SHTF for women preppers and access to contraception

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joyce_emily@reddit

For those suggesting IUDs: do those not carry potential risks for people who don’t have access to healthcare? In a true SHTF situation you won’t be able to go to a doctor to have it removed if something goes wrong. Idk how likely that is though

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Senpai-Notice_Me@reddit

Yeah, stuff can go wrong with IUDs. Horribly. I don’t recommend IUDs for normal society times. I can’t imagine the same complications with no access to a doctor.

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FifiDogForever@reddit

You have no idea what your talking about and unless your a physician with experience in women’s health, you shouldn’t be making any recommendations normal society times or otherwise.

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Senpai-Notice_Me@reddit

I have no idea? My wife had a horrifying experience with her IUD. You wanna shut the fuck up and quit pretending like you know everything? K thanks bye!

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Top_Collection6240@reddit

Did she get copper toxicity as I did?

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Senpai-Notice_Me@reddit

Nope. Hers was the mirena, so hormones instead of copper. Perforated uterus, pelvic inflammation, labor level cramps, a fever, vomiting. And even when told those last 3 symptoms, the quack who gave her the IUD still told her to give it a month. She didn’t even lay a week and then he charged her for removal, but coded it as like a voluntary procedure (like that my wife just decided she didn’t like it anymore), so her insurance made her pay out of pocket for the life saving removal procedure. And the clowns in this convo want to believe this stuff can’t and doesn’t ever happen! lol

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Top_Collection6240@reddit

Because birth control and abortion are more important to some, than our health is.

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crafting-ur-end@reddit

I’ve had one for 14 years with zero issues. The hormonal Mirena.

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Senpai-Notice_Me@reddit

Congrats.

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Sad-Star-231@reddit

Modern IUDs are a lot different from the ones in the 70s and have a failure rate of something around 3 in 5,000.

Please do not make generalizations without the evidence to back it up.

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Top_Collection6240@reddit

No she's not.

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Senpai-Notice_Me@reddit

My wife’s experience with her modern IUD begs to differ. I base the safety of something off of the worst case scenario, and based on my wife’s experience, I warn people about IUDs. That’s it. I don’t spread misinformation, so STFU. K thanks.

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Sad-Star-231@reddit

If you're referring to a uterine perforation, the statistic given according to scientific studies is somewhere at around 0.6% of women in the first five years.

I will absolutely not shut the fuck up, especially when I can refute anecdotal claims with scientific evidence. K thanks.

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Spencerforhire2@reddit

I’m not gonna lie, the poster above has a point. Their experience may be anecdotal, but your statistic (essentially 1/200) really isn’t super encouraging for the described scenario where medical assistance may not be readily available.

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Sad-Star-231@reddit

There's a difference between being aware of the risks, and outright warning everyone to stay away from a method, which is what Senpai is doing.

If we really want to go by that logic, then abstinence is really the only thing we should be talking about with prepping. ALL birth control carries inherent risk. IUDs are scientifically proven to be almost 100% effective, and the risks associated with them are already crazy low.

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Senpai-Notice_Me@reddit

Also, using the term “scientifically proven” is a clear indication that you do not understand the scientific method. The scientific method is for building models of our understanding of the world around us. And then we accept the best model until a better one is formed. We never “prove” anything. You won’t hear real scientists speak in absolute terms about research.

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Sad-Star-231@reddit

Now you're just spouting off shit because you're butthurt I can throw studies at you.

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Senpai-Notice_Me@reddit

Not at all. You’ve just shown that you know how to use Google and not your brain. It’s cute that you think my opinion of a doomsday prep topic is worth all this energy, but I’m here for it.

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Sad-Star-231@reddit

Actually I'm logged into Elsevier, but I can show you how to use Google Scholar if you like, seeing as how you've yet to refute me with anything of substance. Personally, I'm rather entertained right now.

scholar.google.com. Have at it.

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Senpai-Notice_Me@reddit

Used it plenty in my undergrad. But it looks like you’re assuming a great deal from things I’ve said and not arguing the statements that I’ve made. Oops!

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Sad-Star-231@reddit

It looks that way because you're ignoring every point I make that you can't counter.

I'm getting bored. If at any point you have any actual science you'd like to share that validates your position, I still have my notifications for this thread turned on.

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Senpai-Notice_Me@reddit

You’re getting bored because you can’t refute my main argument, hun. Don’t get it twisted. You projected and turned it into a whole thing because you were reading your feelings. Not what was being said. The risk-reward just isn’t there in the apocalypse. And, as I said in my original post, “stuff can go wrong with IUDs. Horribly.” If you can show me evidence that I was spreading… what did you call it? “Misinformation”? …then I will happily retract my statements. K?

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Sad-Star-231@reddit

I don’t recommend IUDs for normal society times.

I linked you a study showing the level of actual risk of these devices "for normal society times." You ignored it in favor of one person's aNeCdoTe over ... 326,658 others.

Yeah that's totally my feelings there on display.

That's you. K?

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Senpai-Notice_Me@reddit

Yeah hi. Try reading that again. Those literally are your feelings on display. Because at no point did I make any statement that contradicted the research you presented. “I do not recommend IUDs” is in no way in direct conflict with any research. You responded to my personal preference of recommendation with scientific research. Like, ok. Cool story bro. It still almost killed my wife, so I’m not going to go around recommending it to people, regardless of the research. If you can actually disprove anything that I said, then I’ll listen. But I think we’re done here. mic drops

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Spencerforhire2@reddit

I know that they’re effective, but 1/200 in five years (and iirc it increases from there) is not “crazy low.”

I’m not making a value judgement and nor is it my business as a man to take a position on women’s health issues beyond supporting them in their choices, but I do not think that is “crazy low.”

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Sad-Star-231@reddit

(and iirc it increases from there)

The study I linked indicates that the rate is highest immediately postpartum and decreases from there.

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Senpai-Notice_Me@reddit

In a SHTF scenario (which we are currently discussing) you won’t have a doctor to place the IUD under sterile circumstances. IUD is clearly the most dangerous form of birth control after implants in that scenario. And that’s before the risks an IUD carried under normal circumstances. You’re not thinking about the scenario at all.

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Senpai-Notice_Me@reddit

Anecdote is not the opposite of scientific evidence. In fact anecdote is very much used as scientific evidence. It’s just the weakest form, so you need a much larger sample size for it to have the same weight as other forms. Uterine perforation is only one of the side effects that she experienced. She had multiple side effects that affected her health, including secondary infection from the uterine perforation and without access to doctors, she likely would have gone septic and died within a week. You want to broadly recommend that gamble for a SHTF situation? Then you clearly know nothing about survival.

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Sad-Star-231@reddit

Anecdote is not the opposite of scientific evidence. In fact anecdote is very much used as scientific evidence

Argument from anecdote is a logical fallacy.

It’s just the weakest form, so you need a much larger sample size for it to have the same weight as other forms

I literally just gave you a meta study involving 326,658 people. Here it is again:

https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/fulltext/2023/09000/risks_of_uterine_perforation_and_expulsion.21.aspx

You want to broadly recommend that gamble for a SHTF situation? Then you clearly know nothing about survival.

1.2% of all gun deaths are accidental. Twice the statistical percentage. You want to crusade against guns for SHTF, too?

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Senpai-Notice_Me@reddit

And by the by, our entire legal system relies heavily on anecdote in the form of witness testimony and self reporting by the accused and the accuser. You want to tell me our legal process is run on fallacy?

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Sad-Star-231@reddit

I work in forensics. Now you're definitely full of shit.

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Senpai-Notice_Me@reddit

Then tell me I’m wrong. Tell me that anecdote isn’t necessary for our legal system. Then I’ll tell you you’re full of shit.

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Senpai-Notice_Me@reddit

It’s funny how much Google research you’re doing right now. We’re not talking about arguments. We’re talking about evidence. Plenty of research is done in the form of anonymous self reporting (a form of anecdotal evidence).

In the topic of guns, I do not recommend that anyone who has never been trained to use a firearm arm include a fire arm in their bugout bag or their SHTF preps. I would wager that 90%+ of those accidental deaths were done by people who had no training and no respect for fire arms, and I absolutely recommend that such people leave fire arms out of their apocalypse planning. Anything else?

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Sad-Star-231@reddit

So did you also learn about chemtrails on facebook and now you're convinced of their truth? Or can you link to something peer-reviewed?

I'm sorry your wife's suffering traumatized you. I personally have had a fantastic experience with both of my IUDs. According to your logic, doesn't my experience bear equal weight?

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Senpai-Notice_Me@reddit

Actually I haven’t used Facebook in over a decade. I’m not sure what chemtrails are. But I did learn how to source peer reviewed research during my undergrad. If my biology degree has served me in anything, it’s in knowing when someone knows just enough about a health topic to be almost right. I’m not saying that every person who gets an IUD is going to die. You extrapolated that from what I said. One of the possible outcomes of a bad IUD is losing your uterus and my wife almost lost more than that. I think if anything has the risk of killing you and it is not absolutely necessary, you should go with another option. Does that sound so crazy?

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Top_Collection6240@reddit

100% especially the copper one which almost made me kill myself because I was so sick with copper poisoning.

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Unusual_Priority6242@reddit (OP)

I am so scared of IUDs for this exact reason lol! Plus I've heard it's pretty darn painful

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Sad-Star-231@reddit

They aren't bad if you get a doctor that believes in localized anesthesia for them. I've had one with and one without. Some doctors think anesthesia isn't necessary because "the UtErUs iS dEsIgNeD fOr ChIlDbIrTh." (Of course, they still charged my insurance for for it.) This is the traditional way of thinking. I passed out both times as a result of the sudden blood pressure drop from the rapid cervix dilation, but when I had the anesthesia, I only felt pressure. Not the equivalent of childbirth cramp.

This is actually a huge argument currently in women's healthcare, and proof that healthcare is still incredibly sexist in many ways. There are a lot of articles and vides from doctors on Youtube about it.

(I still 100% recommend an IUD. One of the best investments I ever made.)

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Top_Collection6240@reddit

Worst decision I ever made. Paragard made me so sick with copper poisoning that I almost killed myself.

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RRH12345@reddit

I have an IUD and have had two different ones over the years. The second time I had one placed I was on my period and it was a lot more comfortable. Your cervix is already dilated a little bit and soft at that time. That being said find a provider that you like and will listen to you. I currently have the hormonal one (7 year life span) and not having a period because of it was the greatest gift. (I stock pregnancy tests and test every few months just in case. The odds are low but I like the security)

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Sad-Star-231@reddit

I went to Planned Parenthood of Oregon for my first one. They were amazing. I went to PP for my second one in another state and ... ended up in a year long battle over payment because they charged for a bunch of services I didn't receive, and then tried to claim they were out of network for my provider. In addition to not using anesthesia.

Both were the Paragard, and overall I am super happy with the device itself.

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probably_beans@reddit

TBH it felt like a bad day on my period.

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FinitePrimus@reddit

If you've already had children, they aren't that bad - or so I've been told (I'm not female). If you've never had children, yes, they can be painful to have set but that pain goes away and then you've got a decade of virtually side effect free protection (if you don't go the hormonal route).

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Top_Collection6240@reddit

I got copper poisoning from the copper IUD, within one month of having mine put in.

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FinitePrimus@reddit

Non-hormonal IUDs are usually listed for 10 years of service before removal. There are a ton of people that go 15 years and even more without issue simply because they can't afford to have it removed. That said, in a SHTF situation, I think IUD may be better than any other protection given it's with you 100% of the time, and protected from spoilage. That said, unless we are talking a deserted island type scenario, there would be no harm in waiting a few years past the 10 to get proper medical procedure to remove by a professional. I'd also wager, even someone trained as a midwife or nurse should be able to remove as well.

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Professional-Can1385@reddit

In most situations, you can remove them yourself (not recommended). That said, as with anything, there are other risks.

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emtaesealp@reddit

Considering a longer term form of birth control like an IUD might be more effective than stock piling preventatives but it definitely makes sense to keep some EC available.

I think it makes sense to keep some EC available outside of SHTF scenarios. Who knows where politics will land.

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Illustrious_Yam5082@reddit

And what happens when you need it removed?

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Sad-Star-231@reddit

WebMD has a whole article on that: https://www.webmd.com/sex/birth-control/features/iud-remove

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Top_Collection6240@reddit

I had Paragard for 9 months. I started getting SICK from copper poisoning after less than one month. I was so sick I almost killed myself. Seriously. I was hallucinating insects talking to me. I could not even make basic decisions. I couldn't pay bills. I barely could work, and did end up losing my job, my family, and my house. I started feeling better within hours of getting it removed. Anyone with Autism or MTHFR gene mutations should give serious pause before flooding their bodies with copper that they can't process out quickly enough.

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zkki@reddit

at least for nexplanon, it's not dangerous to keep it in the body afaik

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emtaesealp@reddit

Well, they’re no longer affective at birth control after 10 years, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be removed at 10 years. It doesn’t take much more than basic tools and someone who knows how to do it to get them out.

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KountryKrone@reddit

T risk of infection and perforation of the uterus increases after 10 years.

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emtaesealp@reddit

Does it? I looked for that information and couldn’t find any, could you share it? My IUD is good for 8 years for birth control and I’m passed that but my gyno said it’s fine to keep in for now because it’s still working for what I need it for.

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KountryKrone@reddit

The risk of uterine perforation is low, but based on this research, the risk increases the longer it remains in place.

A total of 1,008 uterine perforations were recognized (516 [51.2%] complete, 488 [48.4%] partial, and four [0.4%] of undetermined type). Overall cumulative 1-year and 5-year incidences of uterine perforation were 0.21% (95% CI 0.19–0.23%) and 0.61% (95% CI 0.56–0.66%), respectively (data not shown). A total of 8,943 IUD expulsions were recognized.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10424817/#:\~:text=Overall%20cumulative%201%2Dyear%20and,8%2C943%20IUD%20expulsions%20were%20recognized.

Regarding infection, remember, this is a foreign body and all foreign bodies give us a risk of increased infection.

Q:

What happens if you don’t remove an IUD in time?

A:

If your IUD is left in your uterus past the expiration date, the most serious danger would be infection. Serious infections can cause infertility. The other risk is that an expired IUD will not be an effective birth control method.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/314272#:\~:text=If%20your%20IUD%20is%20left,an%20effective%20birth%20control%20method.

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ChaosRainbow23@reddit

Giving birth in the apocalypse would SUCK!

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Top_Collection6240@reddit

Maybe maybe not. I should've had my son out by the river like I wanted to. I know in my heart I could've and everything would've gone perfect.

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Unusual_Priority6242@reddit (OP)

Amen to that!!

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theothersinclair@reddit

10% chance of dying. Rip womankind.

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do_IT_withme@reddit

If you are a single female, unable to defend yourself, what makes you think your assailant will leave you with your anti-birth preparations?

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Miserable_Weekend_98@reddit

Are you talking about killing?

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Worldly-Respond-4965@reddit

There are herbs that can terminate. However, I will not mention them because of current laws in certain states/countries. Also, they make the mother sick. Like with abortion, a woman could die. I would like to add that if shtf, I would do everything I could to look like a dude. When predator men are looking for the vulnerable, they usually leave men alone.

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Unusual_Priority6242@reddit (OP)

Good idea, I know it sounds a little silly but I actually have some dye and hair cutting scissors for this reason exactly. If anything were to really go down, I think the apperance of femininity would have to be the first thing out the window lol

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No-Freedom5391@reddit

You are pretty sick.

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Speak_basquedtdt@reddit

Then I’m safe cause I’m fat. I will wear my hubbies clothes and then people will think there are just two chubby dudes. Plus I’m ugly.

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probably_beans@reddit

Some of those plants are used in typical landscaping btw.

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Worldly-Respond-4965@reddit

Yup.

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No-Freedom5391@reddit

Do plan to use sex for barter or something ?

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big_delaware@reddit

Get a fuckin life 😭😭

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Select_Leadership_29@reddit

Thankuou for bringing this post military forgets about their females that are deployed, Ukraine has had alot of reported problems, the way to solve this from happening here in the states is for the community train basic lifesaving classes covering all female related issues, and issue a medical kit directed for female problems that could arise if no access to drs, I see std problems and yes you can buy antibiotics online, bottom line be prepared to defend yourself or be with people that can protect you, learn self defense for armed conflict and edge weapons training, you mite never need it, in the south this last year a mom was attacked by a coyote her daughter had to help mom fight the animal so be prepared for wildlife as well and in a situation where people would escape a city to the woods some states have bears. You have to be prepared for everything and theirs training for everything so people say I'm bored then your not training and survival classes cost alot of money and library is free, church is free, most military medics will train for free,

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dqxtdoflamingo@reddit

I got sterilized. All I need to worry about now is pads, and I have washable ones.

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Environmental-Car48@reddit

As a man, I've never given this much thought. My plan has always been to bug in or out based on the event and possible timing. In the event of a true SHTF event, cold hard logic is what's going to keep you alive. My concern would be an STD/STI. This is also why we should be building community now before an event does happen.

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SproutMc@reddit

No idea of the shelf life of emergency contraceptives but it seems a good idea. For everyone recommending herbal abortifacients please remember that most of them are teratogenic, so if the herbs fail to abort, there is the possibility of severe birth defects.

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FlashyImprovement5@reddit

I am getting pennyroyal plants.

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zsepthenne@reddit

Everyone should stock termination medicine. I had a missed miscarriage that could have killed me without a D&C. If that sort of medical care isn't available, those pills could save a life.

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knitwear4satan@reddit

In an absolute emergency? Penny royal tea. Do your research though folks.

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kiwi-honey@reddit

This is a super smart question, glad you brought up the topic.

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Unusual_Priority6242@reddit (OP)

Thank you! I hope that women and the men who love them will consider this forgotten aspect of prepping.

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Eyes-9@reddit

Yeah it's a scary thing to consider, but has to be taken into account like anything else in this context. In The Road, I found myself being very sympathetic to the viewpoint and outcome of The Woman.

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oksweeet@reddit

Such a good question. As others have mentioned, copper IUDs are probably your best bet due the longevity. Regarding abortion, I'd recommend Robin Marty's "Handbook for a Post-Roe America." It discusses networks of support for accessing care and pre-Roe abortion methods such as menstrual extraction. Since abortion for so long existed outside of official/legal channels (and, sadly, now must again in some states) this is one area where community networks may me more robust in a SHTF scenario. I bet you there will be women smuggling mifepristone even if SHTF.

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probably_beans@reddit

Review the book, "A Woman's Book of Choices"

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KountryKrone@reddit

I found this rather interesting link. It appears that an IUD might prevent pregnancy longer than 10 years, but one needs to consider the risk of infection and uterine perforations also.
______

Data from three studies show that users of collared copper IUDs who continued using the same device beyond the completion of 10 years experienced no pregnancies through the end of 15 years. A small number of women continued with the same IUD through 20 years and still experienced no pregnancies.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17531620/#:\~:text=Data%20from%20three%20studies%20show,and%20still%20experienced%20no%20pregnancies.

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thcitizgoalz@reddit

Also, I hate to say it, but in the event of SA and/or partners cheating you're going to want to think about STD treatments. Antivirals for herpes, whatever meds you take for chlamydia, etc.

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thcitizgoalz@reddit

I haven't seen diaphragms mentioned. There are a reliable barrier method. While it's ideal to use spermicidal jelly with them, the diaphragm itself is 80 to 85% effective. Better than nothing and shouldn't degrade nearly as fast as condoms. You probably looking at 10 good years from a diaphragm. You could get two to have backup.

And I agree with stocking up on termination supplies. Plan B would be good to have as well.

An ovulation thermometer, which is different from a regular thermometer, could be used to help women track when they're ovulating, to be able to avoid a certain times of their cycle.

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leadbetterthangold@reddit

Your best protection from unwanted pregnancy are little lead freedom pills.

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SMB-1988@reddit

Learning to track your cycle is an awesome prep. Knowing when you could potentially conceive is a very effective form of birth control. Obviously it won’t help in a rape situation, but it’s certainly helpful for peace of mind in consensual relationships.

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Ridiculouslyrampant@reddit

But it’s only reliable if your cycle is absolutely clockwork.

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graywoman7@reddit

Not true at all. Check into the creighton method and temping. Anyone who equates modern fertility awareness with antiquated rhythm methods that relied on regular cycles doesn’t know much about it.

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Ridiculouslyrampant@reddit

I have thyroid dysfunction and PCOS, no thank you, I don’t trust my body for anything, it lies regularly.

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graywoman7@reddit

You’re not understanding that most people are in the middle ground between ‘not clockwork’ and your serious hormonal imbalances. For most people it works just fine. The fact that it wouldn’t work for you doesn’t change that.

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Ridiculouslyrampant@reddit

I’d argue it’s not “most people,” especially with the lack of consideration women’s health gets, and the lack of education. But given the likelihood of becoming pregnant at any one time, if someone was tracking their cycle very well, they could probably sneak by in most cases even if they weren’t “most people.” And when things like PCOS and endometriosis can cause infertility then that could help too.

It absolutely works for some people, and well. But it involves dedication and precision in a way that won’t be effective like it could (see: actual success rates of condoms and hormonal birth control). To say it’s likely to be successful in most people is exceptionally optimistic, if not naive.

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SMB-1988@reddit

My cycle is irregular. This form of birth control has worked for me for 12 years! With that said I am not suggesting that everyone use it as a primary source of birth control. I’m simply suggesting learning how to do it so that if you had no other option, you would be knowledgeable enough to have some form of control.

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Large-Engineering501@reddit

Unfortunate you are getting down voted, fertility awareness method is the absolute prep. It has absolutely nothing to do with your cycle being clockwork. Instead you learn to recognize the symptoms of fertility (cervical mucus and cervical position), and then confirm ovulation by tracking basal body temperature.

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basedprincessbaby@reddit

honestly - there have been times i’ve travelled into the US for prolonged periods and taken emergency contraceptives with me in case my husband and i had an accident and they weren’t accessible to us. i think its a good idea to even just have them available if you might need them in our current political climate. im from a country that makes access to termination much easier but that could change any time. in a SHTF situation i think it should be an important of a prep as any other medication you would have to help save your life. pregnancy in a SHTF situation would be a life or death kinda deal.

id also suggest becoming familiar with having an intimate knowledge of how to track your fertility. i know that doesn’t help in terms of rape but it can help you know what the risk might be. ive been using ovulation tests to learn how to know what signs mean im fertile and have gotten pretty good at it.

its not a dark scenario. its a very realistic one. women will always be able to be subjugated because they have wombs.

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DeliciousDave4321@reddit

IUD and condoms for the win

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SuperBottit@reddit

I think plenty of women deliver babies today jut fine outside hospitals. Sanitation has come a long way even from 100 years ago.

Whether it's from a rape or not doesn't seem to makea difference. Regular folks will be getting busy and having babies no matter what.

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justasque@reddit

I think plenty of women deliver babies today jut fine outside hospitals.

In places with decent medical care, high risk pregnancies are generally referred to hospitals, so for this and many other reasons, the home birthing population is not representative of the population at large.

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There_Are_No_Gods@reddit

Sanitation can be hard to come by in an SHTF situation.

Feeding another mouth is also another big concern in such a situation.

The larger problem in my opinion is that the worldwide average for caesarean sections is about 25% and rising quickly, already being much higher in some parts of the world. A 1 in 4 chance of severe complication or death without access to such a procedure in a sanitary setting is a huge risk. That said, part of the issue looks to be caused by larger babies, and if nutrition is already hard to come by, then the problem of too large of babies may somewhat self correct.

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SuperBottit@reddit

I disagree and agree.

We know to wash with soap and sterilize equipment. That'll still be easily available after shtf. Just takes simple knowledge that peasants didn't have back when because they thought people had humors to leech lol

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There_Are_No_Gods@reddit

I think you're overestimating how important basic "sanitation" really is for an uncomplicated childbirth, while drastically underestimating all the other life threatening complications that modern hospitals can rather miraculously deal with currently.

"Wash with soap" won't solve an ectopic pregnancy, for example. That's just one of a long list of issues that modern medicine regularly solves, which will mostly be impractical or impossible in an SHTF scenario.

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Xena0422@reddit

I'll preface with me saying I'm in the US, so while other countries have more robust systems to allow for home births, the US doesn't. Maternal care here is already poor compared to other developed nations, so reducing access to what care we do have may have disastrous results.

Without medical intervention, routine things, like a baby being born beech, can quickly turn deadly. Without proper diagnostic imaging and ultrasounds, it can also complicate the fact that you may not know what position a baby is in. Plus, a C section is going to be a nightmare without modern medical care. 20+% of births are c sections (20+% globally, and I think over 30% in the US, according to NIH in 2019 iirc). Granted, many of those may be elective, but even the historic average of about 10% is crazy high for a procedure that could easily kill you.

Home births are possible if things are going according to plan in a pregnancy. Less than 1% of births are at home in the US according to ACOG. For those home births, the odds ratio of neonatal mortality is 2.5 higher than a hospital birth. Additionally, about a quarter of women need to go to the hospital following a home birth for things like postpartum hemorrhage.

Yes, babies will continue to be born. And mortality rates will go back up. And populations will still likely grow because of lack to BC access, a likely degradation of social protections for women, and increased social instability. Women will probably go back to dying in childbirth at higher rates like the rest of human history, and plenty of babies won't make it either. It's not like we can just transfer the medical developments that reduced mortality rates to homes in a collapse situation and expect things to be fine. Lots of women and babies will die, just like we used to.

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SuperBottit@reddit

Okay? I'm not sure what your point is. If shitnwas so bad In the US life expectancy of adults, let alone unborn children will be shitty

Pack plan B all you want if that's what you feel the need for

You're clearly against home birthing for some weird reason. It's not your body nor your choice.

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Xena0422@reddit

The US has the worst maternal mortality rate of any western nation, I thought this was a pretty widely known issue, my bad for assuming.

My point is that home birth is just riskier, which is objectively is. I'm not against it, but people should be aware of the limitations. I live an hour from the nearest hospital, and 3 of my friends have had births outside of hospitals either by choice or by circumstance as a result. They all lived, but it was very risky for two and without NICUs, two of the babies would've died (both were very premature).

If shit hits the fan, maternal and fetal mortality goes up, just like in war zones or areas where shit has hit the fan. Not sure why you're being so combative about it. But clearly, I'm a stranger on the internet, and we don't have to agree, and that's fine. Have a good day anyway!

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SuperBottit@reddit

I love how you just accuse someone of being combative to try to discredit someone who's just having a conversation with other people. Thanks?

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Draugakjallur@reddit

This topic seems oddly similar to that of another "long time poster" with next to no posting history posting.

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ilovemetatertot@reddit

Plancpills.org

Ineedana.com

Hellowhisp.com

👆👆🏼👆🏾

All the info you need for emergency contraception including abortion pills that can be mailed to your home for free even in a ban state.

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WangusRex@reddit

This should be the top answer.

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ilovemetatertot@reddit

I've thought of making a prep guide for reproductive health...

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WangusRex@reddit

I’ll upvote and share it…

And respect to OP for bringing it up. It could absolutely be life or death and is so very overlooked in every single “plan/guide/list”.

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WangusRex@reddit

https://aidaccess.org/en/i-need-an-abortion

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WangusRex@reddit

Mifepristone should be a part of anyone’s preps. I’m a married white male with a child and I got some online for my wife and I just in case when politically it seemed like that might become impossible. Family planning should be a family decision. I want to preserve that choice for our family.

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GumbootsOnBackwards@reddit

All medication has a shelf life, unfortunately. It would be worthwhile to prep medication on a rotation for long-term stability. Maybe 3 months supply on a preexpiry rotation?

Condoms last almost indefinitely if stored properly. I keep feminine hygiene products and condoms in my prep. Not for me, but for others who may need them. Definitely a worthy addition to consider.

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putcheeseonit@reddit

Not a controversial question, if SHTF then human instincts will likely kick in way stronger, and you’ll have to deal with the consequences of that.

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Josette_A@reddit

If you're not married and don't have a boyfriend, avoid people like the plague. My plan is to just stay the fuck away from people because people during tough times just spells trouble. Sure, it'll be lonely, but I plan on having my dog with me. He's so empathetic and loyal. He'd be able to tell when I'm sad, and when he sees me getting sad, he comes over and sits next to me so I can pet him.

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Unusual_Priority6242@reddit (OP)

Honestly this is kind of my strategy.. . I am in a loving relationship, but I don't plan on having children and I would never want to be put in a situation where I would have to bring a child into the world against their will, especially in a case of SA or some kind of apocalyptic scenario. Either way, I live out in the boonies so hopefully I wouldn't be as easy of a target haha

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r1verband@reddit

if you don’t plan on ever having children i’d suggest getting your tubes removed. i plan on getting it done as soon as i can

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Gunpowder_Cowboy@reddit

Remember, on Amazon you can get plan B (generic for 5$ I’ll leave the link if anyone wants it

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Gunpowder_Cowboy@reddit

https://www.amazon.com/Emergency-Contraceptive-Tablet-Compare-One-Step/dp/B00NKMY5E2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=3ITDKDZNO3OOL&keywords=plan+b&qid=1705704846&sprefix=plan+b%2Caps%2C129&sr=8-1

And sorry guess it went up from 4.39$ eithe rway 6$ is better than 50

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Ryan_e3p@reddit

Being a male, the best advice I can give is to also check out /r/femaleprepping as it can likely give some additional info for you!

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TheRealBunkerJohn@reddit

r/TwoXPreppers is a far more active forum I'd personally recommend!

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NZplantparent@reddit

Yes there's a couple of good discussions about this on 2x. Go there. :)

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Knight_of_SC@reddit

Shame its associated with r/TwoXChromosomes a notoriously toxic cesspool.

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iwannaddr2afi@reddit

It's got the same words in the sub name, but r/TwoXPreppers is decidedly pro trans and LGBTQ friendly. They're out front with that info, too.

Excellent sub overall, with many knowledgeable and helpful people.

I came here to say this is an ongoing conversation there, that's a great place to go for info. Hope you join, OP! I really enjoy being on both this sub and that one.

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Knight_of_SC@reddit

Glad to hear! Seems we're getting downvoted for talking about it, but for everyone downvoting, there is also rampant misandry in the aforementioned sub too! I will definitely be checking out that sub then!

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mercedes_lakitu@reddit

I think (hope?) that your comment was only downvoted for being incorrect (the two subs are not affiliated with each other).

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iwannaddr2afi@reddit

;) they don't know downvoting queer/-friendly preppers only increases our resolve

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g00dboygus@reddit

The implant last up to four years, is hidden from view, and can be easily cut out of the arm if need be. Not sure it’d even need to be removed after it ceases to be effective.

Longer than that? Who knows if EC pills last that long, so I’m guessing at that point we’d revert to herbal options.

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silasmoeckel@reddit

Not a female prepper but we do stock EC as best we can. It's just a space and time prep as it's covered by insurance. If somebody needs it would rather they have it than not.

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Unusual_Priority6242@reddit (OP)

I feel like that's a pretty smart thing to do. At the very least, it could be used to barter with

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silasmoeckel@reddit

We have daughters, nieces, and just friends so even pre SHTF sometimes it's a handy thing to have around. Don't think it's something I would barter if they need one they need one and if they are having that conversation with me or the wife we know them well enough to just give it to them.

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Psychological_Web687@reddit

Honestly, a tubal ligation. Pills go bad. It's really the only way to ensure you won't get pregnant long term. That, of course, depends on your age and life plans/goals. But if you have kids or not certain you're not going to, it's the most effective.

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mercedes_lakitu@reddit

Bilateral salpingectomy is the standard now, I believe, rather than a tubal ligation!

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Psychological_Web687@reddit

I believe that, I'm no expert and will declare that right now.

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pythonisssam@reddit

Honestly I don't know about the logistics of keeping medicine but in this case shit is already hitting the fan without the apocalypse. Abortion is becoming harder and harder to access for so many people so yes, stockpiling is a very good idea if things keep going the way they're going. Better to be safe than sorry.

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Mothersilverape@reddit

If someone is worried about “grape,“ they shouod consider using preventative tools. It’s best to attempt to not allow it in the first place rather than deal with the aftermath.

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Unusual_Priority6242@reddit (OP)

And that's why I'm stocked up on ammo 😊

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Ok-Most-7339@reddit

*cocks gun* Love equalizers.

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Jayhix45lc@reddit

I feel like this is a subset question to the primary question of 'how long is too long.' Ie, eventually it either gets better or we're all in a hellscape. Let's face it, only a small-ish percentage of preppers are truly ready for real long term, like 1 year+. Pending on the scenario of course, a large percentage of folk will be dead before the question of continuing a pregnancy through a long term fubar situation even comes into play. Contraception is a staple in most preps but the plan B pill n' whatnot should follow what your reality of preparation dictates.

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TheSensiblePrepper@reddit

I have a wife and two sister-in-laws that are 23 and 18. Pretty, Young ladies who would be a target. Just as the people in Ukraine and Gaza about the increase in Sexual Assaults recently.

My wife and I are trying to start a family but both Sister-in-laws are on the Depo shot every three months. However, we have both of their Primary Care Physicians also willing to give them Birth Control Pills. I have created a stash of 12 months worth for two women at this point. I also have had all three of them issued prescriptions via mail for "termination medication" from Aid Access. It's $150 per set but nice to have. All of these pills have a shelf life of at least 5 years.

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Unusual_Priority6242@reddit (OP)

That sounds like a really smart plan! It's awesome that you've taking this into consideration for your family. I know it's such an uncomfortable thing for people to talk about or plan for but it's better to be ready than to be helpless afterwards

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androidmids@reddit

So, for planning ahead, an IUD is probably the best thing you can "plan" for. And would protect for consensual and SA in terms of a pregnancy. But doesn't protect against STDs or SA itself.

Not sure why you wrote grape? It is ok to discuss things that happen in real life such as rale or other forms of sexual assault.

Oral contraceptives lose their strength over time as the chemical formula does break down and age out.

Same with morning after pills and even condoms don't store well long term. Condoms, even when stored properly, have a shelf life.of 3-5 years.

For consensual stuff, my spouse and I have a "prepper" plan, with some contraceptives, a stockpile of condoms, there's a few silicone reusable products out there (Google penis sleeve, reusable condom) that work reasonably well.

For dealing with the after affects of a rape or just unprotected sex in general... In a shtf scenario gaining access to the proper morning after style meds might not be an option.

Massive amounts of vitamin c for several days and ginger has been known to counteract progesterone and can prevent contraception. And it may be easier to source or access vitamin c. Taking 1500mg two times a day for 2-3 days after the unprotected sex might help.

For shorter scenarios, a few weeks or a few months, definitely keep a stockpile of ANY medications you plan on using or needing.

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Ok-Most-7339@reddit

Not sure why you wrote rale? It is ok to say rape lol

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androidmids@reddit

Hahahah, that was most definitely auto correct. Thanks for catching.

Lol

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socleveroosernayme@reddit

You can collect enough wild carrot seed in field to prevent all of mankind from being born

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WeakAfternoon3188@reddit

Depending on your views, it could save your life. If it is bad ,like really bad, It could be hard to feed yourself much less, trying to get enough nutrients for the both of you.

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TheBluestBerries@reddit

I don't think real SHTF scenarios are very likely. But if you're worried about contraception, you're amazingly optimistic about your odds of survival and how you spend your time in a SHTF scenario.

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Apprehensive-Pen-823@reddit

LOL! Sorry but you might have to actually face the consequences of getting nutted in if you’re in a survival situation…

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MotoFaleQueen@reddit

Grow Queen Anne's lace in your garden. It's not as good as proper pharmaceuticals, but it was used as a form of contraceptive in the past.

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There_Are_No_Gods@reddit

Please use extreme caution! Not only is Queen Anne's Lace sap toxic to ingest by humans, and can cause a rash just by touching it, it's also very similar to Hemlock in appearance. I advise extreme caution and extensive research and practice before doing anything with it, especially during an SHTF situation. Hemlock is an extremely deadly lookalike, and I've found a few of them amongst the many Queen Anne's Lace we have around here, in the Midwest.

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Human_Lecture_348@reddit

Does the morning after pill or whatever last long term? I know a lot of medication loses potency/expires after some time. Granted, it usually doesn't become dangerous, it just stops working or works less than newer medications might. What would the shelf life of some of these things be? You might be better off looking for alternative solutions like plants or herbs that have can potentially work. It's my understanding though that not enough research has been done to prove these as safe and/or effective a majority of the time, but it's still worth looking into, just in case.

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AgitatedSituation118@reddit

Uh condoms? I know they aren't the best vs other forms of BC but can be much easier to stockpile. Otherwise copper is what the Paraguard uses. Find a way to mimic that contraption and find someone that knows how to properly insert it?

Full disclosure my last kid was a Paraguard failure, they DO NOT WORK if the copper is not touching the Uterine walls. 😆

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iwannaddr2afi@reddit

Conventional condoms are a great short term solution but they become unreliable past their expiration. This is not a "best by" date situation. The date on the wrapper is in the past? That sucker is now more prone to failure. So if you kinda don't care if it fails, fine, but if you really care, don't use expired conventional condoms.

Lambskin ones apparently expire faster (1 year), and I think it's for the same reason (material breakdown leading to condom failure)

Just an FYI since it can be such an important thing! :)

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Educational_Earth_62@reddit

I got EVERYTHING except for one ovary yeeted.

Problem solved.

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I_only_read_trash@reddit

One thing to keep in mind, in a SHTF scenario, you might not be able to take out an IUD…ever again. So I would not have an IUD. I would def have material about NFP, while not 100%, it’s better than nothing for consenting relationships.

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SingedPenguin13@reddit

I personally think condoms are still worth stocking up on. Even post menopausal or after tubal ligation…sexually transmitted infections and diseases are still gonna be rampant! Also, menstrual cups can also be used a bit like barrier method birth control that was called the diaphragm back in the 90s.

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Immediate-Tip-894@reddit

Assuming you handle birth control well, an IUD would be the best option for long-term protection. They last 3 to 10 years depending on what you get. However these can be removed quite easily.

The most secure option is tubal litigation or removal, but then you won’t be able to get pregnant again after if you so desire.

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EverVigilant1@reddit

r/twoxpreppers

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Ecstatic_Physics_881@reddit

What about stds that are contracted

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Chipmunk_Nuts@reddit

Pee through the burn. Dont give pain a voice.

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Dorzack@reddit

If you are considering or using oral contraceptives, refill your prescription as soon as your insurance/pharmacy allows. For a 30 day prescriptions this is usually day 20-25. 90-100 days prescriptions it is around day 70-80. The counter restarts from the day your pick it up (or it is shipped). For my insurance it is day 25 and day 80. That means I get a little over a month and a half ahead on long term prescriptions each year. On one of mine they send 100 days supply and mark it as 90 days - each fill puts me 20 days ahead.

There are also companies that will sell you a years supply. Then what you do is rotate stock.

Other options include an IUD which would be non-hormonal.

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