So interestingly enough, The Sisterhood Blog of The Forward newspaper has published an article documenting that Orthodox Jewish women experience a decrease in libido and sex drive while on the pill. Therefore, their solution is to use condoms.
I'm glad the article talks about the side effects of the pill, but I think if they really wanted to be thorough they should have consulted with people like Dr. Goldstein who could explain how the pill can also cause sexual pain (like I have experienced, at least in part). Moreover, I don't understand the solution to use condoms. Dr. Goldstein has told me that it is in my interest never to use contraceptive pills from now on, so obviously I will be looking into other birth control options. I don't quite understand why these women can't use diaphragms or IUDs (but then again, I haven't tried it myself yet).
It seems to me like the use of condoms, given the issues for observant women in terms of halacha, should be a last resort rather than the first step.
8 comments:
What is the law it might conflict with?
You've been in my thoughts.
--YCF
I know that there's a value to having relations as "naturally" as possible - i.e. no barriers. I have to admit that I don't know the source of this. I'd love for someone to enlighten me....
Also a man has an obligation to procreate while a woman doesn't. therefore if she is using birth control as opposed to him its considered better.
Now for anyone with vaginismus getting in a diaphram might be scary and difficult. Iuds are very expensive and only worth it for 5+ years
Oh, I see. Thanks for the explanations. --YCF
why dont u try an iud?
Hey there, I see no one's addressed this, but an IUD for a woman who's never given birth is *extremely* painful to insert, and also results in a lot of bleeding. Afterwards, though, it does have its advantages :)
Your readers demand an update! :) --YCF
The IUD and diaphragm aren't good options for women with sexual dysfunction and penetration issues. And for many women they cause other problems, such as infections including UTI from rubbing against and irritating the cervix and uterus. The IUD is hormonal, just not in pill form so it would give the same side effects as the pill. And the copper IUD can cause overdosing of copper in the body which also has a host of side effects. A condom is the healthiest option, whether halacha accepts it or not.
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