IUD Removal at 50!

Midlife Journal

Mar 5

Well… today was the day—I finally had my IUD removed after nine years (oops, one year past its expiration). As I lay on the exam table, feet in stirrups, gown draped over my lower half, I casually asked my doctor, “So, what are the chances of getting pregnant at 50?” Her response? “Extremely unlikely, but not impossible.” Naturally, I needed more clarity, so I asked, “Are we talking miracle-level rare? Like, more likely to be struck by lightning?” She laughed and gave me a solid “Yes!” And just like that—I'm almost officially worry-free when it comes to pregnancy!

But, to be honest, I wasn’t expecting the mix of emotions that hit me afterward. On one hand, I feel relieved—no more false sense of security from an expired IUD, no more “what if” pregnancy scares. But on the other, realizing that the door to having another child has pretty much closed stirred up some unexpected feelings. As a 50-year-old grandmother, I definitely don’t want more kids, but knowing it’s no longer an option is still something to process. For the past decade, my biggest pregnancy concerns were tied to my teenage son becoming a father—not me! But now, being in an incredible, healthy relationship, this shift feels… significant.

That said, let’s talk about the real silver lining—I can now have completely carefree, uninhibited sex without any pre-menopause “oh sh*t, I missed my period” anxiety. And let me tell you—it’s f’ing fantastic! 🤩 My partner and I recently made a little trip to She Bop (highly recommend!) and picked up some fun additions to our intimate life: the iroha+ KUSHI and Romp Wave. Both are small, discreet, aesthetically pleasing, and—most importantly—fun and effective. Because while my libido is still strong at 50, sometimes a little extra vibration is the perfect touch. And let’s be real, these are must-haves for any overnight bag… because you never know when you might want to turn up the vibe! 😉

Midlife Fertility & Other Info

This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.

Chance of pregnancy by age

40–44: Up to 20% of women who don't use contraception and have regular sex will become pregnant
45–50: The chances are more like 10%
Over 50: The chance of pregnancy is significantly lower

Midlife Estrogen Levels

Estrogen levels drop during menopause, which can lead to decreased libido and vaginal dryness, making sex uncomfortable for some women. However, many still enjoy satisfying intimacy during and after menopause (Mayo Clinic, n.d.).

During midlife, particularly around menopause, estrogen levels undergo significant changes that impact various aspects of health:

Estrogen Fluctuations and Migraines: Erratic estrogen levels during perimenopause can worsen migraine symptoms, which may stabilize post-menopause. VeryWellHealth
Estrogen's Role in Menopause Symptoms: The decline in estrogen levels during menopause is associated with symptoms such as hot flashes, sleeping disturbances, decreased bone health, and changes in the genitourinary system. Wikipedia
Estrogen and Cognitive Health: Recent studies suggest that menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats could indicate a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia, underscoring estrogen's role in brain health. NYPost.com
Estrogen and Vaginal Health: Lower estrogen levels can lead to vaginal dryness and thinning of the vaginal epithelium, resulting in discomfort or pain during intercourse. Wikipedia

Understanding these changes can help in managing symptoms and maintaining overall health during midlife.

Hot Flash Article: Turning Up the Heat: How to Own Your Personal Summers and Thrive in Midlife

Recent Insights on Menopause and Health

time.com - Can You Actually Delay Menopause? (today)
nypost.com - What your menopause symptoms could tell you about your dementia risk (today)
people.com - Halle Berry Says Perimenopause Made Sex Feel like 'Razor Blades' (5 days ago)

Resources

Inito. (n.d.). Chances of getting pregnant by age: Fertility decline explained. Retrieved from https://blog.inito.com/chances-of-getting-pregnant-by-age/

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Low sex drive in women: Symptoms & causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-sex-drive-in-women/symptoms-causes/syc-20374554

Verywell Health. (n.d.). Causes of migraine symptoms in females. Retrieved from https://www.verywellhealth.com/causes-of-migraine-symptoms-in-females-8784414

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Hypoestrogenism. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypoestrogenism

New York Post. (n.d.). What your menopause symptoms could tell you about your dementia risk. Retrieved from https://nypost.com/2025/03/05/health/what-your-menopause-symptoms-could-tell-you-about-your-dementia-risk

I ❤️ Your Comments

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xo, ChaCha