CONTRACEPTION DURING THE PERIMENOPAUSE
Dr Paula Moir answers common questions about contraception in perimenopause.
What?? Can I still get pregnant during perimenopause?
Yes! It’s less common, but until your ovaries switch off forever, you may still be ovulating, and it only takes 1 happy egg and sperm!
When can I stop worrying about this?
That depends on when your last period was, and how old you were when it happened. Contraception is recommended for at least 12 months after your final menstrual period [FMP]. If you were OVER 50, and it has been more than 12 months since your last period, contraception is no longer recommended.
If you were UNDER 50 when your final menstrual period occurred, contraception is recommended for 24 months.
What do you mean by contraception?
Contraception means something that prevents pregnancy. If you are not having sex, that is very effective contraception! If you are having sex (even if it’s not very often) contraception includes:
Long Acting but reversible – hormone containing IUD, contraceptive implant, copper bearing IUD
Medium Acting - Progestogen only injection or vaginal ring
Short acting - Combined oral contraceptive pill, progesterone only pill [“minipill”]
Barrier methods - Male condom, female condom, diaphragm
There are also emergency and permanent forms of contraception.
EEK! Doesn’t my hormone replacement (HRT) stop pregnancy?
No No No No No!
Can my hormonal contraception provide the benefits of HRT?
Yes. Some forms of contraception can be part of your HRT plan
Come in and chat about your contraceptive needs with a JUNO doctor. We can help you find a solution to your perimenopausal contraceptive needs
Call 03 9910 4004 or email hello@junospecialists.au
Appointments can be booked online using the link below.