Birth Control During Perimenopause
Although fertility decreases as perimenopause progresses, it’s believed that women can become pregnant up to one year after their last period. Therefore, it is necessary to continue to practice birth control to prevent unwanted pregnancy during perimenopause.
There are many options to choose from. Consult with your medical provider if you need help deciding which is best for you.
Condoms
Male condom - a sheath placed over the erect penis before penetration, preventing pregnancy by blocking the passage of sperm.
Female condom - a lubricated polyurethane sheath shaped similarly to the male condom. The closed end is inserted into the vagina. The open end remains outside the vagina, partially covering the labia.
Spermicides
A jelly, cream or foam that immoblizes or destroys sperm.
Birth Control Pills
Oral hormone contraceptives contain lose doses of hormones that supress ovulation.
Injections
Depo-Provera is a hormone shot that is given every 13 weeks to prevent pregancy.
Skin Patches
Pregancy-preventing hormones that are delivered through a patch that adheres to the skin and is changed weekly.
Vaginal Rings
A flexible ring placed in the vagina each month, which releases a steady dose of hormones to prevent pregancy.
Diaphrams
A dome-shaped rubber disk with a flexible rim that covers the cervix to prevent sperm from reaching the uterus. It must be used in conjunction with spermicide cream or jelly as an extra precaution. Diaphrams are only available by prescription, since they need to be individuallysized.
Intrauterine Devices (IUD)<br />
A device postitioned inside the uterus to prevent contraception by disrupting the uterine environment. Most IUDs are non-hormonal methods of birth control; however the Mirena IUD and Progestasert release small amounts of a progestin.
Cervical Cap
A soft rubber device that fits snuggly around the cervix to prevent sperm from reaching the uterus. It must be sized by a medical professional and used with a spermicide.
Sterilization
Either partner can opt for sterilization. Tubal ligations are performed on women and vasectomies are performed on men.
Emergency Contraception
Plan B is a safe dosage of hormone that can prevent a fertilized egg from reaching the uterus if taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
Rhythm Method (periodic abstinence), which is sometimes called Natural Family Planning IS NOT a suitable choice for perimenopausal women. Irregular periods make the timing of safe days completely unreliable.
Learn more about birth control options.