Thread: Menopause and Sex; When is it safe to stop using birth control?

I am 48 years old. I have been going through Menopause for about 4-5 years. I still have hot flashes and night sweats but not as frequenlty or severely as I used to.
My Dr. told me that, once I have gone a year without a period, I am safe to make love to my husband without using any type of birth control/contraceptives.
Another Dr. I saw, however, did not seem so sure about that.
I took my 2nd FSH test in October and my FSH levels have gone up. They were at 58 in October.
I read somewhere that, post-menopausal FSH levels should be 'between 40-138.' That's quite a large range, honestly.
To make a long story longer, my husband has developed an allergy to latex (condoms) and I seem to be having a reaction when I use contraceptive gel. Our love life is starting to suffer because I don't know if it's safe to have intercourse without birth control yet.
I love my kids and my grandchildren but I don't want to have another child at my age.
Is there any test or battery of tests that will verify if I would be safe making love to my husband without using birth control?
Any advice/information would be appreciated. If there are any medical professionals on this board who can offer suggestions, I'd also welcome your help.

Thanks,
D. R.

P.S. Not sure if my intro is the right place to ask this but I figured I'd jump right in with my question. Hope you don't mind.