Can I Use NFP While Taking Tamoxifen
Question
I am 48 and perimenopausal with periods every 26 to 60 days. My husband and I used NFP during most of our married life, but have not used anything in the last five years (our youngest is 16, and I needed Clomid to achieve that pregnancy).
Recently, I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer and will be starting Tamoxifen next month. My doctor greatly advised us to avoid any possibility of getting pregnant when I am on the Tamoxifen and suggested using barrier methods since the Tamoxifen can sometimes increase fertility.
Is it possible to use NFP to monitor fertility while on Tamoxifen? Temperature vs mucous or both? Please advise.
Chris
Answer
Last Updated: May 8, 2022
Dear Chris,
It is possible to use NFP while on Tamoxifen. At times the signals may be confusing. You might have excessive mucus sometimes. If you are ovulating it would be good to confine relations to the post-peak days. A fair amount of abstinence might be required, even though your chances of pregnancy are quite low due to your age. I would recommend consulting with someone expert in helping women with serious medical conditions use NFP.
Mary L. Davenport, M.D.
It is possible to use NFP while on Tamoxifen. At times the signals may be confusing. You might have excessive mucus sometimes. If you are ovulating it would be good to confine relations to the post-peak days. A fair amount of abstinence might be required, even though your chances of pregnancy are quite low due to your age. I would recommend consulting with someone expert in helping women with serious medical conditions use NFP.
Mary L. Davenport, M.D.
Answered By:
Mary Davenport, MD, MS
Mary Davenport, MD, FACOG, an obstetrician/gynecologist from the Oakland Region of California, offers telehealth services over MyCatholicDoctor.com She graduated from Tufts University School of Medicine and completed her residency at UC San Diego. Dr. Davenport is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and serves on the Advisory Board of the California Association of Natural Family Planning.
