Non-hormonal birth control is best if you are over 35 and smoke. Copper IUD, Condoms, Tubal ligation, and abstinence i think are the only non-hormonal ones. I dunno, is Nuvaring hormonal? Some of the other posters will probably know if it is.

I agree that non-hormonal is the safest. In addition to the ones silly listed, there is also natural family planning and spermicide.

I believe nuvaring is hormonal.

I hate thought about getting an IUD. Does anyone know of any negative side effects??

The copper IUD has no hormonal side effects, but I have heard from others that it can end up causing cramping and heavy bleeding. My midwife indicated to me, however, that this was more urban legend, and the technology has improved over the years.

Out of curiosity, have you contemplated quitting?

I was told today that since I am over 35 and occasionally have migraines (my diagnosis- they may just be regular "bad" headaches) that I could not be prescribed the pill any longer. I have been on it for years for the other positive benefits of clearer skin, not as many mood swings, no serious bleeding, cramping, etc...

I am most concerned about my skin which I have had problems with before the pill. I wonder if I am old enough now to not have to worry about the break outs or is my skin going to go crazy when I go off ?

Any others with this experience ?

I have definitely thought about quitting smoking.. That IS what you mean right?? lol If I was to quit would it then be safe to go on the pill?

The risk of stroke is always there for you on hormonal contraceptives, but it is dramatically increased if you smoke. You have an increased chance of having a stroke if you smoke and are not on hormonal contraceptives as well. I am not going to preach about smoking, because I was a horrible addict,and I know how hard it was to quit. But it increases many risks which aren't on cigarette labels. If you smoke you are at increased risk for

Osteoporosis
Degenerative disc disease of the spine
Stroke
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Periodontal or gum disease
Obviously cancer and emphysema
Bronchitis
Athsma
Kidney failure
Gangrene

I hope you can quit, but if you can't it doesn't make you a bad person. The cigarette companies are the bad people. I finally decided I wasn't going to pay them for slowly killing me anymore.