# Contraception in your 40s and 50s

> You can still get pregnant in perimenopause. When can you stop, and what suits you now?

Category: Contraception · 5 min read · Written by the Splash team · Sources checked October 2026
URL: https://splash.care/learn/contraception/contraception-in-your-40s-and-50s

## Quick answer

- You can still get pregnant during perimenopause.
- Keep using contraception for 2 years after your last period if you are 40 to 49, or 1 year if you are 50 or over.
- The combined pill is not recommended from 50.
- HRT is not contraception.

Fertility falls as you get older, but it does not switch off overnight. Periods can become [irregular](https://splash.care/learn/cycle-basics/irregular-cycles) long before they stop, and [ovulation](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/ovulation) can still happen from time to time. So you can still get [pregnant](https://splash.care/learn/fertility-ttc/early-pregnancy-signs) during [perimenopause](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/perimenopause).

## When can you stop?

- Aged 50 or over: keep using [contraception](https://splash.care/learn/contraception/methods-overview) for 1 year after your final period.
- Aged 40 to 49: keep using contraception for 2 years after your final period.
- [Menopause](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/menopause) is confirmed after 12 months with no period, if you are not using hormonal contraception.
- Many UK clinicians say contraception can stop at 55 for everyone, because pregnancy is then extremely unlikely. Ask [your GP](https://splash.care/learn/conditions/talk-to-your-doctor) or nurse about your own situation.

## What can make this tricky

Hormonal methods can hide the signs. The [progestogen](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/progestogen)-only pill, hormonal coil, implant and injection can make periods lighter, irregular or stop. The combined pill gives regular bleeds, so it can hide the menopause altogether. Because of this, it can be hard to know when you have actually reached menopause.

## What suits you now

- The combined pill, patch and ring are not recommended from age 50, because the risks usually outweigh the benefits. They are also not usually suitable if you smoke and are 35 or over, have high blood pressure, or get [migraine](https://splash.care/learn/period-care/migraines) with [aura](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/aura).
- A hormonal coil ([IUS](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/ius)) can make heavy perimenopause periods lighter and can also be used as the progestogen part of [HRT](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/hrt). A coil fitted at 45 or over can often stay in until you no longer need contraception. Ask your nurse.
- The copper coil is hormone-free and works for 5 or 10 years.
- The implant and progestogen-only pill are other options if you cannot take [oestrogen](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/oestrogen).
- Condoms still protect against STIs, which do not stop at 50.

> HRT (hormone replacement therapy) is not contraception, unless you use an IUS as the progestogen part of it. If you take HRT and could still get pregnant, you need contraception too.

> **Splash says:** keep logging your cycle in perimenopause. A record of when periods come, skip or turn heavy helps your GP, and helps you spot when 12 months have passed.

### When to see a doctor

See a GP about any bleeding after sex, between periods, or any bleeding at all after you have gone 12 months without a period. This always needs checking. Also speak to a GP if you think you could be pregnant, or if periods become very heavy.

**Quick quiz:** You are 52 and your last period was 8 months ago. Do you still need contraception?

1. No, you are in menopause
2. Yes, for 1 year after your final period
3. Only if you use condoms already

Answer: Yes, for 1 year after your final period. From 50, the NHS advises contraception for 1 year after your last period. Ask a GP about stopping.

## Sources

1. [NHS – Menopause and perimenopause: what are they?](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause-and-perimenopause/what-are-menopause-and-perimenopause/)
2. [NHS – Who can take the combined pill?](https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/combined-pill/who-can-take-it/)
3. [NHS – What is an IUS (hormonal coil)?](https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/ius-hormonal-coil/what-is-it/)
4. [FSRH/CoSRH – Clinical guidelines (progestogen-only pills; emergency contraception)](https://www.cosrh.org/Public/Public/Standards-and-Guidelines.aspx)

This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US).