{"id":3839,"date":"2013-05-10T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2013-05-10T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/1millionbestdownloads.com\/condition-birth-control-the-grown-ups-guide-to-birth-control\/"},"modified":"2013-05-10T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2013-05-10T00:00:00","slug":"condition-birth-control-the-grown-ups-guide-to-birth-control","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/1millionbestdownloads.com\/condition-birth-control-the-grown-ups-guide-to-birth-control\/","title":{"rendered":"The Grown-Up's Guide to Birth Control"},"content":{"rendered":"
Levi Brown\/TrunkArchive.comIt's not your imagination: Picking the right birth control is more confusing at this age than ever. "There are more options for over-35 women now," says Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD, professor and associate chairman of OB\/GYN at the University of Florida College of Medicine—Jacksonville. Don't look at that as overwhelming—it means there's a method out there that's not only safe, but right for your life. We investigated them all to help you choose the very best way for you to go.<\/p>\n If you're done having kids—at least for now:<\/b> Intrauterine device (IUD) or implant.<\/b> Our experts love long-acting reversible contraception—namely an IUD or implant. Last year, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommended them over every other reversible contraception available. That's because they're nearly as effective as permanent birth control (i.e., getting your tubes tied), but you can remove them if you want to get pregnant, explains Deborah Nucatola, MD, senior director of medical services for Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Bonus if you're over 40: "As you approach menopause, you're more likely to have heavy periods, and the IUD can be useful in controlling the bleeding," Dr. Kaunitz explains. There are two types of IUDs:<\/p>\n The two types of implants are Nexplanon<\/b> and Implanon<\/b>, which go into your arm (you'll see a small bump under your skin). They're good for three years. Like the hormonal IUD, they release progestin. While these long-acting options are pricey at the outset, paying for the Pill over decades can cost just as much, or more. Cost: $500 to $1,000 for IUDs and $400 to $800 for implants.<\/p>\n The Pill.<\/b> Want to stay on it (or start)? No worries: As long as you're at a healthy weight, don't smoke, and don't suffer from high blood pressure<\/a>, diabetes, or migraines, you can safely take the combination estrogen\/progestin Pill until age 55, Dr. Kaunitz says. Same goes for the Patch and the Ring. Though all three methods slightly raise your risk of blood clots, that risk is still lower than your odds of clotting should you get pregnant, he points out.<\/p>\n Perks of the Pill: It can ease PMS symptoms and adult acne, reduce hot flashes, lower your risk for endometrial and ovarian cancer, and provide protection from osteoporosis. (And no, it doesn't raise your breast cancer<\/a> risk.) If you have health issues that make the combination pill risky, consider the progestin-only mini pill instead. Cost: $15 to $80 a month.<\/p>\n If you're single with an active sex life:<\/b><\/p>\n Condoms.<\/b> Unless you're in a mutually monogamous relationship, using these is the only way to protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Because a decline in estrogen as you age can dry you out, you may need extra lubrication—water-based, since oil-based lubes can damage condoms, Dr. Nucatola notes. (Don't rely on the rhythm method; irregular periods leading up to menopause make it unreliable.) Cost: About $1 each.<\/p>\n
What to pick when you're pretty<\/i> sure you're done with babymaking? Here's what doctors recommend in order of preference:<\/p>\n\n