Celebrate Menopause, But Be Prepared for Pregnancy

The onset of perimenopause signals the end of the era of their fertility for many women. While some women struggle with the implications of their impending infertility, in recent years an increasing number relish their new found freedom from the necessities of birth control. Looking forward to the cessation of monthly periods and the possibility of unplanned pregnancy is certainly understandable. Jumping the gun, however and assuming infertility when ovulation is in fact still occurring can fast eliminate celebrations of liberation with a startling surprise: pregnancy when it truly is least expected!

Is Pregnancy During Menopause Possible?

Women preparing for the approach of menopause are often stunned to learn they may remain fertile even after their periods have ceased. How can it be? The complication lies in the fact that even if you are skipping periods or they are occurring intermittently, as long as they are occurring some of the time, you are still ovulating. It is entirely possible to miss two or more months of menstruation and ovulate the third or fourth, and so on.

Approximately 2/3 of women 40 – 44 years of age ovulate regularly and may become pregnant, despite irregularly occurring menstruation.

How Do I Prevent It?

To absolutely avoid pregnancy during menopause, doctors recommend continuing to use contraception for two years following your last period if it occurs while you are under the age of 50. If you are over 50 at the time of your last period, continue birth control for 12 months.

An excellent option for birth control to prevent pregnancy during menopause is a low-dose birth control pill. Not only do they protect against unplanned conception, birth control pills may help regulate menstrual bleeding, reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and moodiness, and decrease the risk of reproductive organ cancers. They are a great way to transition to Hormone Replacement Therapy, too. Talk to your doctor about whether or not low dose pills or another form of birth control are appropriate for you, given your medical history.

Is a Healthy Pregnancy During Menopause Possible?

For some women, the possibility of pregnancy during menopause is cause for hope and an unexpected pregnancy is an exciting, joyful experience. The complications that may be involved in pregnancy at this stage do pose some cause for concern, however. It is always best to plan for pregnancy, but close consultation with your gynecologist or doctor is particularly advisable at this time.