Birth Control?

[EeyoresButerfly]

I’m in a bit of a moral quandary and would appreciate your advice.

I am currently in a dating relationship. Both he and I are committed to remaining pure until marriage as the Bible commands. We are getting married next year.

I have diabetes and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). My cycle affects both, causing me to have a significant number of hypoglycemic episodes the week preceding, as well as causing serious issues with my IBS. My cycle used to be very regular, but recently have become irregular which is further screwing everything up.

I am seriously considering asking my doc about birth control at this point just to help regulate everything and avoid some of the diabetes/IBS issues I have been experiencing. I know that it shouldn’t be a problem as long as I am unmarried, but I’m wondering about what would happen once I do get married. I plan to stay on it at least until the wedding- the last thing I want is to go off it right before the wedding and then end up passing out from low blood sugar or having cramps so bad that I can’t stand up- much less walk down the aisle.

I will want to go off of it once we are married as I do share the same beliefs of the Catholic Church concerning birth control, but I’m wondering what would happen if my doc wants me to stay on it for awhile longer given the issues I have been having. What is the church’s stance on BC for medical issues once a person is married?

 

[kage_ar]

The pill does not regulate anything. The pill causes you to not HAVE a menstrual cycle (you will have breakthrough bleeding for a few days, a fake period).

Look for diet and good ways to treat your issues.

I read somewhere that smoking is good for IBS.

 

[EeyoresButerfly]

Actually, the pill can regulate your cycle, or prevent you from having one altogether. As for smoking- are you seriously suggesting that I resort to using a known carcinogen to control IBS? I should mention that I have mild asthma (mostly virus related- I get a cold and then get a flare up.) I’ll take cramps over lung cancer any day.

Are there medical benefits of the Pill?

Birth control pills not only prevent pregnancy, but they also have medical benefits. Many teen girls take the birth control pill just for its medical benefits and not for its protection against pregnancy.

Regular and Lighter Periods
Oral contraceptive pills can help to regulate the menstrual cycle so your period comes about every 28 days. The Pill usually causes lighter periods, too.
Clearer Skin
Oral contraceptive pills can improve acne. The hormones in most types of the Pill can help stop acne from forming. Be patient though, it can take a few months to see an improvement.
Decreased Cramps, or No Cramps
Oral contraceptive pills can help to decrease menstrual cramps.
Other Medical Benefits
Because there is less menstrual bleeding with the use of oral contraceptive pills, girls taking the Pill are less likely to become anemic. Oral contraceptive pills also decrease your chance of getting endometrial (lining of the uterus) cancer, ovarian cancer, and ovarian cysts. The birth control pill also protects against infections of your fallopian tubes (called PID-Pelvic Inflammatory Disease) that would need hospitalization. It also protects against pregnancies that occur outside the uterus (called tubal, or ectopic pregnancy).

Again, I would only do it after consulting with my doctor. If it’s not going to help with the issues I have been experiencing, then I won’t take it. In addition to the above medical issues I mentioned, a pelvic MRI (done for an IBS test) showed that I had a high number of follicles putting me at risk for a higher number of ovarian cysts.

Source

 

[Irish_Girl_68]

I agree with Kage that the Pill isn’t going to solve your diabetes/IBS problems. I’m not sure if she’s kidding about the smoking and the IBS. Smoking is bad for anyone but is particularly dangerous given your diabetes. The risk of developing coronary stenosis is greater anyway, given your diagnosis. I wouldn’t compound the problem by adding tobacco use. You need to find a good endocrinologist who can assist you with your diabetes; if you are having frequent hypoglycemic episodes, something is going on that is a far more immediate concern than your irregular periods. Best of luck to you. I’ll keep you in my prayers.

 

[Janet1983]

I’m in a bit of a moral quandary and would appreciate your advice.

I am currently in a dating relationship. Both he and I are committed to remaining pure until marriage as the Bible commands. We are getting married next year.

I have diabetes and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). My cycle affects both, causing me to have a significant number of hypoglycemic episodes the week preceding, as well as causing serious issues with my IBS. My cycle used to be very regular, but recently have become irregular which is further screwing everything up.

I am seriously considering asking my doc about birth control at this point just to help regulate everything and avoid some of the diabetes/IBS issues I have been experiencing. I know that it shouldn’t be a problem as long as I am unmarried, but I’m wondering about what would happen once I do get married. I plan to stay on it at least until the wedding- the last thing I want is to go off it right before the wedding and then end up passing out from low blood sugar or having cramps so bad that I can’t stand up- much less walk down the aisle.

I will want to go off of it once we are married as I do share the same beliefs of the Catholic Church concerning birth control, but I’m wondering what would happen if my doc wants me to stay on it for awhile longer given the issues I have been having. What is the church’s stance on BC for medical issues once a person is married?

If you are Catholic (which I assume) and you are taking birth control as birth control that should be problematic. Try to scope out other methods of regulating first before you go ahead and do something that might be against your own convictions.
I used to take birth control for a while for medical reasons (it significantly reduced the pain involved and I spaced my time of the month out to be every 3 months). On the other hand I was not married back then (and of course I was a virgin) so it really wasn’t birth control, but medicine to help me cope with my situation.

 

[EeyoresButerfly]

I am working with my doctor and my CDE (diabetes educator). I’ve been having a lot of problems with my period within the last year, mostly IBS related. The diabetes really is a secondary consideration. This is something my doc and I have discussed before, and after the last couple of months, I’m ready to take that step. I’m not really interested in opinions on what I should or should not do medically. I have another site I go to for people with the conditions I have, plus I have a doctor who I very much respect and who listens to me and gives me honest advice. I am more interested in the teaching of the church about birth control use for medical purposes when within a marital relationship.

 

[kage_ar]

THE pill causes stroke, cancer, all sorts of horrid things - if you are willing to take it, you might try something that Dr House suggested.

 

[prolifewife]

Dear I am so very, VERY sorry for you having to go through all that you go through. I, too, have IBS, along with GERD, Gastroparesis, asthma, tachycardia, mitre valve prolapse, HBP, Endometriosis, Fibromyalgia, OCD, anxiety/panic disorder and chronic depression. I am also pre-diabetic. Honey if I can go without the pill, you can too. The pill is awful, horrible, and filled with side effects. If it helps anything, it hurts three times as much in the process. Not to mention it can kill, yes kill, an early pregnancy by causing your future child not to be able to implant! You do not need these horrible pills. You might need to get a gynecological condition treated, but it is usually done through surgery, not BCpills. If you have any questions feel free to PM me.

 

[EeyoresButerfly]

I’m not interested in a whose condition is worse contest. I also didn’t realize there were so many medical experts on here. Believe me, I have done my research. The side effects are one reason I have held off as long as I have. But… my doctor believes, and I agree, that the risks do not outweigh the benefits at this point. Again, I am not interested in medical advice or scare tactics- only the doctrinal issues involved. No offense to anyone here, but this is not the place I would come to seek medical help. I have other communities (and of course my doctor) who I feel have a better knowledge base.

I am all for apologetics, but believe that if you are going to argue something, it should be done with accurate information. Otherwise you will have the opposite of intended affect.

Since people are insisting on discussing medical issues after I said that’s not what I’m after, let’s look at some of the issues brought up:

Cancer: Birth control can increase the risk of 3 types of cancers according to studies: breast, liver, and pelvic. However, it is not as cut and dry as it looks. Several studies have shown no increase in breast cancer among birth control users. So the jury is still out. Cervical cancer risk is increased with long term use (5 years or no) and I do not intend to use it for that long. Additionally, the biggest risk still is contraction of HPV, which is a minimal concern for me as Aaron and I are both virgins and have vowed to remain so until marriage (and also believe in a monogamous relationship). The liver cancer risk is negligible and is also associated with long term use. Comorbid diseases (such as hepatitis) further complicate the issue makingit hard to say just how much birth control is responsible for. It is believed that it is these comorbid factors that result in the increased risk.

Multiple studies have shown a significant decrease in both ovarian and endometrial cancer risk among users of oral contraceptives.

Stroke: In this case, I am assuming that you are referring to the increased risk of blood clots among users of the pill. Particularly a condition known as Deep Vein Thrombosis. Although users are at an increased risk, once again, this risk is minimal. In the standard population, 5 out of 100,000 women will develop DVT. In birth control users, this risk increases to about 10. People with a family or personal history of clotting disorders and smokers are at the largest risk. Neither of these apply to me (in fact, I sometimes have the opposite problem!) Is the risk there? Yes. This is the one that has kept me from going on it sooner. But as I do not smoke and do not have any personal or family history of clotting disorders, the risk is very minimal.

Heart disease: Long term use can be associated with a higher incidence of heart disease. But again, I am not looking at long term use.

it can be contraindicated for people with diabetes in certain situations (people who already have vascular damage or those whose diabetes is out of control) so that is a conversation my doctor and I are having.

This is not something that I woke up one day and said, “hey birth control might be fun!” I have done my research and am talking with my doctor. Again, I am not interested in medical advice. I am interested in what the teachings of the catholic church are on medical use of oral contraceptives.

 

[Bishop93]

The pill does not regulate anything. The pill causes you to not HAVE a menstrual cycle (you will have breakthrough bleeding for a few days, a fake period).

Look for diet and good ways to treat your issues.

I read somewhere that smoking is good for IBS.

That is false.

I would go months at a time without a period and then I’d get one and it’d last for months.I was hospitalized because of that.

I know have 4 periods a year…With no “false periods” in between.

Trade IBS for lung cancer

 

[Irish_Girl_68]

Eeyores Butterfly: I don’t think anyone was trying to offend you (I know I wasn’t). You do make a good point about working with one’s own doctor rather than online posters to determine the best course medically. With that said, I think you perhaps are close to an answer to your original question. That is, I’m going to presume none of us that has answered you thus far is a Catholic priest. If my assumption is correct then we also are not likely the best folks to address you on a doctrinal matter of the Church.

I am reasonably certain any solid priest is going to direct you to Humanae Vitae. Reading/researching that would be a good first step. Once you have a solid grasp on Humanae Vitae, it likely would be best to visit with your priest. Good luck and best wishes on your upcoming marriage.

 

[ljubim]

Tranexamic acid is the chemical, ask your doctor about Cyklokapron or Lysteda.

 

[Rence]

I am seriously considering asking my doc about birth control at this point just to help regulate everything and avoid some of the diabetes/IBS issues I have been experiencing. I know that it shouldn’t be a problem as long as I am unmarried, but I’m wondering about what would happen once I do get married. I plan to stay on it at least until the wedding- the last thing I want is to go off it right before the wedding and then end up passing out from low blood sugar or having cramps so bad that I can’t stand up- much less walk down the aisle.

I will want to go off of it once we are married as I do share the same beliefs of the Catholic Church concerning birth control, but I’m wondering what would happen if my doc wants me to stay on it for awhile longer given the issues I have been having. What is the church’s stance on BC for medical issues once a person is married?

Whether or not you take the Pill to regulate any medical condition is up to your doctor and you, and no one else. The Church does NOT deny the Pill to women who need them to regulate medical conditions, as your research has shown. No one here is qualified to give medical advice, and treatment of medical conditions is between you and your doctor.

That said, yes, the Church allows you to take the Pill to treat medical conditions, married or not. And you do not have to abstain from sex with your husband while you are taking it. That’s a fact and it’s in Humanae Vitae. Also, you should discuss it with your priest. No one here is as qualifed to give spiritual advice as your priest.

The only time the Church forbids the use of contraception is when it’s used FOR contraception, that is, when it’s primary usage is to prevent pregancy. That’s not what you’re trying to do. You’re trying to get relief from a bunch of medical conditions that the Pill will help you regulate. Trust your doctor and the research you have done, and talk to your priest if you have any questions I hope you feel better and won’t need them for very long

 

[prolifewife]

I’m not interested in a whose condition is worse contest. I also didn’t realize there were so many medical experts on here. Believe me, I have done my research. The side effects are one reason I have held off as long as I have. But… my doctor believes, and I agree, that the risks do not outweigh the benefits at this point. Again, I am not interested in medical advice or scare tactics- only the doctrinal issues involved. No offense to anyone here, but this is not the place I would come to seek medical help. I have other communities (and of course my doctor) who I feel have a better knowledge base.

This is not something that I woke up one day and said, “hey birth control might be fun!” I have done my research and am talking with my doctor. Again, I am not interested in medical advice. I am interested in what the teachings of the catholic church are on medical use of oral contraceptives.

I was not giving you medical advice. I have a host of “girlie” problems that BCP actually have some chance of helping. I am bedridden for my periods. I have cycle long pains and cramping. But my faith wins out. I refuse to use something that goes so against the culture of life and my catholic faith. And believe me it is no easy choice. But, again, faith isn’t about the easy way out, it’s about following Jesus completely, no matter what that might entail.

 

[Rence]

I am working with my doctor and my CDE (diabetes educator). I’ve been having a lot of problems with my period within the last year, mostly IBS related. The diabetes really is a secondary consideration. This is something my doc and I have discussed before, and after the last couple of months, I’m ready to take that step. I’m not really interested in opinions on what I should or should not do medically. I have another site I go to for people with the conditions I have, plus I have a doctor who I very much respect and who listens to me and gives me honest advice. I am more interested in the teaching of the church about birth control use for medical purposes when within a marital relationship.

Humanae Vitae states, “the Church does not consider at all illicit the use of those therapeutic means necessary to cure bodily diseases, even if a foreseeable impediment to procreation should result there from—provided such impediment is not directly intended for any motive whatsoever” (HV 15).

 

[ac_claire]

I will want to go off of it once we are married as I do share the same beliefs of the Catholic Church concerning birth control, but I’m wondering what would happen if my doc wants me to stay on it for awhile longer given the issues I have been having. What is the church’s stance on BC for medical issues once a person is married?

Like pp mentioned, you can take the Pill for a legitimate medical purpose even if you’re married. But you can’t in good conscience take advantage of the contraceptive “side-effect” of the Pill.

If you actually need the medication though, you can take it. I imagine your doctor will probably give you a choice to start taking the Pill or to stay on it, etc., along with other medications and remedies that don’t have the unfortunate side effects that the Pill has. I would weigh all those carefully if I were you. I know you don’t want to get into the medical aspect of the Pill, but a lot of people here speak from experience and it’s hard for them to not caution you when a question like this comes up.

 

[kage_ar]

Humanae Vitae states, “the Church does not consider at all illicit the use of those therapeutic means necessary to cure bodily diseases, even if a foreseeable impediment to procreation should result there from—provided such impediment is not directly intended for any motive whatsoever” (HV 15).

Exactly.

Question is, will this CURE your bodily disease or will it simply cover up the symptoms?

 

[EeyoresButerfly]

Whether or not you take the Pill to regulate any medical condition is up to your doctor and you, and no one else. The Church does NOT deny the Pill to women who need them to regulate medical conditions, as your research has shown. No one here is qualified to give medical advice, and treatment of medical conditions is between you and your doctor.

That said, yes, the Church allows you to take the Pill to treat medical conditions, married or not. And you do not have to abstain from sex with your husband while you are taking it. That’s a fact and it’s in Humanae Vitae. Also, you should discuss it with your priest. No one here is as qualifed to give spiritual advice as your priest.

The only time the Church forbids the use of contraception is when it’s used FOR contraception, that is, when it’s primary usage is to prevent pregancy. That’s not what you’re trying to do. You’re trying to get relief from a bunch of medical conditions that the Pill will help you regulate. Trust your doctor and the research you have done, and talk to your priest if you have any questions I hope you feel better and won’t need them for very long

Thank you! That was the part I was unsure of. I tried searching this site, but everything I found was in relation to using it specifically as a contraceptive. I do want to go off of it when I’m married because we want to have a family, but I was worried about that part of it if I’m still on it within the first few months of marriage. I wasn’t sure if being on it meant that a husband and wife could not perform marital duties (to put it delicately.)

 

[Rence]

Thank you! That was the part I was unsure of. I tried searching this site, but everything I found was in relation to using it specifically as a contraceptive. I do want to go off of it when I’m married because we want to have a family, but I was worried about that part of it if I’m still on it within the first few months of marriage. I wasn’t sure if being on it meant that a husband and wife could not perform marital duties (to put it delicately.)

Well, I’m sure you already know (you’re no novice to the internet ) that forums this size really attract people from very opposite sides of the spectrum from the very highly stringent conservative to the very highly uninhibited liberal. You just need to patiently wade through all the junk to find reasonable answers to your questions. When in doubt, lean on your priest. Here’s the entire Humanae Vitae for you to read if you wish: vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-vi_enc_25071968_humanae-vitae_en.html

The Church isn’t that stringent that it would deny a woman treatment for medical conditions. And the Church knows medicine and practices change all the time and IMOHO do a pretty good job allowing the patient’s physician to treat the patient using the best standards of practice currently in use. Which is the way it should be. They really have no business getting into complex medical issues and treatments, and they know that, which is why they add those bits about allowing medical usage of medications that would hinder conception. No woman who knows her research well wants to go on The Pill for any length of time unless they’re trying to treat something that they need the Pill for (I don’t need to tell you about the pros and cons, it looks like you know it well), but you don’t need to suffer when you can have your symptoms and your maladies treated. I hope you get the treatments you need to help you and find some relief soon.

 

[Janet1983]

I’m not interested in a whose condition is worse contest. I also didn’t realize there were so many medical experts on here. Believe me, I have done my research. The side effects are one reason I have held off as long as I have. But… my doctor believes, and I agree, that the risks do not outweigh the benefits at this point. Again, I am not interested in medical advice or scare tactics- only the doctrinal issues involved. No offense to anyone here, but this is not the place I would come to seek medical help. I have other communities (and of course my doctor) who I feel have a better knowledge base.

I am all for apologetics, but believe that if you are going to argue something, it should be done with accurate information. Otherwise you will have the opposite of intended affect.

Ok. If you don’t want us to tell you that you should first try to find other ways (that is what we are all telling you as I see it), then go ahead and ask your priest. That should be the safest option.