“Even though menstrual cycles become irregular or even stop, women in perimenopause can still get pregnant unless they have taken steps not to get pregnant”.¹

Umbrella
What may the Menopause and Pregnancy Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

Perimenopause

What is the possibility of pregnancy during perimenopause?

In Menopause FAQs: An Introduction To Menopause – Q. Now that my periods have stopped, can I discontinue contraceptives? the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) elaborate on:

“A. Even though menstrual cycles become irregular or even stop, women in perimenopause can still get pregnant unless they have taken steps not to get pregnant. It’s advisable to use birth control until 1 year after the final menstrual period”.²

In Sex & Relationships: Managing Contraception During Menopause the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) elaborate on:

“…the fertility of individual women is extremely variable. Perimenopausal women can ovulate twice within one cycle, and women can still ovulate up to three months before their final period, so contraception remains an important consideration”.³

Pregnancy 45-49 Years

What is the possibility of pregnancy in women 45-49 years?

In Sex & Relationships: Managing Contraception During Menopause the JH elaborate on:

“The possibility of pregnancy in women 45-49 years is estimated to be 2-3% per year”.⁴

Pregnancy After Age 50

What is the possibility of pregnancy in women after age 50?

In Sex & Relationships: Managing Contraception During Menopause the JH elaborate on:

“After the age of 50, it is less than 1%”.⁵

Contraception Younger Than Age 50

When may women younger than age 50, stop using contraception?

In Sex & Relationships: Managing Contraception During Menopause – When Is It Safe To Stop Contraception? the JH elaborate on:

“For women younger than 50, contraception is recommended for at least two years after the final period”.⁶

Contraception Age 50 and Above

When may women age 50 and above, stop using contraception?

In Sex & Relationships: Managing Contraception During Menopause – When Is It Safe To Stop Contraception? the JH elaborate on:

“For women 50 and older, contraception is recommended for at least one year after the final period”.⁷

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) a method of contraceptive?

No. In Contraception for the Older Woman: Hormone Replacement Therapy the British Women’s Health Concern note:

“It is important to realise that HRT is not a method of contraception”.⁸

Condoms

What is the only form of birth control to provide some protection against sexually transmitted infections?

The NAMS remind us:

“Remember that only one form of birth control—condom use—provides some protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections”.⁹

Female Condoms

Are female condoms available?

DotC (Depending on the Country) they may be. In Female Condom the (United States) Mayo Clinic provide an image of and explain female condoms.

In Your Contraceptive Guide: Female Condoms the NHS also provide an image of and explain female condoms.

Emergency Contraception

Is emergency contraception available?

DotC emergency contraception may be available. For the United States in Emergency Contraception: FAQs the American College of Gynecologists answer questions about emergency contraception.

For Australia, in Contraception: Key Points the AMS explain:

“Women should be informed about the availability of the Emergency Contraceptive Pill without a prescription at pharmacies and its effectiveness up to 96 hours after unprotected intercourse”.¹⁰

Health Care Provider

What if I would like to find out about suitable contraceptive options?

If you would like to find out about suitable contraceptive options, it may be your best interest choose to talk to your health care provider about this. The JH explain:

“It is important to carefully consider your contraception options, as there are many different types available. It is a personal choice, but it is best to have a discussion with your doctor to help work out what is the most appropriate option for you”.¹¹

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Topic Last Updated: 04 September 2021 – Topic Last Reviewed: 24 August 2021