Infertility

[Convert_in_99]

I am so thankful for you CHOVY. You are a God-send right now.

DKIONZAN, please know that you are in my prayers.

Forgive me for my former post. It was rather insensitive, and not tailored to your needs. I was only trying to help.

God bless you and keep you and grant you a full and complete recovery! And, again, I appollogize

 

[dkoinzan]

I am so thankful for you CHOVY. You are a God-send right now.

DKIONZAN, please know that you are in my prayers.

Forgive me for my former post. It was rather insensitive, and not tailored to your needs. I was only trying to help.

God bless you and keep you and grant you a full and complete recovery! And, again, I appollogize

You aren’t insensitive. You are trying and that is nice. I hate using NFP to not achieve pregnancy. I know right now I can’t handle burying another child. I realize some people bury many children. I don’t know how they do it. I want more than anything to do whatever it is God would like me to do. I just don’t know what that is right now. I am thankful for all children. I don’t know what is going on with my body and it would be irresponsible for me to not find out.

 

[Convert_in_99]

You aren’t insensitive. You are trying and that is nice. I hate using NFP to not achieve pregnancy. I know right now I can’t handle burying another child. I realize some people bury many children. I don’t know how they do it. I want more than anything to do whatever it is God would like me to do. I just don’t know what that is right now. I am thankful for all children. I don’t know what is going on with my body and it would be irresponsible for me to not find out.

THANK YOU! You are too sweet. I am glad you didn’t see it as negative. Praise God!

I will pray that you do God’s will. Since you are obviously in need of posts from fellow NFP users, I will refrain from posting to you right now. All I can offer are prayers and emotional support. If you ever have either of these needs, I am here for you. :hug1:

From what little I know about you, I can see that you are a woman of great faith. Many women in your situation would seek sterilization, not NFP perfecting. You WILL be blessed for your efforts, and, I know they must be very difficult. You are most certainly in line with Church teachings, so please do not feel guilty. :heaven:

God bless you and Mary keep you!

 

[aurora77]

I’m surprised by those of you who are unwilling to seek a doctor’s advice for infertility. Yes, there are aspects of infertility treatment that are contrary to Church teaching, but just rule out those options. There may be some simple procedure that can correct the problem.

We’re hoping for that in our case. I went to a gynecologist about a month ago. He found a massive cyst between my uterus and bowel that is more than likely obstructing my fertility. Even if we don’t have biological children after this, this is something that needs to be looked at carefully (I have a “gift” for growing adenomas–non-cancerous tumors–and he thinks this might be related to that, but can’t be sure until he goes in). If any prayer warriors are free next Wednesday, I’m having surgery then (the 9th) to remove the cyst.

I’m a little late to the party, but I have to weigh in on NFP, too. In my case, we were trying to use NFP to conceive but had no luck. My gyn was able to take a quick look at the charts and tell me that I wasn’t ovulating–I get close, but can’t quite get there. If you do decide to seek treatment down the road, having past cycles charted can be helpful.

 

[dkoinzan]

That is how I learned NFP. I had painful periods that would take me to the floor, shaking and vomiting. NFP was used as a tool to help diagnose a health problem. I am thankful for the health problem or I would have contracepted. I can also see the other side of the NFP coin. My husband tried to turn NFP in Natural form of birth control. He isn’t Catholic. Only using fertile days for intamacy could be just as dangerious. Having children conceived out of total self giving to one another because you love one another is what God asks. That is pure love. That is how we conceived both Theresa and Joseph. They are gifts from heaven and they both returned to heaven before they took their first breathes. I need to trust in God and I know he would want me to see why my cycle is so messed up and if that contributed to the deathes of two of my children. I know there is a lesson for me in all that I have suffered this year. I see life issues much clearer. I now know that I love the child in my womb just as much as my 10 year old outside my womb. I know that each life is put on this earth for the salvation of the world. Even the ones that live only seconds after conception. We are asked to say yes to his little armies, he brings them forward and gives them a purpose.

 

[Convert_in_99]

That is how I learned NFP. I had painful periods that would take me to the floor, shaking and vomiting. NFP was used as a tool to help diagnose a health problem. I am thankful for the health problem or I would have contracepted. I can also see the other side of the NFP coin. My husband tried to turn NFP in Natural form of birth control. He isn’t Catholic. Only using fertile days for intamacy could be just as dangerious. Having children conceived out of total self giving to one another because you love one another is what God asks. That is pure love. That is how we conceived both Theresa and Joseph. They are gifts from heaven and they both returned to heaven before they took their first breathes. I need to trust in God and I know he would want me to see why my cycle is so messed up and if that contributed to the deathes of two of my children. I know there is a lesson for me in all that I have suffered this year. I see life issues much clearer. I now know that I love the child in my womb just as much as my 10 year old outside my womb. I know that each life is put on this earth for the salvation of the world. Even the ones that live only seconds after conception. We are asked to say yes to his little armies, he brings them forward and gives them a purpose.

Joseph and Theresa, what beautiful names! Thank God for all of your children both on earth and in heaven!

My husband is also not catholic, he’s a devout protestant. In order to help him see the evils of birth control, I mentioned the “safety net” of NFP to fall into in emergencies. But miracously he prefers to use nothing, and sees NFP as being too involved in the conception (the work of God) either way (postponing or planning.)

I DO hope and pray that NFP works in your diagnoses. I was only saying I understand where you are coming from, both with a mixed marriage and using NFP but not really wanting to.

YES, I know I said I wouldn’t post more advise to you, but your mention of severe menstrual cramps sparked one idea. :idea:

I, too suffer cramps that put me in bed for 2-3 days. The doctors also wanted me on birth control (before I was Catholic and knew better. ) Three months of them made me twice as ill as before! I quickly got off those awful things, and went to a second doctor, who put me on prescription levels of ibuprophen/asprin starting before my period and continuing into it. It is not a miracle cure, I still feel pain, and sometimes lots of it, But at least I can be in an upright position most days! Some months I now hardly feel it at all. Praise God!

These severe cramps can be the source of many early miscarriages. Many women have found success in simply going on “baby asprin.” NOW, having said that, I am no expert. I do not know if they refer to it as baby asprin because its for the future baby, or that you are supposed to take only a baby’s strength. But it could be a possibility, so long as everything else proves healthy for you.

I wish you the best and will pray for your continued recovery and that you will find/do God’s will.

 

[waitngnjyflhope]

Thanks for the mentioning the article “Babies Deserve Better.” I read the article and it certaintly touched on some of the issues I know I have been struggling with.

 

[Convert_in_99]

Thanks for the mentioning the article “Babies Deserve Better.” I read the article and it certaintly touched on some of the issues I know I have been struggling with.

I agree! Thanks “Giannawannabe!” There is so much beauty in following the Church. :heaven:

 

[waitngnjyflhope]

Just something that I thought of after reflecting on some of the past responses. I never really liked the term, “Natural Family Planning.” I think it sounds like a term for catholic contraception.

When we learned about the Creighton Model, I noticed that they used the terms, “Fertility Care” or “Fertility Awareness.” I really like the connotation of those terms. To be aware of our fertility and the gift that it is from the Lord. How wonderful ! To care for and about our fertility!

 

[Convert_in_99]

Just something that I thought of after reflecting on some of the past responses. I never really liked the term, “Natural Family Planning.” I think it sounds like a term for catholic contraception.

When we learned about the Creighton Model, I noticed that they used the terms, “Fertility Care” or “Fertility Awareness.” I really like the connotation of those terms. To be aware of our fertility and the gift that it is from the Lord. How wonderful ! To care for and about our fertility!

to that!

 

[Convert_in_99]

Yes, the NFP neophyte here!

I really love this forum! (Obviously, I visit multiple times a day!) However, I want to understand these posts a little better, so I can further enjoy your beautiful stories. I have to admit, I am very confused about the various “methods” of NFP.

May you get a good laugh as I try to repeat these phrases!

I have read in your posts about a Creighton Method and a Billings Method. I also have heard the mention of Na-Pro technology and a Pope Paul IV center. The only method of NFP I know anything about is the “Sympto-Thermal” Method or something similar. It uses the three signs of temperature, mucous, and (I believe) cervical measurements. That last one might be way off.

I guess I am just wondering what’s the difference in the various methods? And what, exactly is Napro Technology or the Pope Paul IV center?

Any help would be great! Thanks!

Remember: Instructing the ignorant is a work of mercy!

 

[SeekerJen]

I’m surprised by those of you who are unwilling to seek a doctor’s advice for infertility. Yes, there are aspects of infertility treatment that are contrary to Church teaching, but just rule out those options. There may be some simple procedure that can correct the problem.

In our case, it is compounded by DH’s unwillingness to be tested in any way, and the fact that our current health insurance will not pay for anything related to fertility testing. As we are currently living on DH’s bachelor-level scientist’s salary and my grad student stipend, there’s not a lot left over for tests that aren’t medically necessary. On top of that, we have had much more marital peace and happiness when we backed away from actively trying to conceive in favor of leaving it in God’s hands.

I wouldn’t dream of criticizing anyone else for seeking out legitimate and moral medical treatment. It is possible that in the future we may be called to do the same. Right now, for the reasons mentioned above, it isn’t for us.

 

[Convert_in_99]

In our case, it is compounded by DH’s unwillingness to be tested in any way, and the fact that our current health insurance will not pay for anything related to fertility testing. As we are currently living on DH’s bachelor-level scientist’s salary and my grad student stipend, there’s not a lot left over for tests that aren’t medically necessary. On top of that, we have had much more marital peace and happiness when we backed away from actively trying to conceive in favor of leaving it in God’s hands.

I wouldn’t dream of criticizing anyone else for seeking out legitimate and moral medical treatment. It is possible that in the future we may be called to do the same. Right now, for the reasons mentioned above, it isn’t for us.

We are in an almost identical situation! We cannot seek uneeded medical treatment, but, also, are rather contented with “leaving it in God’s hands.” So much so, that, even if we could obtain special treatments right now, we would decline in favor of “leaving it entirely up to God.”

I, also, would never steer someone away from Church approved treatments. I even encourage NFP with couples struggling to get off birth control or who have serious and just reasons to do so.

I’m glad to know I am not alone. :hug1: God bless you and your husband! :heaven:

 

[SeekerJen]

I’m glad to know I am not alone. :hug1: God bless you and your husband! :heaven:

Thanks. You too.

 

[Dan_Grelinger]

We are in an almost identical situation! We cannot seek uneeded medical treatment, but, also, are rather contented with “leaving it in God’s hands.” So much so, that, even if we could obtain special treatments right now, we would decline in favor of “leaving it entirely up to God.”

I, also, would never steer someone away from Church approved treatments. I even encourage NFP with couples struggling to get off birth control or who have serious and just reasons to do so.

I’m glad to know I am not alone. :hug1: God bless you and your husband! :heaven:

What a hypocrysy that exists in the world today. Oral contraceptives, deliberately designed to destroy normal bodily functions, are considered ‘health care’ and covered by ‘health’ insurance, and treatment to restore normal healthy reproductive function, wounded by some unnatural malady, is considered ‘uneeded’ and not covered.

Dan

 

[SeekerJen]

What a hypocrysy that exists in the world today. Oral contraceptives, deliberately designed to destroy normal bodily functions, are considered ‘health care’ and covered by ‘health’ insurance, and treatment to restore normal healthy reproductive function, wounded by some unnatural malady, is considered ‘uneeded’ and not covered.

Dan

Yeah, our insurance would cover all the contraceptive devices and pills we could want, as well as elective abortion. But of course fertility testing is too much to ask. I guess I should be grateful that they at least cover prenatal and infant/child care for those who need it.

 

[Convert_in_99]

What a hypocrysy that exists in the world today. Oral contraceptives, deliberately designed to destroy normal bodily functions, are considered ‘health care’ and covered by ‘health’ insurance, and treatment to restore normal healthy reproductive function, wounded by some unnatural malady, is considered ‘uneeded’ and not covered.

Dan

to that!

It can cost as little as $500 to murder a child. However, it costs in the tens of thousands to deliver a child (not to mention pre-natal costs!) It is WRONG, you are right about that! :yup:

 

[dkoinzan]

Napro., creighton method, and Pope John Paul VI Institute are all basically the same thing. Dr. Hilgers of the Pope John Paul VI Institute developed the the Creighton method that is a portion of Napro… It is a charting of mucus that identifies prepeak fertility, peak fertility, and postpeak fertility. Napro is a study of how hormones interact with eachother in your body to make your cycle work. When your body is performing as God intended it to work, your body produces signs that can be identified and charted. Those signs can be used for many uses other than conceive or not conceive. It can signal signs of infection, cancer, infertility, and can help to acurately identify the date of conception. It can also identify hormonal changes that may be caused by other issues. Without Napro, I am not sure we would have caught my endo as quickly. Because we caught it early, I didn’t have to have the extensive surgery that can be necessary. One of my friends had to have her organs taken out and endo. scraped off before putting them back in. If endo is totally left unchecked it can shut down blood flow to organs.

That is the only method I am really familiar with.

 

[Convert_in_99]

Napro., creighton method, and Pope John Paul VI Institute are all basically the same thing. Dr. Hilgers of the Pope John Paul VI Institute developed the the Creighton method that is a portion of Napro… It is a charting of mucus that identifies prepeak fertility, peak fertility, and postpeak fertility. Napro is a study of how hormones interact with eachother in your body to make your cycle work. When your body is performing as God intended it to work, your body produces signs that can be identified and charted. Those signs can be used for many uses other than conceive or not conceive. It can signal signs of infection, cancer, infertility, and can help to acurately identify the date of conception. It can also identify hormonal changes that may be caused by other issues.

That is the only method I am really familiar with.

THANKS! I so need to get these defintions down. :yup: Thanks, again for the info!

 

[MegSisk]

Just thought I would introduce myself! My husband and I just got married in January and through my NFP charting and a really nice OB we are figuring out exactly what is going on with our fertility or lack there of. My OB thinks I might have Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome and if you could keep my in your prayers, next Monday I am going in to get all of the tests done to confirm this and then we will decide what type of treatment plan we are going to go forward with.

This has been a hard struggle for my husband and I, even though it has only been a few months. We are both young, only 22 so we have many years to figure this out and TRUST GOD (sometimes I have to remind myself)!!! I think it was hardest when I told family and they thought it would be helpful to tell me maybe it is good since our financial situation isn’t the best and I child would be a burden. I know they were just trying to console me but seriously!!!