I'm in menopause. My periods stopped 11 months ago. Do I still need to use birth control? When is it safe to stop?

--Jet

Technically, menopause is lack of periods for 12 months. After this a woman is considered sterile. If you are near the average age for menopause in the United States (51) and have not had a period for 11 months, it is highly unlikely that you would become pregnant now. A blood test for a hormone called FSH can be helpful in proving whether you are really menopausal, especially if you have been on birth control pills or hormone replacement or if you are younger than your late 40s or early 50s.

Of course, whether you are 15 or 50, if you are having sex with a new partner, you should use condoms to prevent transmission of sexually transmitted diseases! In addition: Make sure to always share your sexual history with your partner. This information is vital at any age.