Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 28, 2026
03:30
Author Spotlight: Advancing Pelvic Prolapse Treatment with a Non-Mesh Approach using Laparoscopic Pectopexy
Published on: October 25, 2024
2.8K
Contraception for midlife women.
Rebecca H Allen1, Carrie A Cwiak
11Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 2Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA.
Menopause (New York, N.Y.)
|December 17, 2015
Summary
Women of older reproductive age should use contraception until menopause to prevent unintended pregnancies. Pregnancy in older women poses increased health risks for both mother and fetus due to age and existing medical conditions.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Geriatric Medicine
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Fertility naturally declines with age.
- Older women face increased risks during pregnancy.
- Comorbidities like hypertension and diabetes are common in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the importance of contraception for older women.
- To highlight risks associated with pregnancy in advanced reproductive age.
- To advocate for comprehensive contraceptive care in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on reproductive-aged women and contraception.
- Analysis of health risks associated with advanced maternal age.
- Examination of comorbid conditions impacting pregnancy outcomes.
Main Results:
- Contraception is recommended for women of older reproductive age not desiring pregnancy.
- Pregnancy in older women is linked to elevated maternal and fetal adverse outcomes.
- Age and pre-existing conditions exacerbate pregnancy risks.
Conclusions:
- Contraceptive use is crucial for women approaching menopause.
- Preventing unintended pregnancies in older women mitigates significant health risks.
- Targeted contraceptive counseling and provision are essential for this population.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Birth Control Methods
7.3K
Vasectomy is a surgical form of male sterilization that involves severing and sealing the vasa deferentia, preventing sperm from mixing with semen during ejaculation. Because a vasectomy does not impact the testes' ability to produce testosterone, hormone levels, libido, and sexual function generally remain unchanged. While vasectomy is highly effective in preventing pregnancy, with a success rate near 99.85%, rare cases of recanalization (spontaneous reconnection) can occur. Although...
7.3K
01:21Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems
127
Controlled-release systems for intravaginal and intrauterine drug delivery have been developed primarily for the administration of contraceptive steroid hormones. These delivery routes circumvent first-pass hepatic metabolism, thereby enhancing bioavailability and allowing for reduced systemic dosages compared to oral administration. Such approaches contribute to improved therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance, particularly in long-term contraceptive regimens.Intravaginal Drug Delivery...
127
01:28Menopause
5.1K
Menopause, a natural biological process marking the end of a woman's fertility, typically occurs between the fifth and sixth decade of life. This phase is characterized by the exhaustion of the ovarian follicle pool, leading to less responsive ovaries despite the high levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). The consequential decrease in estrogen production results in symptoms like hot flashes, heavy sweating, headaches, hair loss, muscle pains, vaginal...
5.1K
01:28Infertility in Females
5.0K
Female infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse and affects about 10–15% of couples worldwide. The primary cause of female infertility is ovulatory disorders, which hinder the release of eggs. These disorders can be classified as hypothalamic amenorrhea, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure, and hyperprolactinemic anovulation disorders.
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of...
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of...
5.0K
01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
2.3K
The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH...
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH...
2.3K
01:30Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
7.6K
The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
7.6K