As you grow older, your birth control choices are continuously influenced by your changing life styles and medical history. It is important to know which birth control option is suitable at what age.
What is the best time to start a birth control method?
Any women who reach to child bearing age, which is 13-16 most commonly, may start using contraception.
You can opt for any one of the two types of birth control methods i.e. hormonal and non-hormonal. However, it is necessary to consult your doctor before choosing any contraceptive method at specific age.
Birth control at teenage
Younger adults have unrestricted choice between all types of birth control methods. However, most of the women in their teenage prefer long-acting and reversible contraceptive methods which include:
- Intrauterine system (IUS)- it’s a T-shaped device, place in the uterus and releases hormone progesterone to prevent pregnancy. It is operative for five years, and can be removed earlier if you want to resume your pregnancy.
- Intrauterine device (IUD)- it is a copper coil placed in the uterus. This is highly effective, non-hormonal method which remain active for 10 years and avert pregnancy.
- The injection– it releases progesterone and lasts for 8-12 weeks.
- The implant- it is a tiny rod that is implanted under your arm and releases hormone progesterone.
Birth control from age 21 to 30
It is the age when your life is going towards stability means you plan your marriage and family. So, mostly women prefer short acting contraception methods like pills, patch and ring, that can be reversed at any time. However, long-acting options like IUS and implants are also utilized by the women of age 20s and 30s.
Birth control methods for women over age 40
If you don’t feel any side effects of hormonal and non-hormonal birth control methods, you may continue your preferred contraception option. However, it is recommended in this age to avoid oestrogen containing contraceptives, especially those with a history of blood clotting, high blood pressure and breast ccancer.
Birth control for menopausal women
If you are over 50 and think that you have undergone a menopause, you cannot rule out the chances of pregnancy.
Continue using your desired method of contraception, even in the age of 50 years, because you may conceive even if your periods have been completely ceased.
Whatever your age is, you must consider consultation with your doctor and discuss which type of contraception is best for you. You may get good awareness about different methods by reading our articles, like contraception options and which contraceptive pill is best for me?
Read our blog here ‘Your complete guide to contraception’ or you can request your contraceptive pill here
References