Note: These are options that can help in preventing unwanted pregnancy, but nothing is 100% guaranteed… except abstinence, of course. None of this is meant to substitute for professional medical advice, but all information was obtained through reliable websites.
If the world’s ending, getting it on should be the least of your concerns, right? Or maybe you just want to get it on because you’ve got nothing else to lose?
If SHTF, or the digital era ends due to an EMP, access to a lot of today’s birth control options will be one of the things to fall by the wayside. And, we’re human, inevitably we’ll have the opportunity or desire to have sex. Historically, times of uncertainty or crises usually lead to a rise in intimate moments- reflected in a surge in the number of births 9 months later.
If the world around me is uncertain and unstable, I don’t want to bring another person into it, much less deal with the birthing process without the guarantee of medical attention.
Contemporary Birth Control Methods
The pill, diaphragms, condoms, female condoms, spermicides are the standard forms of birth control, but no amount of hoarding can prevent the inevitable expiration date (with can be months or a few years depending on the environmental conditions). Effectiveness drops off drastically after the expiration date passes. So, it’s probably a good idea to keep a box of condoms around, but if there’s extreme cold or heat – or if it’s the item you have to leave behind when you bug out – it’s good to know natural birth control techniques.
So – what are the natural birth control options to lessen the chances of conception?
Natural Birth Control / Fertility Awareness-Based Methods
Fertility awareness-based methods are great because the only thing it requires is a little bit of common sense. However, they do require a strict attention to detail – you will notice the failure rating for these methods are far higher than the average condom (which is somewhere 5%). If you’re easily tempted and unrelenting when it comes to the world of passion, these methods will likely be a little more difficult to implement.
Calendar Method / Rhythm Method
If you’ve got a reliable cycle, this method could be for you. It also requires a bit of preparation and forethought. Note: If your cycle is shorter than 27 days, Planned Parenthood advises against this method.
The rhythm method is determining which days during your cycle you are the most fertile, and abstaining from unprotected sex during those days. Planned Parenthood provides this method of calculation:
To predict the first fertile day in your current cycle
- Find the shortest cycle in your record. (For example, 26 days)
- Subtract 18 from the total number of days. (26-18 = 8)
- Count that number of days from day one of your current cycle, and mark that day with an X. Include day one when you count.
- The day marked X is your first fertile day. (If your period started on the 4th, counting 8 days after means the 11th is your first fertile day)
To predict the last fertile day in your current cycle
- Find the longest cycle in your record. (For example, 30 days)
- Subtract 11 days from the total number of days. (30 – 11 = 19 days)
- Count that number of days from day one of your current cycle, and mark that day with an X. Include day one when you count.
- The day marked X is the last fertile day. (If your period started on the 4th, counting 19 days after the 4th is the 22nd)
Perks: Good option if you have a predictable cycle, and if you’ve been keeping track of your cycle for the last 8 months.
Drawbacks: It’s a little confusing to figure out. Plus, stressful situations, and a sudden change in physical activity can alter a woman’s cycle – SHTF certainly falls into these categories. Doctors recommend combining the calendar method along with the temperature method or the mucus method for maximum effectiveness.
Effectiveness: Depends on your source – PP says 9 out of 100 women will become pregnant using the calendar method; the Mayo Clinic says 13-25 out of 100 will.
NOTE: There are specialty beads made for just this purpose to help you keep track – they’re called CycleBeads.
Cervical Mucus Method
This one is more like a biology experiment, as it requires understanding the cervical mucus and being able to recognize changes in color and consistency that reflects your peak times of fertility. The majority of women have a cloudy discharge. On days close to ovulation, that discharge becomes stretchy and clear, resembling raw egg white. This is considered “cervical mucus”. Once the cloudy discharge resumes, ovulation has passed.
Planned Parenthood sums it up by asking yourself two questions:
Did I have cervical mucus today?
Did I have cervical mucus yesterday?
If the answer is No to both questions, it is considered a “Safe” day.
Perks: When used along with the calendar method, you’re reading your own body to gauge your fertility – nothing additional needed.
Drawbacks: Every woman’s cycle is different
Effectiveness: PP is again optimistic, citing that there are only 4-5 pregnancies per 100 women who use the cervical mucus method.
Withdrawal Method (Coitus Interruptus)
Basically, before the man ejaculates, he withdraws – which requires knowledge of timing AND a good amount of self control.
Perks: This is a good method if you have an unpredictable cycle.
Drawbacks: If there’s any preliminary leakage, it could contain sperm. Also, this puts birth control in the hands of your partner, so I’d only recommend this one if it’s your life-long spouse and not a random fling!
Effectiveness: According to the Mayo Clinic, this one has a 22% failure rate, so about 22 out of 100 women will become pregnant.
Summary
I would keep a box of condoms with my gear since they last for quite awhile, but keeping these natural techniques in mind just in case condoms become unavailable, or, they all expire.
Sources: webmd, Planned Parenthood and the Mayo Clinic.
Disclaimer: This is just suggestions based on online research, and every form of birth control has a failure rate, with the exception of abstinence. Please consult a doctor for more information.
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