Withdrawal method?

[zippyvontrapp]

I just read a post here about NFP and “other acts,” and became alarmed by some of the responses. I think I am doing a bad thing, and I didn’t realize it. When I was first married I used the pill for a few months. I stopped after I learned some things about it. Then for several years we used condoms, which DH does not enjoy. DH and I have a very infrequent sex life. When we are intimate, he no longer uses condoms but insists on withdrawing (you know what I mean).

I do not really enjoy this. But I actually figured that I was not sinning anymore, because I figured I was no longer using birth control. Now after reading the previous post, I realize that I AM sinning? I mean, not often, but still…

So the withdrawal is sinful?

 

[1ke]

Withdrawing is contraception and yes it is a gravely wrong act.

Sin requires knowledge as well as free consent. You can’t sin without knowing that what you are doing is wrong.

Natural family planning-- abstaining periodically-- is a moral means of spacing children. Take a class and learn more about it.

 

[jilly4ski]

First of all why is he withdrawing? (you don’t have to answer this it is kind of rhetorical) Withdrawal is not a good method of birth control if you are trying to avoid children. Any public (and probably private) high school student could tell you that the failure rate is quite high. (Wikipedia says 15-28%).

As far as the sinful aspect. You didn’t know it was wrong, so your sin is mitigated, though confession would still be advisable. Also if you voice your opposition to your husband but he continues to use withdrawal, it is not (generally) considered your sin. ETA you should discuss this with a priest. However, if this is unpleasant for you, you should communicate this and your husband should respect your wishes and not do this.

NFP is a great method for family planning. You already said relations are infrequent, so a method with periodic abstinence might work very well for you.

There are several methods that are taught based on observing one or more symptoms of ovulation.
Sympto-thermal nfpandmore.org/nfphowto.shtml
Marquette
Creighton

Good luck and prayers

 

[Rence]

It was wise to stop taking contraceptives, especially if you’re not taking them to treat medical conditions.

You really ought to check into Natural Family Planning as jilly4ski has recommended. Not only is it allowed by the Catholic Church, but it’s much more than the so-called “rhythm method” of “ancient times”.

 

[BrokenFortress]

Condoms are just as bad as contraceptives although they don’t have the same negative consequences in terms of your body and the environment, but they are also wrong.

Like it’s been stated, withdrawal is also wrong, and is not a good way of spacing children if that’s what you’re trying to accomplish.

Try looking into NFP, you’ll also learn some interesting things about your body.

 

[mdea29]

I experienced a similar journey through birth control, then withdrawal, then discovery that that too is sinful (how did i miss so much from my Catholic upbringing?!). But my husband was open to NFP, we are taking the class, and it actually reinforces the intimacy of our marriage and the Godliness of our covenant. And it’s really not that difficult. With each step, I feel closer to being the woman, wife and mother over whom God can smile with approval.
Good luck and God bless

erin