birth control at 51
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birth control at 51
| Wed, 10-20-2004 - 2:59pm |
I have been widowed for 2 years. My husband had a vasectomy so I did not have to worry about birth control for the last 20 years. However, I am in a new relationship and my OB/Gyn nurse practicioner suggested using the vaginal ring. I am not menopausal yet. Is this a good option? Is anyone in a similar situation? I am 51 years old. Thank you.

There are many women on this board that use the ring and absolutely love it. A few didn`t, but the majority seem to sing it`s praises. It`s a simple method of birth control - you only have to think about it twice a month: once to put it in and once to take it out three weeks later. Then you have your period on the ring-free week and put another ring before no more than 7 days. It`s the lowest dose of hormones on the market, so many feel that it`s safer. It`s also just as effective as the pill without all of the hassle!
Hope this helps some!
Hi pamil2004, welcome!
I agree with the other poster, lots of members here love the ring, but it isn’t for everyone. If you haven't visited the NuvaRing site: http://www.nuvaring.com/Consumer/index.asp you should, you can get a voucher for a free ring. If you give NuvaRing a try let us know how you like it, ok?
Good luck,
Jill
For you it might be a great idea--my understanding is that doctors who are prescribing birth control pills for their in-between patients (between children and menopause) are trying to go with the lowest estrogen doses possible and Nuvaring certainly fits that bill. Most birth control pills contain 30mcg of estrogen, some have 25 or 20, but Nuvaring only has 15, the lowest dose on the US market.
I'm a big fan of the ring, I'll have been using it for two years in December. It couldn't be more convenient, then again I haven't had any problems with side effects! If you're interested, you may be able to get a sample from your doctor so it doesn't cost you anything to try it out, if you don't like it, you can keep using whatever you're using until you find something you like.
And I hate to bring this up, but considering that you're in a new relationship.... STD's aren't just a plague of the college kids. ;) If your partner (I'm assuming he's had other partners in his life) hasn't done so recently, you might make sure he's gotten tested before you bail out on using condoms. I know condoms don't seem very sophisticated at your stage of life, but they're still important, you know?
Good luck! I hope things go well for you!
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