Pregnancy Possible Age 48?

  I'm 48 years old, still having clockwork periods. I checked for normal cycle using basal thermometer, and it's still the same pattern as in my 30's. I can't take pills (migraines + stroke family history) or use IUD (abnormal bleeding).
  I'm presently using a combination of condoms and timing. We dislike the condoms!
  My questions: How likely is it that I would really become pregnant at this age? Wouldn't tubal ligation be killing a mouse with an atom bomb? What would you suggest for contraception?
  Thanks!
____________________
Dear Candace
There is no question that you still have the potential to get pregnant.
Although fertility does decrease as a women ages, your regular periods and
temperature rise on BBT suggest that you are till ovulating.
With regards to contraception, your options would include several things you
already mentioned:
-tubal ligation would involve a laparoscopic surgical procedure (outpatient)
-male sterilization (15 to 20 minute office procedure, local aneshetic only)
**If tubal ligation is like an "atom bomb"--vasectomy is like a "hand grenade"
-barrier methods:diaphragm or cervical cap (my suspicion is that based on
your dislike of condoms this may not be best for you)
-progestin-only hormonal: You may want to consider depo-provera or the
micronor "mini-pill". Although cycles can be irregular with these methods,
the side effects you listed are due to estrogen and I would not expect a
progestin only method to cause problems.
Hope this helps.

[cougar48]

A related discussion, menopausel/pregnacy? was started.