Would you bother replacing a coil at 47?

[Twistynickers]

I had a copper coil put in 5 years ago after my Ds was born.

Given that the probability of getting pregnant is very low. Is it worth the bother to replace it. Or should I just keep it until I go through the menopause?

My mother went through it in her early 50s. So guess I have another 5 to 6 years to go.

Oh ...... My Ds was born after the first try of IVF. No identifed reason, but since we had been trying for 6 months and I was 41 we thought we had better just get on with it and have IVF.

What would you do?

[AuntieStella]

It depends on whether a late surprise baby would be a catastrophe for you.

The guidelines say you can abandon contraceptions safely only after two years with no period if you are under 50, or one year if over 50.

[navada]

I'm 49 & haven't used contraception for the past 8 years - no pregnancies despite regular sex. ( I have children & got pregnant very easily, but that was in my 20's & 30's )

I personally wouldn't bother.

[scaevola]

If you google, you'll find doctors commenting on celeb pregnancies at age 47 and saying that natural conception at that age is so rare that it must have been assisted. But the NHS guidelines do say 2 years with no periods if you're under 50.

It's up to you how you play these odds, in light of how you would react if you did conceive.

[chickenfactory]

My mums friend had her first at 52, late marriage and thought they couldn't have any/left it too late. As others have said depends how you'd feel if you did get pregnant. she's knackered

[Doilooklikeatourist]

I had a new coil at age 47 , I'm to keep it in for 7 years , not 5 this time , then I'll be old enough not to need contraception any more . ( so I was told at the clinic )

[Twistynickers]

Tourist ...... Health care professionals have such a lovely way of expressing things sometimes!

Thanks for all your comments. We certainly do not want anymore, hence the coil following IVF. it was not a risk I wanted to take.

So perhaps I should get another one for tourist has.

[NowIncognito]

Hi Twisty

Guidelines for family planning doctors/nurses state that:

"After counselling (about declining fertility, risks
associated with insertion and contraceptive
efficacy) women who have a Cu-IUD inserted at
the age of 40 years or over can retain the device
for 1 year after the last menstrual period if aged
over 50 years (or 2 years if under 50 years)
or until contraception is no longer required."

• so no need to replace now, you can keep it until after your menopause.
  

Several CuIUDs are licensed for 10 years' use anyway - do you know which brand you have in?