Some practical points
Some practical points
Contraception – when to stop
Fertility declines during the perimenopause and pregnancy is unlikely but still possible. Contraception should be continued for two years after the last menstrual period in women younger than 50 years of age, and for one year if over 50 years of age. In general, all women can stop contraception at the age of 55 years. Women who are fitted with a copper intrauterine device can continue with this until after the menopause.
Guidance from the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare is to advise about condom use and protection from sexually transmitted infections even if contraception is no longer required.
The pill
Combined hormonal contraception can be used in eligible women under 50 years of age as an alternative to HRT for relief of menopausal symptoms and prevention of loss of bone mineral density. Women should be advised to switch to a progestogen-only method of contraception at 50 years, if needed. They can continue to take this alongside hormone replacement therapy (HRT).