What do you mean by not working? You only have the one child. Also, what methods were you using, and who was doing the record keeping? Have you taken an actual class?
Usually NFP methods (particularly those that use cervical mucous and temperature) can work if the woman has an irregular cycle, but is necessary to very carefully chart. Speaking to an NFP instructor might also be a good idea.
). Perhaps I should look into an instructor. I am not pressuring her at all to use birth control; I would prefer that she do not for a multitude of reasons.You have three options.
Modern NFP methods accomodate irregular cycles, so I think yes you should meet an instructor to discuss. Before that, though, you should do some research as there are many different methods available and so it would be good to get an idea of what you would consider before contacting any particular instructors (who will typically each use a specific system). Search posts on this forum, where people have discussed their experiences with different methods, and google more widely to find as much detail as you can.When I stated it did not work, I meant that her cycle was so irregular and different from month to month that charting and predicting was not feasible. We were not using NFP when she got pregnant, just open to whatever happens happens (and it happened
If that is the case, I’d talk to your parish priest if you’re concerned as to the morality of birth control, as well as a gynecologist.NFP is not supposed to be for a perfect cycle–you monitor fertility conditions and adjust behavior accordingly. There are certainly cases (for instance PCOS or perimenopause or breastfeeding amenorrhea) where there can be a lot difficulties, but with normal fertility, you can say, “We’ve had four days of sustained temperature rise, four days of dryness, there’s been no sign of illness, so it’s a go!” and have a fair degree of certainty. You don’t predict, you read and respond to current conditions and you can fine tune your level of abstinence, depending on your motivation.When I stated it did not work, I meant that her cycle was so irregular and different from month to month that charting and predicting was not feasible. We were not using NFP when she got pregnant, just open to whatever happens happens (and it happened
That’s very good.
Actually if someone had pcos or endometriosis, Nfp is even absolutely necessary so one can figure out the problem and work on fixing it with a napro doctor.If your wife has a condition like endometriosis or PCOS, regular charting might simply not be feasible. Even the most dedicated NFP-er will admit that there are cases where a woman’s cycle just doesn’t behave.
I mean, it’s important to try and keep tabs on your cycle so you know when something’s up but, from personal experience, with PCOS, any sort of consistent tracking is a shot in the dark. There’s really not much to do but shrugs your shoulders, admit your hormones are wonky, and do what needs to be done to set things in order (for me, that’s hormonal birth control).
And it’s unfortunate that that’s what you are told… All you do is shrug your shoulders? Geez. Get a napro doc. Hormonal birth control does not “set things in order”. It shuts things down, faking it.
Look, I can’t control what increments of hormones my ovaries produce and I have a busy life. It’s not something I feel particular interest or anxiety over. Birth control, for me, regulates my cycle and makes my periods much less painful. I’ve been on it for a few years with almost no side effects and very little risk. I’ve discussed it thoroughly with my gyno and we both believe this is the best way to handle my condition. So yeah, I do “shrug my shoulders” because the issue is solved and I don’t really feel it’s productive to worry about.
Thank you! I will do some research and pray my wife will be open to trying NFP again.
I very much care for her soul, but I cannot force her to adhere to Church teaching. I will continue to pray our spiritual lives will become more united.