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  • Title: Contraception for women over the age of 35.
    Author: International Planned Parenthood Federation IPPF. International Medical Advisory Panel IMAP.
    Journal: IPPF Med Bull; 1988 Feb; 22(1):3-4. PubMed ID: 12281432.
    Abstract:
    Women over 35 years of age comprise at least 20% of candidates for contraceptive use. This group requires special consideration in contraceptive decision making since pregnancy can involve significant health risks for both the mother and the infant. Given the greater likelihood of medical conditions such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and a history of genital tract infections, older women should be medically screened before a contraceptive method is selected. Surgical contraception is a good method for adequately counselled couples since termination of fertility is generally the goal at this stage of life; however, the possibility of uterine pathology or a tendency toward heavy bleeding should be ruled out. The IUD is also a good method for older women, given its lack of systemic side effects, but again uterine pathology must be ruled out. The relatively high failure rates associated with the use of barrier methods and spermicides make them a less satisfactory contraceptive choice for older women. Periodic abstinence is an option, but should not be recommended for premenopausal women with irregular cycles. Low-dose oral contraceptives (OCs) may be considered as a fertility control option among older women who do not smoke and have no other risk factors; however, more research is needed on the potential effect on lipoproteins. There is insufficient information available about the effects of progestin-only contraception in this age group.
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