How can a clinician assess medical eligibility for contraceptive use by a woman aged over 40 years?
• A clinician should take a clinical history (including sexual history) to allow assessment of contraceptive options, taking account of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease and neoplasia, which increase with increasing age (Good Practice Point). Which contraceptive methods can be used by a woman aged over 40 years? • Women aged over 40 years can be advised that no contraceptive method is contraindicated by age alone (Grade C). • Women aged over 40 years should be advised of the risks and non-contraceptive benefits of all contraceptive methods (Grade C). Combined Hormonal Contraception • Women aged over 40 years can be advised that combined hormonal contraception can be used unless there are co-existing diseases or risk factors (Grade B). Risks Associated with Combined Hormonal Contraceptive Use Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease • Non-smokers at any age with no specific risk factors can be advised that they have no increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI) with combine
