birth control

After not having a period for a year do you still need to use birth control?

[Machelle Seibel, MD]

The most likely answer is no. But it depends on why you don't have periods. If it is truly menopause, you can't get pregnant. If you have another reason, they could start up and you might get pregnant before  you know the periods are back. Check your FSH level. If it is elevated and you haven't had a period for a year, it is very unlikely you can get pregnant. Also, birth control, especially barrier methods like condoms also help prevent sexually transmitted diseases. So if you have more than one partner or are unsure of your partner's safety in that area, you might still need a barrier contraceptive even if you can't get pregnant.
Machelle M. Seibel, MD