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Last Updated:
Mar 10th, 2010 - 22:29:47
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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 5 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
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.
Dr. Mary Davenport is an obstetrician-gynecologist in private practice in El Sobrante, California.
She graduated from Tufts University School of Medicine and completed her residency at the University of California, San Diego.
Dr. Davenport is also a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
She has an NFP-only medical practice and is a Medical Consultant in Natural Family Planning.
She is a board member for CANFP and the American Association of Pro-Life OBGyn's.
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