Contraception in >40 years old

Question 1

Is age a contraindication for any method of contraception?

Answer 1

No

(age alone doesn’t contraindicate any contraceptive method)

Question 2

(2) advantages of COCP in a perimenopausal period

Answer 2

• may help to maintain bone mineral density
• COCP use may help reduce menopausal symptoms

Question 3

The recommended dosage of COCP in women >40 y old

Answer 3

a pill containing < 30 µg ethinylestradiol may be more suitable for women > 40 years

Question 4

(2) disadvantages of the use of Depo Provera in women >40 y old

Answer 4

Depo-Provera

• potential delay in the return of fertility of up to 1 year for women > 40 years
• a small loss in bone mineral density which is usually recovered after discontinuation

Question 5

When to stop non-hormonal contraception in a woman:

• <50 years old
• > or = 50 years old

Answer 5

Question 6

When to stop COCP in a woman:

• <50 years old
• > or = 50 years old

Answer 6

Question 7

When to stop Depo-Provera in a woman:

• <50 years old
• > or = 50 years old

Answer 7

Question 8

When to stop implant, progesterone-only pill, IUS in a woman:

• <50 years old
• > or = 50 years old

Answer 8

Question 9

Can HRT alone be considered as a contraceptive method?

Answer 9

HRT cannot be relied upon for contraception so a separate method of contraception is needed

Question 10

Can we use the progesterone-only pill with HRT?

Answer 10

The POP may be be used with in conjunction with HRT as long as the HRT has a progestogen component

(i.e. the POP cannot be relied upon to ‘protect’ the endometrium)

Question 11

Can IUS provide a progesterone component to HRT?

Answer 11

IUS is licensed to provide the progestogen component of HRT