is available for emergency
situations involving unprotected intercourse. The main disadvantage is that the
pills must be taken a short time after sexual contact occurs. Most physicians
recommend taking the first pill within three days after unprotected sex and the
second dose twelve hours later.
Choosing the Best Birth Control Method for You
Before deciding which form of birth control to use, you'll want to first
schedule a consultation with your physician. Even if you've been taking birth
control for years, it's best to reevaluate your decision once you reach a
certain age. Depending on your overall health, your doctor may recommend another
birth control method or suggest an oral contraceptive that contains a lower
dosage of hormones.
To learn more about the various types of birth control, click on the links:
Ortho Evra patch, Plan B, and Ortho-Tricyclen.
To read more articles about birth control pills and other women's health issues,
visit our Women's Health Information Library.
Useful Links:
http://www.edrugstore.md/Plan-B-(Levonorgestrel).jsp
http://www.edrugstore.md/OrthoEvra.jsp
http://www.edrugstore.md/Ortho-Tricyclen.jsp
http://online.edrugstore.md/Articles/Womens_Health/Articles_Womens_Health.jsp
Antonio LeMaire - Search Engine Optimization expert, boasting over 7 years of algorithmic search and paid search advertising. Helping a number of
Online Pharmacies like: edrugstore.md. For even more information about how to select a professional and reliable online pharmacy and key points to consider when ordering your online
prescription, visit the online pharmacy knowledge base at eDrugstore.md. |
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