sexual knowledge

During menopause, menstruation becomes irregular. Sometimes months pass between cycles. In such a situation, women do not know if they can get pregnant? Should I stop using protection or continue?

The answer is : even if you have light bleeding after 11 months, you should start counting cycles again and use protection. Only with the complete absence of menstruation for 12 months can unwanted pregnancy be excluded during unprotected intercourse.

The amount of bleeding doesn't matter. In the menopause phase, that is, in most women between the ages of 45 and 55, the cycle is often irregular. Some people bleed frequently, heavily, while others bleed infrequently and lightly. But any bleeding can be associated with ovulation, which means the possibility of conception. Of course, its probability is much lower than that of a 25-35-year-old woman, but it exists. On the other hand, the risk of complications increases with age. Women who get pregnant during menopause are more likely to have miscarriages.

The question of contraception is still relevant. Condoms, of course, remain the easiest means. Another method of contraception for men is ligation (vasectomy). In most cases, it requires a mostly painless, uncomplicated procedure that does not adversely affect erectile function and sex life.

It is better not to use hormonal contraception

With regard to female contraceptives, experts advise women during menopause to refrain from hormonal contraceptive methods, such as taking pills, because they increase the risk of thrombosis and the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases.

In most cases, gynecologists recommend using a spiral. Not a hormonal spiral, because a hormonal one often leads to a lack of periods, which can be misinterpreted as an excuse to have unprotected sex. It is better to choose a copper spiral. This is a purely mechanical contraceptive. The copper coil prevents the introduction of a fertilized egg into the uterus, making pregnancy impossible. Another advantage of the copper coil is that it does not affect the natural cycle, i.e. it is possible to determine the real fluctuations of the cycle.

Copper coil: earlier removal possible

Coils are usually used for 5 years, but as part of a simple outpatient procedure, the copper coil can be easily removed earlier if there has been no period for 12 months.