Thread: Birth control options

Hi, I'm a male, I hope that's not a problem. We're allowed in here I hope.

Anyway, here is my story.

I'm a 39 year old male with no children. My girlfriend is almost 37 and is a regular smoker and has been for well over a decade.

The issue of birth control is starting to become a problem for us.

We both dislike using condoms, she claims using them often gives her thrush. I dislike them as they reduce sensation.

She is pushing me to get a vasectomy because she is sure she doesn't want any children and I am fairly sure (not definitely sure). The reason she doesn't want to get on the pill is because she has heard that if you are over 35 and a smoker you have an increased risk of having a stroke.

I went to the doctor earlier today and he claimed that if I told the surgeon what I told him he probably wouldn't perform a vasectomy on me as it is for men who have had children and are certain they do not want any more. He said that my girlfriends concerns about increased risk for a stroke are based on studies conducted when contraceptive pills were up to 70% estrogen and even then the risk was negligible. He said some pills are now only 10% and there are contraceptives that don't have estrogen but progesterone or something.

So I guess my questions are:

• Should my girlfriend be concerned about an increased risk of a stroke if she starts using contraceptives being over 35 and a smoker?
• What are the different female contraceptives and would there be a particular one that is more suited to her situation?

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks!