I am 44 (will be 45 in May) and am going through peri -- my periods are very irregular (they come anywhere from 22 to 40 days apart, and sometimes I skip a month).  I keep on reading how fertility declines sharply in the forties, but at the same time I read that you CAN get pregnant during peri.  I am using a diaphragm now, but I admit I am sometimes forgetful . . .

I am 48, lots of peri symptoms, but my period is more regular than ever, strangely enough. I understand what you mean, are we fertile, are we safe?? I have had a couple of 'accidents' this past year, and then been so relieved to get my period. I can't imagine ever being confident to abandon contraception, but I guess we will have to. At 44 though, I think I would would still be very careful, unless you fancy a meno-baby! ;)Love,

I went in for my annual checkup 2 weeks ago, where my gyn told me that 'why was I still using protection?"  Well...when I told her I knew of 2 women who had babies over the age of 50, she told me to get my blood checked to check hormonal levels.Long story short, although I have some peri symptoms, and the levels are where they should be to become pregnant!!!   Ya never know! rmg

Thanks for the advice.  I guess I'd better be careful!  I can't imagine myself with a baby at 45!

Yes, you should still be careful.  

My mother was born when her mother was in her late 40's.  Her doctor said it couldn't be...but it was.  My mother grew up as an "only child" because her siblings were either in college or married already.

A neighbor of mine became pregnant at 47!!!  Surprise!!  Her periods had been irregular for 3 years.

BE CAREFUL!

&nbsp; &nbsp;Ditto!! &nbsp;I've heard that until you've been without<br>menses for a year, pregnancy is still a possibility.<br>I'm a stickler for making my husband use a condom,<br>unless I have my period. &nbsp;Although condoms are<br>a drag, and at 46 I'm likely infertile, I don't feel<br>comfortable taking the chance.

I don't think anybody really LIKES condoms.  They're clumsy to deal with and many men say they reduce sensation.

But it's better to be safe than sorry!