46 & want to go off the pill
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| Wed, 04-11-2007 - 3:14pm |
Hi,
I am 46 years old and have been on the pill for over 25 years. I am seeing my Dr next month for a gyno exam and will discuss all this with her then, but I thought I'd get some guidance here, either in the form of answers, or questions I could ask my Dr.
I want to go off the pill and was wondering what my odds are of getting pregnant if I do not use any type of birth control. I want to give my body a rest from any type of birth control, but also do not want to find myself pregnant. I have an active sex life and figured that would increase the odds.
I can't imagine that at 46 my eggs are still any good. I have been taking the pill non stop (with Dr's permission and blessings) for about a year now, to avoid the bother of a period. It's been great, except I don't even know if I even still do get a period and how regular they would be. Before I went on the pill my periods were always very regular.
Any light anyone can shed on this would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!

I'm 36:) I'm interested to see how you are advised.
Holly
Hi lovinsummer, welcome!
Jill
A couple of years ago, at age 38 I saw my regular family practioner for a physical. He asked what type of birth control I was using. I told him I was charting my cycles and using NFP. He told me the little joke about what do you call a couple who uses that? Parents. Yeah, I got pregnant next month. I got pregnant with my last 3 pregnancies (1 mc) at age 35, 36, 38. My mom went through menopause in her early 40s, my sister is 47 and is hoping to finish up her year so she can say she's there. I am apparently very fertile. Those eggs can still be good, I have 2 very healthy children to prove it. Chances are less as you get older, but are you willing to live with the possibility of a baby?
I had the copper IUD placed last September (I hadn't had a period in months). I didn't really like it for a few months. I now am very glad I have it. I had baby fever (again) when I had it placed. Especially wanted a boy (I've got all girls, 4, yikes). At this point, I've got arthritis kicking in and I'm very glad I had it done when I did. I think my periods are back to what they were after having last baby and bfeeding. I don't even know the IUD is there, DH doesn't feel it and life is wonderful. It's good for 10 years, which should get me through menopause with my family history. I was very concerned about the increase in cramping and bleeding that is mentioned everywhere with the copper IUD, but I think I'm back pretty close to my normal cycle. I wanted to be hormone free, and didn't like the idea of the Mirena causing me to lose my cycles and never knowing if I had passed menopause.
Best wishes in what you decide.
Sallie