Unusual use of Birth Control

[Primitive]

I am home for the summer from school and other obligations and staying at my parents house. I am am male and I have been away from home a total of 10 years other than periodic visits. Therefore, I am sort of “out of the loop” in regards to situations in the family and I am having a hard time knowing how “devoted” my Catholic family really is to the faith anymore. Honestly, I’m not too “close” to them, but do care about them.
Tonight, my mother was preparing dinner and second oldest sister (who is 24 and a nurse) walked into the kitchen.
About two weeks ago, my youngest sister who is 45 minutes away at school and 20 yrs (single) old passed out at work. ON top of that, something is possibly wrong with her usual reproductive cycle but I can’t confirm that. So, my mother made sure she went to the doctor to see if something was wrong with her and had some blood work done. The appointment was last week and the results came in today.
So…while I was in the kitchen today along with my mother and 24year old daughter, I overheard my mother tell my sister (the nurse) the results of the test for the 20 year old sister just as I was leaving the kitchen. My mother was trying to talk low enough I think for me not to hear, but apparently the 20 year old has low potassium levels from what it sounded like. I did not hear all of what the doctor “prescribed” the one thing that jumped out at me sounded like my mother said the doctor prescribed birth control pills for her!?
Well, my heart sunk and I just about had a few things disrespectful to say to the “doctor” or at least ask my mom if she realized what the (*&I she was doing.
My questions are:
-Could a doctor have done something this stupid and un-ethical isn’t this blatent malpractice?
-What does birth control have to do with helping a 20 year old with low levels of nutrients and taking meds for anxiety?
-What can I do about this or who do I approach and how without insulting my parents who do attend mass each Sunday but are Msort of “blah” in my opinion (not to judge them but that is what I witness)?

Thanks and God bless…

 

[KarenNC]

I would want to know more about it before jumping to the conclusion that the doctor was guilty of malpractice.

1. are you sure it is birth control pills?
   You said it “sounded like” it might be. It also might not be.
2. why are they being prescribed?
   There are other legitimate medical reasons than contraception that a doctor might prescribe birth control pills–unusually heavy periods, irregular periods, endometriosis, etc. They can mitigate severe PMS, which could be exacerbating your sister’s anxiety issues. Hard to tell without knowing anything about the situation for sure.
3. is your sister sexually active?
   If your sister is not sexually active, then I don’t see the issue regarding having birth control pills for other medical reasons. If there is no sexual act, there is no chance of making that act not “open to life.”

You said that your mother was talking with your other sister. Can you ask your sister, just to make sure you are making accurate conclusions? If she is a nurse, I am sure she is in a good position to help you understand if the use of the pills may or may not be a reasonable option.

 

[Primitive]

I would want to know more about it before jumping to the conclusion that the doctor was guilty of malpractice.

1. are you sure it is birth control pills?
   You said it “sounded like” it might be. It also might not be.
2. why are they being prescribed?
   There are other legitimate medical reasons than contraception that a doctor might prescribe birth control pills–unusually heavy periods, irregular periods, endometriosis, etc. They can mitigate severe PMS, which could be exacerbating your sister’s anxiety issues. Hard to tell without knowing anything about the situation for sure.
3. is your sister sexually active?
   If your sister is not sexually active, then I don’t see the issue regarding having birth control pills for other medical reasons. If there is no sexual act, there is no chance of making that act not “open to life.”

You said that your mother was talking with your other sister. Can you ask your sister, just to make sure you are making accurate conclusions? If she is a nurse, I am sure she is in a good position to help you understand if the use of the pills may or may not be a reasonable option.

Thanks for the advice!

I still have to talk to my mother so that I can confirm what I overheard so I’m not jumping to conclusions.

Also, I thought it was interesting what you said that doctors prescribe birth control to take care of irregular periods and anxiety. My fear is that doctors use this, as I have been told, as a “blanket fix action” instead of trying to find the exact cause/problem. Through some pro-life agencies I have read of heath concerns that are caused by taking birth control such as thinning of the uterine lining and blood clots amongst others depending on which pill is being used and the manufacturer.

I hope also to see if this is a moral problem. I was more concerned with my sister developing the idea that now that she has them, she can use them for the wrong reason, and contraception, but of course I do not want to pass judgement on her…I suppose it is just the worries of a “big brother!”

 

[1ke]

-Could a doctor have done something this stupid and un-ethical isn’t this blatent malpractice?

It is quite common for physicians to prescribe these hormonal pills to “fix” a spectrum of problems. The pills don’t really fix anything but they mask the symptoms or supress the problem.

Yes, it is extremely common and for many women it does work to correct the problem. There are millions of women prescribed BCPs for this each year.

Off label uses of medications are common.

That said, there are usually other treatments although doctors don’t often pursue them.

It is pointless to use such pejorative terms as “blatent malpractice” and “unethical” because it is neither.

What does birth control have to do with helping a 20 year old with low levels of nutrients and taking meds for anxiety?

The pill decreases the production of the endometrium, and alters the hormonal balance of the woman. That can impact the “nutrient imbalance” as you call it-- it can particularly help if she is anemic or has other hormonal problems. Again, it’s not the best way, but the quickest, cheapest, and easiest.

What can I do about this or who do I approach and how without insulting my parents who do attend mass each Sunday but are Msort of “blah” in my opinion (not to judge them but that is what I witness)?

There are several things here. First, there is nothing *morally *wrong with your sister taking these pills for a medical reason. She is unmarried, and we will assume not sexually active.

Medically, she should probably seek out treatment from a doctor willing to get to the bottom of the problem through testing-- but that’s her choice.

So, my advice is keep your nose out of it because you have *wrongly *assumed there is something sinful going on. There is not.

 

[KarenNC]

Also, I thought it was interesting what you said that doctors prescribe birth control to take care of irregular periods and anxiety. My fear is that doctors use this, as I have been told, as a “blanket fix action” instead of trying to find the exact cause/problem. Through some pro-life agencies I have read of heath concerns that are caused by taking birth control such as thinning of the uterine lining and blood clots amongst others depending on which pill is being used and the manufacturer.

There are indeed risk factors associated with any medication. Ever looked at the warnings for aspirin ? Prescribing any medication is a balancing act between the potential for side effects and the expected benefit to the patient. The risk of blood clots, for instance, is higher in older women (over 35) and those who smoke and for certain formulations of the pills (there are a number of different types).

My younger sister was prescribed birth control pills as a teenager because she had extreme problems with her cycle (and my parents were vehemently against premarital sex). If the root of some of your sister’s medical problems are related to a problem with her hormonal cycle, then a medication that works to regulate that cycle (which is how birth control pills work) would seem to be a reasonable choice, even if it has other uses in other situations.

I hope also to see if this is a moral problem. I was more concerned with my sister developing the idea that now that she has them, she can use them for the wrong reason, and contraception, but of course I do not want to pass judgement on her…I suppose it is just the worries of a "big brother!"

I can see your concern, but hopefully she will understand at 20 the reasons for which they have been prescribed and use them in accordance with her own moral values. Now whether the Catholic Church would have an issue with it and agree with this view, I cannot say. Do talk with your sister who is a nurse. She is going to be able to address your concerns within the context both of medical issues and your faith concerns.

 

[hasikelee]

You said that your mother was talking with your other sister. Can you ask your sister, just to make sure you are making accurate conclusions? If she is a nurse, I am sure she is in a good position to help you understand if the use of the pills may or may not be a reasonable option.

Side comment, but I would be careful when addressing this issue with the sister-nurse. The curriculum for nurses hardly takes science past a highschool level. (Not counting BA/MA).

I have met nurses who believe birth control works by only stopping ovulation, that early term abortions are a myth, that pregnancy doesn’t begin until ____(some say viability as if that’s scientific, some say any variable of days months or trimesters).

My favourite was the nurse who couldn’t tell me what birth control was or how it works…she used it too and was employed at the local hospital to hand it out.

Anyways, with the OP already admitting he is unfamiliar with female health issues and on rocky ground with the family, I would just be cautious.

 

[KarenNC]

Anyways, with the OP already admitting he is unfamiliar with female health issues and on rocky ground with the family, I would just be cautious.

Point taken.

 

[Benedictus]

I still have to talk to my mother so that I can confirm what I overheard so I’m not jumping to conclusions.

No, you don’t. Frankly, it’s really none of your business. Your sister’s medical issues aren’t your concern.

 

[Cristiano]

No, you don’t. Frankly, it’s really none of your business. Your sister’s medical issues aren’t your concern.

I might be coming from a different family and cultural background, but the physical and spiritual welfare of my relatives is my concern. Probably this is the reason why I am not surprised by the OP. I think that the OP should make clear that the deep family affection is at the base of such inquiry and the inquiry should be done with a lot of diplomacy. If I were a family member and I would hear how the situation was presented in the OP I would probably be upset and defensive because it could sound critical (accusing doctor and family members of ignorance).

 

[m134e5]

-Could a doctor have done something this stupid and un-ethical isn’t this blatent malpractice?

-What does birth control have to do with helping a 20 year old with low levels of nutrients and taking meds for anxiety?

-What can I do about this or who do I approach and how without insulting my parents who do attend mass each Sunday but are sort of “blah” in my opinion (not to judge them but that is what I witness)?

1.) It isn’t stupid or unethical or malpractice.

2.) Maybe nothing- though things like that can affect menstrual cycles. Birth control pills are often perscribed for irregular cycles.

3.) Nothing. (If I were them and you said anything about it to me, I would tell you to mind your own business). Pray for your family, but it doesn’t sound like, in this case, anybody is doing anything wrong.

 

[Rand_Al_Thor]

Pax vobiscum!

Before too many people jump on the old “BC is ok as long as it is prescribed for some medical condition” bandwagon, I’d like to point out that it can have some very serious side effects on women, such as causing blood clots and leaving them barren. Jason Evert said in one of his talks that he spoke with a gynecologist about how many women actually have to be on BC for other medical issues, and he said, “Truthfully, none; there are many other drugs out there that can do the same things.”

In Christ,
Rand

 

[Rand_Al_Thor]

No, you don’t. Frankly, it’s really none of your business. Your sister’s medical issues aren’t your concern.

Pax tecum!

I completely disagree. A sibling’s medical issues certainly are a concern. As I pointed out in my last post, BC can have some very scary side effects on women. I would be very concerned if I had a sister who was prescribed something that could hurt her like that.

In Christ,
Rand

 

[kettle]

No, you don’t. Frankly, it’s really none of your business. Your sister’s medical issues aren’t your concern.

Agreed. And, to take it one step further, your sister is an adult and deserves to have her medical history kept confidential. It’s her choice to tell whomever she wishes about her medical condition/treatment; not your mother’s or yours.

 

[Benedictus]

I completely disagree. A sibling’s medical issues certainly are a concern. As I pointed out in my last post, BC can have some very scary side effects on women. I would be very concerned if I had a sister who was prescribed something that could hurt her like that.

First of all, the sibling hasn’t taken it upon herself to share her situation with the OP, so it is definitely none of his business.

Secondly, the doctor is certainly aware of the side effects of the medication he or she prescribed, but he or she is a highly trained medical professional who has actually examined the young woman in question and is qualified to make decisions about which medications to prescribe. You are not.

 

[cecilia97]

I hope also to see if this is a moral problem. I was more concerned with my sister developing the idea that now that she has them, she can use them for the wrong reason, and contraception, but of course I do not want to pass judgement on her…I suppose it is just the worries of a “big brother!”

I use birth control pills to regulate my very weird cycle, it’s quite common. As to the question of “oh, well, I’m protected from pregnancy so I can have sex all I want now!”…a person’s moral foundation still comes into play. If you knew how to commit murder without getting caught, would you automatically run out and do it? My guess is no, because you know murder is a sin. If your sister has a strong faith foundation, she will not lose it overnight just because she has access to some pills.

 

[Rand_Al_Thor]

First of all, the sibling hasn’t taken it upon herself to share her situation with the OP, so it is definitely none of his business.

Secondly, the doctor is certainly aware of the side effects of the medication he or she prescribed, but he or she is a highly trained medical professional who has actually examined the young woman in question and is qualified to make decisions about which medications to prescribe. You are not.

Pax tecum!

A doctor also wanted to prescribe my girlfriend BC because of an effect on pregnancy that could occur while she was taking another medication…and this was after she told him she was not having sex. The doctor continued to try to convince her to go on BC because if she didn’t and became pregnant she would “have to make the decision whether or not to have an abortion.” Yes, these highly trained medical experts are not to be questioned at all about BC, are they? I’ll just ignore all the professional medical studies I’ve read and go with any doctor’s word.

In Christ,
Rand

 

[C_Bautista]

Eh. I am a Premedicine student, and I have serious reservations (perhaps nothing more than misunderstandings, as I am not even particularly close to being a doctor of medicine, admittedly) about accepting the practice of prescribing birth control pills for prolonged times from a purely medical point of view.

To put it simply: if a woman takes a birth control pill from age 15 to 27 and decides to stop taking it to have children, it seems to me that her body isn’t going to be able to cope hormonally with the sudden change.

To me, she’s now open to a whole slew of other future problems involving hormones and even pregnancy issues.

Maybe if I survive undergrad and Med School we’ll see…

 

[KarenNC]

To put it simply: if a woman takes a birth control pill from age 15 to 27 and decides to stop taking it to have children, it seems to me that her body isn’t going to be able to cope hormonally with the sudden change.

To me, she’s now open to a whole slew of other future problems involving hormones and even pregnancy issues.

Well, it’s obviously only anecdotal, but I used the pill for 5 years straight and had no problems becoming pregnant immediately (we used condoms for 3 months after I stopped the pill–became pregnant the first month we did not use any of these). This was the case twice, even though I was in my mid to late 30s on both occasions and have a history of sometimes severe fertility problems in my family, including my sister.

In the case of a woman with hormonal imbalances as the root of her problems in the first place, I see no reason to expect that once she goes off the pill which is being used to treat her by regulating her hormonal cycle, that she would not go back to her original issues. I have seen no indication that anyone expects the pill to resolve those issues rather than simply manage them. Whether there are other strategies and therapies that will actually resolve them long term, I do not know.

 

[KarenNC]

A doctor also wanted to prescribe my girlfriend BC because of an effect on pregnancy that could occur while she was taking another medication…and this was after she told him she was not having sex. The doctor continued to try to convince her to go on BC because if she didn’t and became pregnant she would “have to make the decision whether or not to have an abortion.” Yes, these highly trained medical experts are not to be questioned at all about BC, are they? I’ll just ignore all the professional medical studies I’ve read and go with any doctor’s word.

Realize that there are many people who, because of their concern with their image or social expectations, will actively lie to a physician about many things to a physician, telling them what they think the doctor wants to hear. I don’t know your girlfriend’s age, but this can be particularly true for minors who are concerned that their parents might find out about something of which they are ashamed.

No, I don’t smoke
No I never drink
Yes, I floss twice daily
No, I’m not taking any illegal drugs
I exercise 5 times a week every week
I never eat fried foods or sugar
No, I never have sex
I always have safe sex
I always take all my medications exactly as prescibed, never missing or delaying a dose or forgetting to take my antibiotic

I am willing to believe that your girlfriend was telling the exact truth. I would have been, too, when I was in her position. However, realize that the side-effects of some medications are known to cause severe, even lethal, birth defects if a pregnant woman takes them or gets pregnant while taking them, even though they are effective for others. This includes doses taken before she knows she might be pregnant (all birth control methods, even used flawlessly, have a failure rate and the vast majority of people do not use them flawlessly every time).

The doctor was, in fact, being very responsible and working for the welfare of any possible future children of your girlfriend. The need to do that is greater than the need to avoid possible embarrassment to your girlfriend by suggesting that she might be or become sexually active. Pregnancy can and does happen on the first sexual encounter. Google Thalidomide (no longer widely prescribed, but a good example) or Accutane (which is prescribed for severe acne), both of which can cause such severe birth defects that women who may become pregnant are advised to use not one but two reliable forms of birth control while on the medication, so that they have a backup if one method fails.

otispregnancy.org/pdf/thalidomide.pdf
Can taking thalidomide during pregnancy
cause birth defects in my baby?
Yes. When a pregnant woman takes
thalidomide 34-50 days (4.5 to 7 weeks) after
the beginning of her last menstrual period,
there is a risk of approximately 20% or greater
to have a baby with birth defects such as
extremely short or missing arms and legs,
missing ears (both outside and inside), and
deafness. There is also a risk of other problems
such as heart defects, missing or small eyes,
paralysis of the face, kidney abnormalities,
gastrointestinal abnormalities, poor growth and
mental retardation. The risk for fetal damage if
the drug is taken after the first trimester is
unknown.

marchofdimes.com/aboutus/791_1912.asp

“Even a single pregnancy exposed to Accutane is one too many, given all we know about the severe harm this drug can do to fetuses,” said Donald R. Mattison, M.D., medical director of the March of Dimes. “We urge everyone, especially physicians, patients with acne, and pharmacists, to become better educated on the proper use of this drug and to follow the guidelines more carefully.” He noted that there is a Pregnancy Prevention Program in place for Accutane, although it appears that not all physicians and their patients are participating.

Dr. Mattison said there is an extremely high risk of fetal malformations if a woman becomes pregnant while taking Accutane, even if she is taking a small amount of the drug for a short period. Birth defects associated with Accutane include: hydrocephaly (enlargement of the fluid-filled spaces in the brain); microcephaly (small head and brain); mental retardation; heart defects; ear and eye abnormalities; cleft lip and palate; and other facial abnormalities. “Accutane and the other retinoids can cause these birth defects in the early weeks after conception, a time when a woman often doesn’t know she’s pregnant,” he said.

 

[jaaraf]

Medical doctor’s point of view here (but take note, I’m a general practitioner, not an OB-GYNE):
It’s not unethical or immoral to prescribe these hormonal birth control pills to women who have problems with the regularity of their menstrual cycle. Something is wrong with the woman’s body and this is one of the treatments.
The usual diagnosis assigned to these women is most likely DUB (short for Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding) which lead to anemia because of excessive blood loss from menses.
Nevertheless, I personally think it is a diagnosis of exclusion. The doctor should try to get to the bottom of the real reason for the excessive blood loss. It could even be a sign of a blood clotting problem, not hormonal imbalance. But in my country, finances have to be considered (majority of patients cannot afford the extra cost) so many OB-GYNE’s will opt to try to treat the immediate problem using artificial female hormones in birth control pills to control the menstrual cycle.