CONTRACEPTION IN ELDERLY WOMEN

Counselling elderly women for their contraceptive needs can be challenging but also very worthwhile. Unwanted pregnancies in this older age group can be psychologically distressing and socially devastating. Additionaly, there is a higher risk of serious pregnancy-related complications. The challenge to provide contraception for women in their later reproductive years often coincides with menstrual dysfunction, the onset of menopausal symptoms and an increasing incidence of underlying medical conditions. While menstrual, menopausal and medical problems are more common in this age group, the non-contraceptive benefits of different methods offer the opportunity of a therapeutic option to treat these issues. This is also an excellent opportunity to mention health and lifestyle factors (protection from sexually transmitted infections, smoking cessation, exercise levels and dietary improvements).