I am 53-years-old, but still have occasional periods. Do I really have to still use contraception?

Answer:

The safest answer is yes! As long as you are still experiencing your period you can technically get pregnant. However at 53-years-old there are other factors working against you getting pregnant – namely low fertility. Keep in mind that you are only 100-percent in menopause when your periods have ceased for one full year – and no less. Any time before this, when you are still experiencing sporadic periods or even just spotting you are in perimenopause and pregnancies have been known to occur during this duration. As long as you are experiencing periods ovulation can still technically occur.  

If you are perimenopausal, don't smoke and are currently in a serious, monogamous relationship you can take a very low dose birth control pill. The birth control also benefits perimenopausal women because it doubles as an estrogen replacement. However, women who smoke, or those who have a family history of cardiovascular disease or high blood should seek a contraceptive method other then the pill – such as condoms.

Remember you are no longer at risk of pregnancy ONLY after one full year with no reoccurrence of your period. ONLY then can you can forget about birth control completely and safely enjoy unprotected sex with your male partner. Once you have fully entered the menopausal or post-menopausal stage, please use latex condoms during sex if you are not in a monogamous relationship. Only latex condoms will reduce your chances of contracting HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).