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Last Updated:
Jan 3rd, 2010 - 00:09:53
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Question
Hello, my wife currently takes birth control pills, but we are interested in switching over to the natural family planning method. Can we begin keeping a chart of her mucus cycle while she is still taking the pill? Or, does the pill cause the mucus cycle to be abnormal, such that we couldn't really follow it?
Answer
When a woman takes the birth control pill, she is actually suppressing her menstrual cycle. The birth control pill acts by trying to prevent ovulation, by altering the cervical mucus, and by inhibiting implantation by not allowing the endometrium (lining of the uterus) to thicken to support the new pregnancy, if one is to occur. It would serve no purpose to chart while on the birth control pill, as the signs would be obscured, or not present.
The advice in switching to natural family planning is to learn the method from a qualified teaching program. (CANFP could make a referral.) It is important to learn proper charting, and what the biomarkers (signs) of the reproductive cycle include, for successful NFP use.
Thank you for your question. Many couples have made the transition to NFP following the use of birth control pills.
Maureen Scagliotti is a founding member of the CANFP Executive Board.
She has over 35 years experience in primary nursing with responsibilities
in obstetrics, gynecology, medical-surgical, and natural family planning.
© Copyright 2005 by CANFP
The information on this page and web site is for informational purposes only,
and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis and treatment by a physician.
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