Contraception and sexual health in women over 40

Abstract

Effective contraception is needed until women reach the menopause. Contraceptive choices can be problematic in women over 40 years old as the risk of comorbidities increases. Sarah Kipps discusses. A woman's fertility declines as they get older. Despite this, contraception is advised until women become postmenopausal. Contraception can be problematic in women over the age of 40 years as their risk of other morbidities increases. Contraception can be stopped in women over 50 years old if their periods have stopped for 1 year and under 50 years old if their periods have stopped for 2 years. In women using contraception that affects periods, health professionals can assess menopausal symptoms. Follicle-stimulating hormone may be a useful measure in some cases. Women can be advised that contraception can be stopped at the age of 55 years. Women over the age of 40 years are still at risk of sexually transmitted infections and the incidence in this age group is increasing. Perimenopausal women can also suffer from vulvo-vaginal atrophy and sexual dysfunction. Health professionals should be prepared to discuss this at consultation.