Birth Control for Women Over 30

Implant
Who can try it: Women looking for no-fuss, long-term (three years) contraception, or those who aren’t a fit for the combo Pill. A matchstick-size plastic rod—called “Implanon”—is inserted in your upper arm, where it releases progestin to suppress ovulation. Effectiveness? Nearly 100%. Your insurer may cover the $400-to-$800 cost.
Who should avoid it: If you take the herb St. Johns wort or are significantly overweight, be warned: Implanon may not work as well for you.

Condoms
Who can try it: Women 40 and older who aren’t monogamous and haven’t finished menopause. Unlike other forms of birth control, condoms protect against most STDs and HIV, and are up to 98% effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly. This method also is an easy (and cheap) choice if you’re not all that busy in bed.
Who should avoid it: If you’re younger than 40, condoms simply aren’t the most foolproof pregnancy-protection, unless they’re paired with another contraceptive (such as the Pill or an IUD).

Sterilization
Who can try it: Women older than 35 who are done having kids but OK with having a period. There are two kinds of permanent sterilization. Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure in which the Fallopian tubes are blocked by an incision, clamp, or cauterization. And a newer option—called “Essure”—is less-invasive and involves the placement of a small metal insert to obstruct the Fallopian tubes. After either procedure, you might feel tired, bloated, nauseous, or gassy for a few days, but the discomfort shouldn’t be severe. And no evidence suggests that sterilization hastens menopause, experts say. Price tag: $1,400 to $6,000; insurance generally covers it.
Who should avoid it: Ask yourself some hard questions: If you remarried or lost your only child, would you want the option to have another? If you’re not 100% sure, a long-term, reversible method such as an IUD may be better. And it’s OK if you simply don’t like the idea of being “sterile,” Dr. Kaunitz says: “It’s very human and very normal.” But it’s reassuring to know you have other good options.

The plan B option
Plan B—emergency contraception—uses a high dose of progestin to halt ovulation or fertilization, or prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterus. It’s designed as a backup if you forget to take your oral contraception, have a condom malfunction, or fear an unwanted pregnancy for another reason. “It does not end a pregnancy or cause spontaneous abortion,” says Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Florida College of Medicine at Jacksonville. Like other birth control, Plan B prevents pregnancy.

Although it’s called “the morning-after pill,” Plan B is effective up to five days after intercourse. The sooner it’s started, the more effective it will be. A full dose (two pills) costs $20 to $50 and is available for those 17 and up, without prescription at the pharmacy counter of most drugstores. The pills are good for up to two years.