Contraception medicine for medical reasons?

[Lynette_Lane]

Hi

I am a 30 year old single woman, not in a relationship and I am facing the prospect of having to take a contraceptive injection for a medical reason and (the only support I get from my Gyne doctor is to get pregnant) I would like some help.
1 - what is the church teaching on the issue.
2 - am i committing a mortal sin?

I am really troubled about this issue and would like some direction.

 

[kage_ar]

Contact another doctor for a second opinion.

popepaulvi.com/

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

Since you’re not sexually active you’re not using the medication for contraceptive purposes. Using hormones for medicinal purposes is not sinful.

That said, you might want to investigate your health situation more deeply. Most likely the hormones are treating the symptoms of something, but not treating the cause. Ideally you would want to cure the underlying problem.

 

[Teakafrog]

Many doctors prescribe contraceptives because it’s easy. They use it as the ‘answer’ to every gynecological issue a woman has. Problem is, those artificial hormones don’t actually cure anything! They only mask the symptoms you’re having without actually finding and treating the problem! Whatever your problem is will still be there, only you’ll have the side-effects of these drugs to contend with also. Please find a doctor who wants to TREAT and CURE you, not just give you shot so you go away for 3 months. Most gyn conditions can actually be treated, but not by contraceptives. Find a doctor who cares about your health. www.popepaulvi.com or www.omsoul.com are great places to start looking. Good luck!

 

[Em_in_FL]

I’ll second (or third) the idea of investigating this medical condition a little deeper. Many GYNs will prescribe hormones which only cover up the symptoms and never get to the root of the problem.

You may want to ask for a reference to see a Reproductive Endocrinologist. These specialist doctors are much more educated in this area. Today’s GYNs are in the habit of resorting to hormonal contraceptives very quickly without looking deeper into the problem.

As for the moral question… if you’re not using it as birth control (which you aren’t), and are trying to treat a medical condition then you shouldn’t worry…

 

[nobeerinheaven]

The medical caution of previous posters should be encouraged - get a second opinion! As far as the moral issue, you should abstain from any sexual intercourse (obviously, too, because you are single) for as long as the contraceptive shot is effective (e.g. if it’s a 5 year shot, and you get married in 3, you need to abstain for the first two years of the marriage, on pain of mortal sin).

 

[Lady_D_I]

… you should abstain from any sexual intercourse (obviously, too, because you are single) for as long as the contraceptive shot is effective (e.g. if it’s a 5 year shot, and you get married in 3, you need to abstain for the first two years of the marriage, on pain of mortal sin).

There is disagreement on this very topic.

From Fr. Serpa

The Church never allows the pill to be used as an abortifacient. But it does allow the use of the pill for medical reasons with the possiblity of producing an unintended miscarriage—**without obliging the couple to abstain from sexual relations during that time.
**

 

[nobeerinheaven]

Interesting, I stand corrected.

 

[LittleDeb]

(the only support I get from my Gyne doctor is to get pregnant)

I’m so sorry! I remember that phrase too, “Have a baby or have a hysterectomy.” It didn’t matter that I was Catholic and single. Grrrr.

You’re getting great advice in this thread. You’re in my prayers! I got a better doctor, learned NFP, married at 30, and now we have two kids. Yay!!

Morally, you will not be in the wrong in following this GYN’s advice on hormonal contraception for medical reasons, but seek further counsel. I went through 7, count 'em, 7 docs before I was finally helped.

 

[Naztakuan]

I’, om a similar situation. I’m having hormonal issues that may either lead to hormone treatment or having to get an operation to get a uterine mass removed. I’m not married, nor am I sexually active. I’d rather take a prescription than go under the knife. It just seems safer.