Avoiding Pregnancy with Irregular Cycles
Question
Hello I was referred to this website from my parish pastor. I am confused regarding birth control. I understand it is not approved by the Catholic church which is my religion. My husband just recently got out of prison and we would like to plan a pregnancy but maybe next year. I was diagnosed with PCOS a couple years ago, I was prescribed yasmin birth control pills to regulate my period which I took for about six months. Being that it is not approved by the church I want to stop taking the pills but I wish not to get pregnant at this moment. I am not sure if I would be a candidate for the family planning class due to my condition, I have very irregular menstrual cycles. I am very confused I want to follow the church’s plan but on the other hand, I don’t want to get pregnant at this time (if it is even possible). I am very confused, I need help.Thank You.
Answer
Last Updated: December 1, 2021
I admire you very much for seeking to resume your marriage with your husband, with whom you have been recently reunited, by following God’s plan for marriage. I can imagine this is a time of many challenges, and can understand why you would seek to avoid pregnancy for the time being. NFP will work for you to do that, even with the PCOS, as modern NFP does not require regular cycles. I would recommend consulting an NFP teacher in your area, and attending classed together with your husband. Learning and using NFP together will provide opportunities for increased communication, and sharing in the responsibility together of planning your family.
Once you have a few months charted I would recommend consulting a Medical Consultant in NFP, to formulate a plan for treating the PCOS. This is important, not only for increasing your chances of one day conceiving, but also for preserving your long term health. Untreated PCOS puts you at risk for other health problems later in life.
The Pill does not treat PCOS, but simply suppresses your body’s attempt to function normally, and overrides it with synthetic hormones that regulate a monthly light withdrawal bleed. This does not treat anything, but just gives the appearance of “normal” since you now bleed monthly, whereas you probably were not with PCOS. The better goal, is to assist your body in restoring normal function, so it actually IS functioning more normally.
You can find local NFP Professionals on our website at canfp.org. You can check the current listing, and if you do not see services in your area, call me at our office at 831-443-3746 and I can help connect you with services.
God Bless your priest for wanting to help you get the services and support you need, and God Bless you and your husband for desiring the best for your marriage!
Sheila St. John
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