Pregnancy after age 50

[gypsy1]

I'm curious to know what symptoms could be expected in a pregnancy after the age of 50 in a peri-menopausal woman. Or if a woman experiencing light-to-no periods every other month or so should even expect that she could GET pregnant?  Between Oct. 2004-Oct. 2005 I had skipped a period every other month. Nov.-Dec. 2005 had regular 5-day periods. Jan-Feb-March 2006 were light-to-heavy periods, with bleeding about 7 days long and occasionally very heavy. April 2006 regular 5-day period. May, June, July, reg. 4-5 day periods. Aug, a 1-day period, starting with the usual breast tenderness and abdominal cramping, then a bit of bleeding, then nothing. Over in 1 day.  Sept, Oct no periods at all.  Am experiencing no symptoms of pregnancy, but I don't know whether to worry about it or not. I'm not using any birth control because my OB/GYN won't prescribe the pill and tells me to use condoms. My guy won't use condoms. I occasionally use these "spermacide sheets" I pick up in Wal-Mart, but most of the time we don't use anything at all. I'm also annoyed that my OB/GYN, whom I've had for over 20 yrs, tells me to just use condoms and spermacide. I don't know whether to push the birth control issue or ignore it because of menopause coming up. How do I know whether I'm ovulating or not with no periods? How do I know whether I should worry about pregnancy or not with these odd periods I'm getting, or not getting, as the case may be?

[AnnieBrooke]

I would say it is pretty unlikely that you would get and stay pregnant, because you are dealing with 50+ year old eggs that won't have the viabilty of when you were younger.  Your doc shouldn't be so casual even so, if you are concerned about ovulation you should test a couple of months by charting your temps.  It is indeed possible to ovulate when you are perimenopausal; you aren't menopausal because you still have some eggs left.  The periods you do have come after the ovulation, most likely.  It is probably even possible to have a healthy pregnancy (with your own egg) and if you don't want to risk that, you do need information.  Good luck temping!

[siren of the sea]

this must be horribly frustrating. my mom is 56 and still having periods here and there. she is single so pg isnt a concern, but the dr said her eggs couldnt produce a baby. but that is what her dr said, another might say different. one thing that concerns me is you said your guy wont wear condoms. i think protection is a 2 way street. i would think if pregnancy is of concern id say wear it. i dont have any advice to offer other than to let your other know how important this issue is to you. maybe consider a second opinion.

[sk2006a]

you aren't considered menopausal until you've gone one year without your period.  you can get pregnant during perimenopause.  it's tricky since your periods are no longer regular.  i hope you can convince your doctor to take your b/c issues seriously.  good luck :)

[Jules_za]

Ask your guy if he is prepared to be a father at his age. If he says no, then its a condom or no sex.

[lucylocket2]

My mil did the same thing your doin. She finally stopped having a pd after about a year. I know your miserable. She was. She was also very hard to be around. VERY MOODY!!!  I think the doctor can give you something for it. I would go check with him/her. Good luck!!