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Best birth control for women over 30: Choosing the right option
Medically reviewed by
Daniel Atkinson, GP Clinical lead
Why does my age matter when it comes to contraception?
In general age doesn’t matter too much, just choose a method that is going to suit your lifestyle. Many women can confidently choose from various contraceptives without hesitation. However, for those with certain underlying medical conditions, the potential risks may outweigh the benefits. In such cases, your doctor may suggest avoiding specific contraceptive methods.
Women over the age of 30 often have more concrete family planning goals. Depending on your plans, the use of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) could be considered. Women also approaching perimenopause may find it beneficial to use contraceptive methods that facilitate a smoother transition into menopause.
Women between ages 30-34 years
Most women between the ages of 30-34 should be able to use the majority of contraceptives. But if you have certain medical conditions, your doctor might encourage you to avoid some options. For example, if you have a family history of breast cancer, then it’s advisable to avoid hormonal contraception.
Each type of contraceptive has its own benefits and disadvantages. For more detailed information, consult your healthcare provider.
Drospirenone/Ethinyl Estradiol
Drospirenone, Ethinyl EstradiolCombined pill you take in 28 day cycles, with a period-like bleed in the last four days. Low-dose version of Yasmin.
- Starting from $114.95
Seasonique
Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl EstradiolExtended cycle pill that comes in a larger pack.
- Starting from $294.95
Loestrin
Norethindrone Acetate and Ethinyl EstradiolThe combined pill with a low amount of estrogen. You can choose to take it with or without a pill-free break.
- Starting from $201.95
Women over the age of 35
If you are at risk of the following conditions, your doctor will likely avoid prescribing combined contraceptives, which contain estrogen:
- a stroke,
- ischemic heart disease,
- cardiovascular diseases.
This is because estrogen can elevate your risk of blood clot formation (thrombosis). This is also true for women who smoke 15 cigarettes a day, have a BMI over 35, or have high blood pressure (systolic value between 140 and 159 mm Hg or a diastolic value between 90 and 94 mm Hg).
You can discuss these risks with your healthcare provider, who will assess your medical history and suggest the most suitable option.
Women over the age of 40
As you get older, your options might become more limited, especially if you have any of the medical conditions mentioned in the previous section. But there are some things you can consider before choosing a contraceptive.
If you don’t want any children or any more children, sterilization might be a suitable option for you or your partner. Female sterilization is a permanent method of contraception that works by closing your fallopian tubes so the sperm can’t reach your eggs. While there are some reversible methods, the reversal process might not always be successful, so always discuss it with your doctor before going ahead.
Sterilization is considered one of the most reliable forms of contraception, with a very low chance of unintended pregnancy when performed and monitored appropriately. This is important to note as the risks of unintended pregnancy can be greater for older women than for younger women. On the other hand, there are other options to discuss with your doctor but they might have a lower efficacy rating.
Another factor to look at when considering a contraceptive is if you’re entering perimenopause. While most women enter perimenopause at the ages of 40-44, it can happen in your late 30s. Therefore choosing the right contraceptive may make your transition smoother. This might include estrogen-containing contraceptives. But it’s important to assess the pros and cons of each contraceptive, as estrogen-containing contraceptives can elevate the risk of blood clots and stroke in some people.
Additionally, some studies have found as women get older they tend to prefer convenient methods of contraceptives. Remembering to take the pill every day can be a hassle, or inserting the diaphragm can be uncomfortable. Therefore, options like implants which only need to be changed every three years might be more convenient.
What can I use if I want to get pregnant soon?
It may be advisable to avoid certain forms of contraception as they can delay the return of your fertility after you stop using them.
Other contraception choices are reversible, meaning they are less likely to impact your fertility once you stop using them. Speak to your healthcare provider to understand your options.
Women wanting non-hormonal birth control
There are three main types of non-hormonal birth control to choose from:
- Barrier methods, including male and female condoms. These work by preventing sperm from reaching the egg, and when used correctly, they are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy.
- Intrauterine Devices (IUDs), like the copper IUD. This type of IUD prevents pregnancy by creating an unsuitable environment for sperm to survive in.
- Natural methods, such as fertility awareness-based methods. These involve tracking ovulation and menstrual cycles to identify less fertile days. You would need to track vaginal mucus and temperature daily. If done correctly, it can be up to 99% effective. However, if you are close to menopause, your menstrual cycle and ovulation may be irregular, making it challenging to predict your least fertile days.
Non-hormonal methods often have little to no side effects. You might opt for a non-hormonal method if you have a risk of strokes, cardiovascular illness or even breast cancer. If you’ve had breast cancer, your doctor will likely advise against hormonal contraceptives as they can increase the risk of getting breast cancer again.
When can I stop taking contraceptives?
Once you reach menopause, you can stop using contraceptives while being reassured you won’t get pregnant. This typically occurs around the age of 51, but it can differ for each individual. Menopause marks the end of a woman’s fertile years and is usually defined as one year without having a period.
In certain cases, contraceptives should be stopped if the risk of taking them outweighs the benefits. The decision to stop contraceptives due to health reasons is usually made with your healthcare provider, who will assess your situation based on your medical and family history.
Do I need birth control at 50?
As mentioned, if you’ve reached menopause, you won’t need to take birth control as your chances of getting pregnant are slim to none. However, if you haven’t reached menopause, you can still get pregnant, so taking contraceptives can prevent this.
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