Openness to life

[Hoosier-Daddy]

A couple probably has more communication using a condom. When we used nfp we both knew when “red light time” was. So for a solid 18 days we were in no go mode. That’s not any more communication than most birth control. Condoms are the most popular form and that requires a whole sentence to initiate plus the wrapping etc. I’d say in intimate times condoms probably provide the most communication. But communication is not really the reason nfp is licit and condoms are not.

 

[jlc2k2]

You’re right that communication isn’t why NFP is licit.

That said, my experience with NFP has been very different from yours. We don’t sit down and have a long drawn out discussion but throughout that time, there’s still the question of have I ovulated yet, how much longer, etc. Right now, there’s not much discussion about the why because I take medication while pregnant that’s not compatible with breastfeeding. But once my youngest weans, the conversations will change from how much longer to how much longer if we want to avoid. Which, for us, naturally leads to how much do we want to avoid.

 

[Allegra]

No. That’s not the reason condoms are not licit, but increased communication about the purpose of sex in the marriage can definitely be a plus side of using NFP. I’ve never actually used a condom, but I imagine the amount of discussion or interaction involved in it’s placement can probably vary from couple to couple. Actively deciding to sacrifice lovemaking for the evening is kind of hard to ignore though.

 

[QwertyGirl]

Well I decided after one, we were complete. At the time, my husband would have liked a second. Since I am the woman and would have carried the pregnancy, he deferred to me. He was reluctant, at first, but then we got a dog and he was happy and realized I was rIght and we went from there.

It is different for each couple. I wouldn’t worry about what other couples do. You and your spouse need to make it work for the two of you and the kids you already have.