What form of contraception is suitable for women over 35 who smoke?

I am 34 years old and on the pill. I am a smoker. I have been told by my doctor that if I continue to smoke I must come off the pill at 35. While I would like to give up smoking I’m wondering if there is any form of contraception I can continue on for the moment?

The minipill (or progesterone only pill or POP for short) does not contain oestrogen which is the hormone that increases the risk of clotting in smokers. The minipill is taken every day without a pill-free interval. The only disadvantage for some women is that it does not regulate the period, although some women find their periods stop on the minipill. Other alternatives are IUS/IUD or implants.