Many people stop using contraception at age 40 because they believe they can’t get pregnant. However, infertility rates for women over 40 are lower than we might expect: about 17% at age 40, 55% at age 45, and 95% at age 50. 

Patients may safely stop using contraception after menopause. This means, 12 months without a period for people over age 50, and 24 months without a period for people under 50. 

How do we know that hormonal contraception users have reached menopause? Those using a progestin-only method may continue until age 55. Patients using an estrogen-containing method may continue use until ages 40-55 (depending on their cardiovascular risk factors). If needed, these patients may switch to a progestin-only or non-hormonal method until age 55.