Contraception Options for Women Over 40: Recommendations and Counseling

Q-1What contraception options would you discuss and recommend for her and why?
When it comes to contraceptives, women in their 40s and over need something safe and effective
because their fertility tends to decline as they get older. Some women may experience premenopausal
symptoms that must be addressed with contraceptives. Even though the lady in this scenario is fit and
healthy, It may be difficult for her to remember to take an oral contraceptive pill regularly since she is a
working woman and mother of two children and has started a new relationship. There are 15 different
types of contraception currently available in the UK. The type that works best for a person will depend
on your health and circumstances. Given her age and social circumstances, I will offer her complete
information about all available methods of contraception but will encourage her to choose one that
suits her lifestyle.
According to the World Health Organization, copper intrauterine devices, progestin implants, and
sterilization are the most effective types of birth control. Long-term reversible contraception, such as an
IUD, is ideal for women over 40. (Healthline 2013).
What does a woman need to know about her chosen contraceptive method?
There is a need to discuss the effectiveness, risks and non-contraceptive benefits of all family planning
methods. It is very important for the woman to know about the chosen contraceptive methods as this
will help the woman in understanding all its risk and the benefits of using this contraceptive method. As
the benefits and risks of contraception for this population are different from those relevant to younger
women. Clinicians must also consider any treatments—medical or alternative—that the woman may be
using for premenopausal symptoms. (Findlay and Boog2018}
• How would you assist her in deciding on the best contraception method for her (what contraception
counseling tools could you use)?
Clinicians must consider A person's age, health, and lifestyle, as well as any repercussions when assisting
and deciding on the best contraception methods. The woman can be made aware about all the
contraceptive methods as this will help her in understanding the benefits as well as the risks of each
contraception and this will help her to choose the most effective and the appropriate options among
them. The contraception counseling can be defined as the common as well as the important interaction
between the patient and the clinicians. The woman can be made aware by using the different counseling
tools which states the adequate counseling regarding the risks as well as the side effects of the
contraception method.
The patient's preferences, comfort, awareness of menstrual cycle changes, and intention to get
pregnant must all be considered when recommending an effective method of contraception. (NHS.UK
2017). Doctors can utilize the UK Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (UKMEC) to determine
who can safely use contraceptive techniques. Using a contraceptive technique by women with specific
medical issues or personal traits is the subject of these evidence-based guidelines. (FSRH.org 2022),