Questions about NFP

Chloeagh · December 2011

I am currently on the pill due to highly irregular (and very painful when late) periods. I'm not going to get married for a few years and we haven't decided yet what will happen then, but we know we don't want kids for at least 5 years after we get married. I'm assuming that even if it's for medical reasons, it will not be okay to take the pill once I get married (and start having sex). I would like to get off the pill eventually anyway, because as great as the period regulation is, I'm not crazy about the side effects.

So, I'm wondering about how effective NFP is and how much time it takes. Does it work as well with extremely irregular periods (the months before I went on the pill, it was anywhere from 4-6 weeks in between!)? And does anyone know some natural methods for regulating periods and controlling cramps (other than heat and pain medication)? I don't know anyone that does NFP, so I don't know where to start.

ElisabethJoanne · December 2011

Others can address the theology and more of the science. In general, NFP should be effective for irregular periods, at least the right methods of NFP. In between periods, we ovulate once or not at all. NFP just needs to identify the few days around ovulation, during which you don't have sex to reduce chances of pregnancy, or have sex to increase chances of pregnancy.

What was your diagnosis regarding the irregularity and pain? While those are diagnoses in themselves, technically, they have a cause. I suggest you contact one of these doctors. They won't all be NFP experts, or experts in non-hormonal treatments of your condition, but it's a good start. Also, even the San Francisco Archdiocese has a NFP education coordinator. Yours might be able to refer you to a good Catholic-conscious doctor in your area. (Crisis pregnancy centers can have good lists, too)
http://www.aaplog.org/aaplog-physician-directory/?state=MN

agapecarrie · December 2011

Morally, a "medicine" that treats a medical issue and the unintended side effect is temporary sterility is accepted. However, most doctors push the pill as an immediate answer to temper symptoms all the while covering up the actual problems. Have any docs looked into WHY you are irregular, or in pain? (you don't have to answer, just rhetorical). One other side note, the pill has potential to be abortive.

NFP is designed for irregularity. If a person is regular, they don't need to use a method of NFP, they just look at a calendar. Creighton method NFP is connected to docs and napro technology which helps diagnose and treat fertility issues. I started charting when I was single for my health, and it helped my doc figure out what was wrong...and helped treat the actual issues so that the symptoms stop. NFP is also more effective than any other kind of artificial birth control at avoiding pregnancy.

http://www.creightonmodel.com/

www.omsoul.com

lisag76 · December 2011

As for some natural methods for regulation, there are some herbal supplements that help regulate your period by naturally activating your body to work more effectively. There are no hormones in the actual herbs. The herb most commonly known as the natural hormone regulator is Chasteberry which is also called Vitex. It actually works best when used in conjunction with other herbs. If you go to a health store you can find one called "Hormonal Balance" and it will likely have Vitex in it. It works for me. (It is important to note that herbs usually take 3 months to build up in your system to be most effective). Hope this helps a bit.

professorscience · December 2011

I would recommend starting NFP before you are married, though, because it is recommended that you abstain while you "get the hang of it." Check with your diocese for a list of NFP docs and/or NFP teachers -- it really helped me to go to a class. Good luck!

bibliophile2010 · December 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_questions-nfp?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:615Discussion:726fca98-1231-4717-8132-ebdd17181dd0Post:a5648a9e-3aa6-4bec-86e3-ab2b7a081980">Re: Questions about NFP</a>:
[QUOTE]As for some natural methods for regulation, there are some herbal supplements that help regulate your period by naturally activating your body to work more effectively. There are no hormones in the actual herbs. The herb most commonly known as the natural hormone regulator is Chasteberry which is also called Vitex. It actually works best when used in conjunction with other herbs. If you go to a health store you can find one called "Hormonal Balance" and it will likely have Vitex in it. It works for me. (It is important to note that herbs usually take 3 months to build up in your system to be most effective). Hope this helps a bit.
Posted by lisag76[/QUOTE]

I would talk to a doctor before beginning any new supplements. While is is true that many vitamins and supplements can alleviate reproductive health problems, it is best to use remedies that target the specific cause of a person's problems. It also ensures that any serious issues are dealt with, there are no drug interactions, etc.

OP, I am in 100% agreement with others. Creighton model NFP, because of its connection to the NaPro medical community, would be a good choice, but regardless, NFP can definitely work for you. I would also recommend starting NFP and seeking out answers to your health concerns sooner rather than later. It might be something that is easily treated without the pills, it might not be, but the only way to know is to find out.

lkirby85 · December 2011

I just received information about NFP from our pastoral minister and there is a lot out there can answer you specific question regarding how the process works, so, please do your due diligence and research this method thoroughly before starting it. You should have no problem with it should you decide to practice it.

HOWEVER, please get another opinion about your diagnosis and obtain details about your exact diagnosis before making the decision to halt oral contraceptive. Your symptoms can simply be the only problem, some people are just irregular and it can be painful. There is also something called Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome which can be accompanied by your symptoms and birth-control (hormone therapy) is the best way to treat it. If gone untreated, people with PCOS can experience glucose/insulin intolerance, diabetes, high cholesterol, painful rupturing cysts, and other problems.

If you were diagnosed with PCOS or other conditions that may require you to treat with hormones via "birth-control", when you do plan to start a family your doctor can help you. Sometimes the change in hormones that occur during pregnancy even help PCOS or other hormonal imbalances.

Chloeagh · December 2011

I haven't been diagnosed with anything. They took some blood when I first went in, and nothing showed up from that. The more research I've done, the more I've wanted to look into alternatives, so thank you all for your advice.

professorscience · December 2011

Chloe, I was on the pill for period pains (in my knee, of all places, and bad enough that I couldn't walk), and I found that when I went off the pill, the pain had become pretty minimal. I've learned some exercises for when it does come back that really help. I'm not saying your pain is that simple, but it's worth it to check out. Especially if you haven't been diagnosed with any underlying cause of your pain. I went off for much the same reason as you -- I knew I would have to go off to have kids, and then where would I be if my pain was still there? I really had to find a way to fix it.

catarntina · December 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_questions-nfp?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:615Discussion:726fca98-1231-4717-8132-ebdd17181dd0Post:e2ca30ca-ab6a-449d-a97b-a8fc2ba51716">Re: Questions about NFP</a>:
[QUOTE]I just received information about NFP from our pastoral minister and there is a lot out there can answer you specific question regarding how the process works, so, please do your due diligence and research this method thoroughly before starting it. You should have no problem with it should you decide to practice it. HOWEVER, please get another opinion about your diagnosis and obtain details about your exact diagnosis before making the decision to halt oral contraceptive. Your symptoms can simply be the only problem, some people are just irregular and it can be painful. <strong> There is also something called Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome which can be accompanied by your symptoms and birth-control (hormone therapy) is the best way to treat it. </strong>If gone untreated, people with PCOS can experience glucose/insulin intolerance, diabetes, high cholesterol, painful rupturing cysts, and other problems. If you were diagnosed with PCOS or other conditions that may require you to treat with hormones via "birth-control", when you do plan to start a family your doctor can help you. Sometimes the change in hormones that occur during pregnancy even help PCOS or other hormonal imbalances.
Posted by lkirby85[/QUOTE]

Gee, I thought you could treat PCOS with Metformin and/or Clomid to help you regulate your periods. I didn't know that hormones were a must have thing for people with PCOS... In fact, I'm pretty sure that birth control pills just cover up the symptoms of PCOS.

OP -- NFP works for irregular cycles. My cycles ranged from 18 days to 39 days. When I was 18, I was originally put on BC to treat irregular menses and painful menses. The irregularity is still there, but obviously I can still get pregnant (*points to ticker*), so I'm not too concerned that my cycle is all over the place. Charting actually HELPS with irregular cycles 'cause you're not like, "OMG when is my period gonna come?!" You know *exactly* when your period is going to come based on previous cycle history. If you can determine ovulation correctly, your luteal phase is typically the same every single cycle (give or take a day). So you'll know like two weeks in advance of when your period is going to come.

Check out Marilyn Shannon's book -- Fertility, Cycles, and Nurtrition. It's published by the couple to couple league -- a Catholic organization -- and it has tips on natural remedies to regulate your periods and to keep the pain at bay (vitamins, diet changes, exercises, etc, etc). The book came with my class registration when I signed up to take NFP taught by CCL. You should definitely look into the class!

agapecarrie · December 2011

The pill is the absolute worst thing for PCOS. Terrible. all it does is cover up symptoms, it does not treat or cure anything, nor does it "preserve" fertility.

Metformin is the standard medication that treats and helps cure PCOS. By charting my doc diagnosed my pcos, did the tests and ultrasound to confirm, and was put on metformin. Fixed the problem.

Metformin may not be the answer to everyone because it is blood sugar related, but the pill is a Class 1 carcinogen and it shuts down a working or struggling to work reproductive system.

There are lists of doctors from napro who can help actually treat issues rather than throwing the pill at everything.

ElisabethJoanne · December 2011

There are different options for treating PCOS. Birth control pills can be a preferred option because they preserve fertility. They've also been in use and tested over 50 years. My understanding is that birth control pills with PCOS don't cure the disease, but they do treat it - like a drug that can stop a tumor growing, but can't shrink it or cut it out.

Prudence always comes in when choosing health care treatments. For ordinary menstrual cramps, for example, we can pop ibuprophen, which costs a few cents and requires no effort, or we can do diet and exercise changes that require thought and time (and often money for more expensive foods).

lkirby85 · December 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_questions-nfp?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:615Discussion:726fca98-1231-4717-8132-ebdd17181dd0Post:89abb8db-031b-439b-a93a-cb681bc3e11e">Re: Questions about NFP</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Questions about NFP : Gee, I thought you could treat PCOS with Metformin and/or Clomid to help you regulate your periods. I didn't know that hormones were a must have thing for people with PCOS... In fact, I'm pretty sure that birth control pills just cover up the symptoms of PCOS.
<div>
</div><div><span style="color:#222222;line-height:15px;font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:small;" class="Apple-style-span"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2" style="padding-top:4px;"><strong>Metformin</strong> is used alone or with other medications, including insulin, to treat type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and, therefore, cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood). <strong>Metformin</strong> helps to control the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood.

</td></tr></tbody></table></span><span style="color:#222222;line-height:15px;font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:small;" class="Apple-style-span">Clomiphene (<strong>Clomid</strong>) is used to induce ovulation (egg production) in women who do not produce ova (eggs) but wish to become pregnant (infertility). Clomiphene is in a class of medications called ovulatory stimulants.</span></div><div><span style="color:#222222;line-height:15px;font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:small;" class="Apple-style-span">
</span></div><div><span style="color:#222222;line-height:15px;font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:small;" class="Apple-style-span">These two medications therefore are not treating the PCOS but they are treating possible symptoms. There are also other forms of hormone therapy but "birth control" pills are an easily accessible form of hormones and one of the most common drugs used, along with others, to treat PCOS. </span></div><div><span style="color:#222222;line-height:15px;font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:small;" class="Apple-style-span">
</span></div><div><span style="color:#222222;line-height:15px;font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:small;" class="Apple-style-span">That is why, without regards to what my own preferences may be, I hope anyone experiencing these types of symptoms will get a second opinion and make certain that they do not suffer from this disorder before writing off hormone treatment just because it has a side effect that it is known by . It is actually fairly common and commonly over looked. If your gynecologist is reluctant to do further testing, should you desire it, an endocrinologist is also highly qualified to diagnose and treat this or any other hormonal symptoms you may have. </span></div><div><span style="color:#222222;line-height:15px;font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:small;" class="Apple-style-span">
</span></div><div><span style="color:#222222;line-height:15px;font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:small;" class="Apple-style-span">If un-treated complications include: </span></div><span style="color:#54585a;font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size:13px;line-height:normal;" class="Apple-style-span"><ul style="margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:20px;margin-left:0px;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:25px;list-style-type:none;list-style-position:initial;list-style-image:initial;"><li style="margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;background-attachment:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;background-color:initial;min-width:0px;padding-left:13px;line-height:1.5em;background-position:0px 7px;background-repeat:no-repeat no-repeat;">Type 2 diabetes</li><li style="margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;background-attachment:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;background-color:initial;min-width:0px;padding-left:13px;line-height:1.5em;background-position:0px 7px;background-repeat:no-repeat no-repeat;">High blood pressure</li><li style="margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;background-attachment:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;background-color:initial;min-width:0px;padding-left:13px;line-height:1.5em;background-position:0px 7px;background-repeat:no-repeat no-repeat;">Cholesterol and lipid abnormalities, such as elevated triglycerides or low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol</li><li style="margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;background-attachment:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;background-color:initial;min-width:0px;padding-left:13px;line-height:1.5em;background-position:0px 7px;background-repeat:no-repeat no-repeat;">Elevated levels of C-reactive protein, a cardiovascular disease marker</li><li style="margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;background-attachment:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;background-color:initial;min-width:0px;padding-left:13px;line-height:1.5em;background-position:0px 7px;background-repeat:no-repeat no-repeat;">Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of signs and symptoms that indicate a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease</li><li style="margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;background-attachment:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;background-color:initial;min-width:0px;padding-left:13px;line-height:1.5em;background-position:0px 7px;background-repeat:no-repeat no-repeat;">Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, a severe liver inflammation caused by fat accumulation in the liver</li><li style="margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;background-attachment:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;background-color:initial;min-width:0px;padding-left:13px;line-height:1.5em;background-position:0px 7px;background-repeat:no-repeat no-repeat;">Sleep apnea</li><li style="margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;background-attachment:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;background-color:initial;min-width:0px;padding-left:13px;line-height:1.5em;background-position:0px 7px;background-repeat:no-repeat no-repeat;">Abnormal uterine bleeding</li><li style="margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;background-attachment:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;background-color:initial;min-width:0px;padding-left:13px;line-height:1.5em;background-position:0px 7px;background-repeat:no-repeat no-repeat;">Cancer of the uterine lining (endometrial cancer), caused by exposure to continuous high levels of estrogen</li><li style="margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;background-attachment:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;background-color:initial;min-width:0px;padding-left:13px;line-height:1.5em;background-position:0px 7px;background-repeat:no-repeat no-repeat;">Gestational diabetes or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, if you do become pregnant</li></ul></span><div><span style="color:#222222;line-height:15px;font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:small;" class="Apple-style-span">
</span></div><div><span style="color:#222222;line-height:15px;font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:small;" class="Apple-style-span">I do not know you or your symptoms and if none of this applies to you I am sorry for worry you in any way. I just thought it was worth mentioning and when questioned I felt the need to help educate others.</span></div><div><span style="color:#222222;line-height:15px;font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:small;" class="Apple-style-span">
</span></div><div><span style="color:#222222;line-height:15px;font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:small;" class="Apple-style-span">Best of luck deciding on which NFP method to use! </span></div><div><font face="arial, sans-serif" size="2" class="Apple-style-span" color="#222222"><span style="line-height:15px;" class="Apple-style-span">
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</span></font><span style="color:#222222;line-height:15px;font-family:arial, sans-serif;font-size:small;" class="Apple-style-span"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2" style="padding-top:4px;">

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bloverde · December 2011

You can argue all you want, but BCPs don't actually treat PCOS. They put the reproductive system into hibernation. When you stop the BCPs, the PCOS returns. Preventing or reversing most of the complications of PCOS you listed above would just as easily be accomplished with Metformin, diet and exercise.

Insulin resistance is postulated as a cause of PCOS, so Metformin would be actually treating it, not just helping a symptom. This is why studies have shown that women with PCOS who take Metformin can spontaneously ovulate, even if they don't have blood glucose or insulin abnormalities. Which is how I'm currently 16 weeks pregnant.

ElisabethJoanne · December 2011

I can add that "syndrome," in medicine, signifies a set of symptoms that usually appear together, but which have no known cause as of yet. When medical science identifies the cause, it tries to name the disease after that, rather than the symptoms. So, for poly-cystic ovarian syndrome, there may not be a treatment, because the cause is unknown. Only the symptoms can be controlled.

catarntina · December 2011

Metformin is just as easily accessible as BCP. All pharmacies carry both, I'm sure, as they are both standard drugs. If someone has PCOS, then they are working with a doctor who diagnosed them. And since they worked with a doctor who diagnosed them, the doctor can write a prescription for anythng he likes. They just prefer BCP because it hibernates the reproductive system and thus alleviates symptoms.

IKirby85, please read this article. Metformin & Clomid is pretty effective as an alternative to BCP.
http://women.webmd.com/metformin-glucophage-for-polycystic-ovary-syndrome

And FWIW, my insurance charges $5.14 for 90 days supply of Metformin, or I could take BCP that I was when I was 18 for $126.53 for 90 days -- which is a generic, btw.

newlyseliski · December 2011

I'm also in the irregular cycle camp and use the Creighton method. We've been married for 6 months and have used the method successfully to avoid pregnancy. I've been tentatively diagnosed with PCOS due to the irregularity of my cycles and currently take metformin which has helped tremendously... as well as some vitamin supplements recommended by my doctor.

Being that you're in the MSP area, there are several doctors in town that I know of that can help you treat your issues without the pill! The AALFA Clinic in White Bear Lake has several physicians that are very familiar with the Creighton NFP method and treating PCOS. I am going to Dr. April Lind in Maple Grove who is awesome so far... I got tired of driving to the opposite end of the metro area for appointments! Check out "omsoul.com" for other options in the Twin Cities. For doctors that aren't part of an independent practice, if you try to schedule an appointment and one of them says that they're not accepting new patients... that's typically because they only accept NFP patients and you have to emphasize that to them. If you don't want to go to an NFP physician right away, find a doctor or endocrinology expert who's willing to explore alternative treatments to the pill!

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