Menopause and birth control

I've been in menopause for about 8 months now and have not been sexually active.  If I become sexually active, do I need to some form of birth control and if so, for how long.  I have not had a period since mid-Dec 2006, with no spotting.

[Machelle Seibel, MD]

Although the definition of menopause is one year after your last menstrual period, the chances for conception are very unlikely at this time in life. However, the risk for acquiring a sexually transmitted disease (STD) is still very real. It is a good idea to use a condom to reduce the chances of acquiring an STD until you are in a steady relationship and you are confident that your partner will not put you at risk. Both HIV and Hepatitis are sexually transmitted as is HPV, the virus that can lead to cervical cancer.

Machelle M. Seibel, MD