Menopause& Contraception. Your Questions Answered by our Internal Specialist, Dr. Mera.

Women are often tempted to (and frequently do!) abandon contraception before their periods stop completely. Although fertility at this stage of life is low, it is not zero. An unplanned pregnancy at an older age can be devastating for the individual woman and can present difficult choices. Healthcare professionals therefore recommend that women continue contraception until there is no further chance of ovulation and risk of pregnancy. Women in their late reproductive years may also have heavy, irregular or painful periods which must be taken into account when choosing a method of contraception. Many women around this stage of life will also be thinking about whether or not they wish to start hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

When to stop contraception

The general rules are to continue contraception for:

• One more year following the last spontaneous menstrual period if aged 50 years or over
• Two more years following the last spontaneous menstrual period if aged under 50 years