Contraceptive Awareness Week 2010 - 'Conceivable?'

The All Wales Sexual Health Network is supporting the fpa’s Contraceptive Awareness Week (8 – 14 February) which focuses on unplanned pregnancies in the over 35s.

Although fertility declines as women get older, there is no definite age at which fertility stops altogether – it differs for each woman. There is a general belief in the media and in the general public that fertility is a thing of the past once women have passed 35, and this year’s Contraceptive Awareness Week aims to address this misconception.

 

It is recommended that women continue to use contraception for a further year after their last spontaneous menstrual period if they are aged 50 years or over, and for a further two years if their last spontaneous menstrual period occurred whilst they were aged under 50 years.

 

There are many methods of contraception available for women over 35, and the best choice of contraception depends on the lifestyle and medical status of the particular individual. Therefore it is important that women aged over 35, and indeed women of all ages, discuss their options with a sexual health professional.

 

Contraceptive Awareness Week is managed and organised by fpa (formerly known as the Family Planning Association) and further details about this campaign can be found at http://www.fpa.org.uk/News/Campaigns/Conceivable