How to Avoid Pregnancy After 40 Years Old

Once a woman reaches menopause, her menstrual cycle stops, signaling the end of her childbearing years. However, this occurs around the age of 50, so a woman still risks getting pregnant in her 40s. If you have decided that you do not want to raise children after you turn 40, you must take careful steps in order to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. There are a few ways you can accomplish this, but make sure you talk to your doctor to fully understand them.

Instructions

• 1

  Discuss your concerns with your doctor. Your gynecologist or primary care physician can evaluate you through a complete physical. Ask him what birth control method is right for you. Inform him of any medical conditions or supplements you might be taking to avoid any adverse interactions. Some birth control methods might interfere with medications for blood clots or heart disease.

• 2

  Undergo surgery if you are positive you do not want children after you reach 40 years of age. Surgical sterilization is an option for you or your partner. In females, the tubes are tied, burned or replaced with implants to prevent an egg from traveling through them. In males, the doctor blocks the vas deferens, which carries the sperm from the testicles outward. If the surgery is completed successfully, when a male ejaculates, no sperm will be present.

• 3

  Opt for a daily birth control pill if you feel certain that you will remember to take it at the same time every day. If you miss a dose, follow the instructions on the package to get back on schedule, as any missed pills might increase the chance of pregnancy.

• 4

  Ask your doctor about other birth control options if you are not sure if you will remember to take a pill every day. Patches, rings, shots or IUDs are all methods of birth control that have varying directions for use. The patch and ring are used for three weeks and then one week without. An IUD can be kept in for up to five years if hormonal, or up to 10 years if non-hormonal. Discuss these methods and how often you need them with your doctor.

• 5

  Research other methods that are used only when you have sexual intercourse. Cervical caps, diaphragms or contraceptive sponges are inserted before intercourse begins. Ask your doctor if one of these methods is right for you and schedule a visit to be fitted with it. Remember to leave the device in for at least eight hours after intercourse is over. Use a new device every time.

• 6

  Know the signs of ovulation and watch for changes. Ovulation can bring on changes in cervical mucus so avoid intercourse when it resembles the consistency of egg whites.