Sex After 40

Myth 5: You don't have to worry about birth control.

Truth: Tell that to the legion of late-life moms toting their beloved “oops” babies! “It's hard to know exactly when you'll stop ovulating, even if you're in the middle of perimenopause,” says Dr. Sebastian. “To check when you can skip protection, your doctor can do a blood test.” The level of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in your blood can reveal whether you're still fertile, but levels fluctuate during perimenopause, so even a low FSH level may be misleading. That's why it's better to be safe than sorry. Menopause isn't official until you've gone a full year without a period, says McGrath. In a new relationship? You still have to protect against sexually transmitted diseases, so use condoms until you're sure about your partner's past.

ON WOMAN'S DAY: Yoga Poses That Improve Your Sex Life