One reason women experience unintended pregnancy during the menopause transition is because periods can become irregular. Irregular periods make it difficult to know where you are in your cycle. Just because your body is producing lower levels of hormones does not mean you cannot become pregnant. It is only after you have 12 months in a row without a period that you can’t get pregnant.
If you do not want to get pregnant, it is very important to continue using a reliable and effective birth control method until you have not had a period for 12 consecutive months. Talk to your health care provider about choosing a birth control method that is best for you. There are barrier methods, hormonal methods, and intrauterine devices that are safe and effective methods for avoiding unintended pregnancy.
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