Step one to survival is being prepared for the worst before having to actually survive the worst. Some might say one of the worst consequences of sex is pregnancy. Fortunately, birth control exists to prevent pregnancy– If you’re prepared.
All of the many forms of birth control seek to accomplish the same goal: prevent pregnancy before it happens.
Some methods are for use before sex. Some for use after; and a few for use during sex. Regardless of the method, it’s imperative to have a plan if your plan isn’t to make a baby.
Planned Parenthood does a fantastic job outlining the many birth control options the world currently has to offer. They even offer a handy quiz to help you determine what the best method might be for you.
The Pill or condoms might be a great option while we’re living in the current state of things and shit has yet to hit the fan. However, after an apocalyptic event, while we’re seeking comfort in the private parts of others, The Morning After pill might be the best option.
Some people think The Morning After Pill is hard to get a hold of (or that it’s an abortion pill) but they’re wrong (on both counts). Currently, this form of birth control is available without a prescription (with a prescription it might be free on your insurance like the daily pill). In America and Canada at least.
For many people who don’t have much money, insurance, or a very active sex life, being on long-term or mentally taxing birth control is not reasonable. However, reliable contraception is a must because in the words of Salt-N-Pepa: And why not? Everybody have sex; I mean, everybody should be makin’ love.
When packing a bug out bag, The Morning After Pill is a must in case of urges (or the urges of others). Typically, this one-dose innovation runs about $40 which doesn’t seem like a bargain until you contemplate the cost of abortion or uncontrolled birth.
On the bright side, AfterPill is a generic that is just as effective as the brand-name but only costs $20 with $5 shipping (package of 3 is still just $5 shipping) – Shipping is never expedited so it’s meant to have handy in case of emergency.
Birth Control Options Now and “Later”
Can You start after SHTF? |
Does it take up space? |
Do you have to worry about it? |
Can you trade it? |
Will it last? |
|
| IUD | – | – | **** | – | 3-5 years |
| Requires a doctor to administer | In the body | 99% effective; but what to do after expiration? | Requires a doctor to administer | ||
| IMPLANT | – | – | *** | – | up to 3 years |
| Requires a doctor to administer | In the body | 99% effective; but what to do after expiration? (easier to access–in arm) | Requires a doctor to administer | ||
| THE SHOT | – | – | ***** | – | 12 to 14 weeks |
| Requires a doctor to administer | In the body | 94% effective; must stay on schedule or else. | Requires a doctor to administer | ||
| THE RING | ** | *** | *** | * | 3 weeks |
| Requires sterile hands | somewhat bulky | 91% effective; sterility | shareable | ||
| THE PATCH | * | ** | ** | ** | 3 weeks |
| 91% effective | shareable | ||||
| THE PILL | * | *** | ** | ** | 12 months after they’re made |
| somewhat bulky; less if removed from packaging | 91% effective and needs to be taken at the same time every day or efficacy diminishes | shareable; but not requires planning as 1 pack is only good for 1 month | [*]the expiration date is printed on the actual birth control package by the manufacturer that is an expiration date for the pharmacy. The actual medication is good for a year after that. | ||
| DIAPHRAGM | ** | * | ** | * | 1 – 3 years |
| Usually requires a fitting appointment to determine size –Single size diaphragms that do not require fitting also exist. | you only need the one | 88% effective; sterility | kind of shareable– but it’s been inside your vagina… | ||
| CONDOM | * | ** | * | **** | 3-5 years |
| 88% effective; condoms that are spermicidally lubricated by the manufacturer have a shorter shelf life and may cause urinary-tract infections in women | shareable; hold water | ||||
| INTERNAL CONDOM | * | **** | * | *** | 2 years |
| bulky | 79% effective; allergies | kind of shareable– but most people might think it’sodd | |||
| CERVICAL CAP | * | * | * | * | up to 12 months |
| you only need the one | 71-86% effective | kind of shareable– but it’s been inside your vagina… | |||
| FERTILITY AWARENESS | * | * | ** | – | Until you lose track of time |
| 76% effective | |||||
| SPONGE | * | *** | ** | ** | |
| somewhat bulky | 76-88% effective | kind of shareable– but most people might think it’sodd | |||
| SPERMICIDE | * | ** | * | *** | |
| somewhat bulky | 71% effective; allergies | shareable; also the container might be useful | |||
| WITHDRAWAL | * | – | ** | – | Until you lose track of time |
| trust; self-control; clean-up | |||||
| STERILIZATION | – | – | * | – | Forever -ever. |
| In the body | 99% effective | ||||
| “NOT RIGHT NOW” | * | – | * | – | Until you lose track of time |
| 100% effective; trust; self-control; | |||||
| EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION | * | ** | * | ***** | 20-24 months |
| slight space; less if removed from packaging | 85% – 95% (effectiveness increases with proximity to intercourse) | shareable |
SOURCES:
thenationalcampaign.org
plannedparenthood.org
bedsider.org