When you think of nuns you might think of your memories of Catholic school, or of Sally Field as The Flying Nun, (can you believe that was a show?) or Sr. Janet Mead’s ’70s funk version of “The Lord’s Prayer.” You probably don’t think of contraception.
But some nuns might be, if not for the same reasons as most women do.
CNN’s The Chart reports on an article from The Lancet arguing that nuns “should be free to use the contraceptive pill to protect against the hazards of nulliparity” – that is, heightened cancer risk among women who do not bear children.” Catholic bioethicists, CNN syas, find no conflict in nuns— or other Catholics— taking the pill for “treating heavy menstrual bleeding or endometriosis.”
Women who give birth at a younger age, have more children and who breast feed have lower risks of uterine, breast and endometrial cancer than women who never get pregnant. The Lancet cites a 1969 study on nuns over a 54-year period showed that they were more likely to die of these cancers … however, the risk for uterine cancer among nuns wasn’t higher than for other women until they were in their ’70s; ’80s for ovarian cancer.
The Lancet cites two studies showing that the pill can “reduces the risk uterine and ovarian cancer and does not up the risk of breast cancer,” but other doctors quoted in stop short of recommending nuns go on the pill, citing the need for further research.
But some nuns might be, if not for the same reasons as most women do.
CNN’s The Chart reports on an article from The Lancet arguing that nuns “should be free to use the contraceptive pill to protect against the hazards of nulliparity” – that is, heightened cancer risk among women who do not bear children.” Catholic bioethicists, CNN syas, find no conflict in nuns— or other Catholics— taking the pill for “treating heavy menstrual bleeding or endometriosis.”
Women who give birth at a younger age, have more children and who breast feed have lower risks of uterine, breast and endometrial cancer than women who never get pregnant. The Lancet cites a 1969 study on nuns over a 54-year period showed that they were more likely to die of these cancers … however, the risk for uterine cancer among nuns wasn’t higher than for other women until they were in their ’70s; ’80s for ovarian cancer.
The Lancet cites two studies showing that the pill can “reduces the risk uterine and ovarian cancer and does not up the risk of breast cancer,” but other doctors quoted in stop short of recommending nuns go on the pill, citing the need for further research.
Ok, I get the idea. But pumping our bodies full of artificial hormones? For however many years? I know MANY women who have suffered from the Pill--they only knew once they got off of it and felt better.
I wasn't one of those people until recently. I scoffed at ever getting off of my BCP. Once I did, my chronic anxiety started to mellow out, and my once dangerously high levels of cortisol and low progesterone/testosterone also started evening out. Oh, yeah, and my sex drive increased. Love the Fertility Awareness Method coupled with a barrier method during fertility times.
I think stuff like this is..well, it's nice to be informed, BUT the pharm. companies make BUTTLOADS off of birth control pills! Of course they want to push it on even the celibate.
I was on hormonal contraceptive for a decade due to horrible cramps and heavy periods. It then was convenient for me so I stayed on them until my health took a turn for the worse. I must have outgrown the heavy, 9 day periods and week of crippling cramps--I have a few days of bad cramps, but I do yoga and maybe take a tramadol. Much better than bombarding my system with fake hormones every day of my life.
Also, most medical journals/publications have sneaky paid-off-by-big-pharm doctors authoring the articles. I don't know about the risk of breast cancer---I'm still thinking it might be a risk---but what about stroke, blood clots, heart disease, high lipids, etc?