Catholic Weddings

Appointment today

Hi all,
I have a doctor's appointment today.  I did some research and found an NFP-friendly doctor at my local clinic (score!), so I'm going in for my annual physical and to check in about NFP.  I started charting when I went off the pill about two weeks ago, and I'm pretty sure I ovulated two days ago (EWCM plus plenty of ovulation pain).  My temp shift, however, has not been very dramatic.  I plan on bringing my chart to the appointment.

Does anyone have any experience with visiting NFP doctors?  Are there any specific questions I should ask during the appointment?  I want to make sure I get as much out of the appointment as possible so I can get the hang of charting before the wedding.  I should mention that my fiance and I have not taken a class yet, we're just working from "Taking Charge of Your Fertility."

Thanks!

Re: Appointment today

  • Is it an "nfp friendly" doctor... or an actual "Nfp only" doctor. And/or Napro doctor?

    There is a difference. Some docs that are rumored to be "NFP friendly" are found not to be much at all, and really don't know much about it. 

    If its a napro doc, and you want to make most use of their expertise, chart creighton method. 

    It could possibly take several months after the pill to get anything resembling a normal cycle. 
  • edited March 2012

    Re: the temps -- I hardly noticed dramatic temperature shifts.  I use Billings, which doesn't rely on temperatures, but I like to record because the temperature gives you confirmation that you've ovulated, are pregnant, etc.  I bought a basal body thermometer (about $10) and I've noticed more accurate estimates of my waking temp.

    Other things that could affect your temp include not taking it at the same time, not getting enough sleep, drinking the night before, or getting up before you take your temp (even the slightest movement can cause your temperature to rise).  That's the major reason I switched methods -- I wanted a class where someone could go over everything with me, and my sleep schedule is so random that my temps were all over the board.

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  • Good luck with your appointment!  I know that my NFP doc actually recommended to me to keep in touch with my instructor who taught me to chart if I notice any odd things.  Is there a specific method that the doctor you're visiting is familiar with? 

    Chances are your body is still transitioning back to normal right now, so some things might be off for a little while.  I know I couldn't do temperature because of my crazy sleep schedule, much like professorscience... for which Billings and Creighton might be a better fit. 

    Your doctor may at this point want to take some blood tests to see where your hormone levels are at if you've been off the pill for long enough to get a good base point.  I seem to recall that you had a medical condition that you were treating with the pill?  Was it PCOS? 

    Give yourself some more time to get the hang of the charting.  If there still seems to be some issues, definitely consider attending some classes with your fiance!  If you like the Symptothermal method, CCL is probably your best bet for classes (twincities.ccl.org).  My old roommate who took the class also got some fancy-looking textbooks.  We're pretty lucky in MN to have so many different options in the metro area!   Here's another helpful resource for local NFP stuff:

    http://onemoresoul.com/nfp_by_zip/55403
  • Good luck!  I don't have an NFP-only doctor (although, thank God, my OBGYN is wonderful regardless) so I don't have any specific advice other than highly recommending a class, if possible, through The Couple To Couple League as well. 

    Does TCOYF only teach FAM, or FAM and NFP? The reason I ask is that FAM is different than NFP . . . FAM allows for condom use during fertile times, which is not the practice of NFP. 
  • Jasmine, the author is a supporter of FAM, but she describes the difference between both.
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  • If I remember correctly, she admits to the benefits of NFP in that if you're using FAM, and for example the condom you are using breaks, then it probably happened during a fertile time and then you most likely WILL get pregnant, contrasted with simply abstaining with NFP = almost impossible to get pregnant.
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