Yet another question about birth control

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DeasVailFan

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So, my issue is sort of about birth control, but not completely.

I’m 20 years old, still a virgin, not in a relationship, and not likely to be married for at least the next five years.

But, I have crazy irregular periods (I had all of 4 in 2010). I finally saw a gynecologist for it this week. He’s running tests, but his major concern at this time is the fact that I’m not shedding my uterine lining. He said that not shedding this monthly can allow hyperplasic (sp?) cells to grow and form precancerous lesions. Obviously, something that needs to be dealt with. Because I’m not sexually active and not likely to be soon, his plan of action is that, unless the tests show something different then he anticipates, he wants me to go on the Pill for a year or so, to give my ovaries time to mature (I got my period late, too), and my uterus to get back on a semi-regulated cycle. And, yes, I understand that birth control shuts down ovulation. So, my first question is, at this time, would this be morally acceptable? It’s to treat a medical condition, and I know that in some cases this can be allowed.

The other aspect of this issue is, my mother. She knew that I was seeing a gynecologist for this issue, as well as for an ovarian cyst I’ve had problems with. Yet, she didn’t do any sort of talk about this until the night before; she told me, “you know they’ll probably do a pelvic exam, right?” After assuring her that I did indeed understand that, the discussion dropped. I figured that was the only (name removed by moderator)ut she was going to have and was cool with that (my parents have never had the sex talk with myself or any of my siblings; she was so uncomfortable when just telling me about getting a period when I was younger, that I was terrified to ask her questions about it). Then, just before I walk out the door to go to my appointment, she tells me that she knows they sometimes will use birth control to regulate periods, but that that will just cause more problems, and I can’t go on it.

I related most of this to the doctor, who is Catholic as well. He said that in my case, unless the testing shows something different, birth control is really the only option (well, only non-invasive option). He strongly counseled to use the medication for cycle control, because of the risk I mentioned above about precancerous growths.

I’m currently going through some faith crises, which have caused a minor rift with my mom. Mainly, the issue is, I was raised to attend church, believe in God, the basics of Catholicism, etc. In the past two years or so, though, my mom has become super Catholic. Yet, instead of being approachable with my questions, she becomes defensive that I dare to have any questions or doubts. I know that this may partially be my fault, but it has gotten to the point that neither of us are talking about it. I just don’t discuss religion with her at all, and she seems to be happy with this.

Obviously though, this question about the Pill is gonna bring a lot of this to a head. I don’t want something as stupid as a medication to ruin my otherwise good relationship with my mom, but I’m also sick of having no clue what’s going on with my body as well as now knowing that continuing to ignore it can put my body at risk.

Also, I would go off birth control before getting married and having sex. I understand the abortificant risks it has. I also understand that the Pill has other risks. As does every medication. But, I have been led to believe that the risks are not going to be as dangerous to my body as the risks I currently have of ignoring the nutso cycle my body has adopted.

Mainly, I’d just really like some (name removed by moderator)ut from older, wiser heads. I know I’m gonna have to talk to my mom about this, but I’m very nervous about it, and I want to get a viewpoint of practicing Catholics, so I can at least understand her position, if nothing else. Thank you very much for your time. 🙂

(Also, mods, I am very, very sorry if this is in the wrong place. Due to the complexity of what I’m asking, I wasn’t really sure where to put it.)
 
The Church teaches that with each act of sexual intercourse of a married couple must be open to life. In your case you are not having any relations so the medication is not “birth control” but yet a medication that you need to get back on track. The same medication would be “birth control” if a woman were to take it for the purpose of contracepting.

I am in total agreement with your doctor that you should use this medication as a remedy for your condition. You are not on birth control since your intention is not to stop a pregnancy. There is another thread running here whereby it’s understood that the pill can be utilized for medical conditions even if you are married. So, your mom and others need to educate themselves and you need not have any guilt here. God bless you and you are in my prayers… teachccd

Welcome to the forum!! 🙂
 
Remember ,your vagina is very important,do what you must to keep it in perfect working order.
 
It’s licit for you to take the Pill for medical reasons, especially since you are abstinent.

You could also check with a nutritionist and see if changes in diet and/or vitamin supplements could help with your problem. There’s a great book on that: Fertility, Cycles, and Nutrition by Marilyn Shannon.
 
It might be worth getting a second opinion from a NFP-only physician. You can find a list at www.omsoul.com .

Another thing - you might want to ask of your own doctor what is the deal with those versions of “the pill” that allow women to skip their periods for months at a time. Why is your case different from theirs - in both cases, the uterine lining is not being shed for months at a time.

In any case, if you and your doctor decide that the pill is the best option for you, be assured that as long as you are abstinent and unmarried, there is no moral problem with using it.
 
If your mother is being difficult just tell her “the Church teaches that it is permissible to take the pill to treat a medical condition in certain circumstances”.
 
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