I have heard many people reminding us to get a few months extra of our prescription medicines, but I dont often hear birth control methods mentioned. Particularly those who are trying to put something by for your dearest (or nearest) DGIs, please dont forget extra condoms etc. for those who might need them. Panic and life threatening situations can make people want to find comfort in one another, and unexpected pregnancies are the last thing we need if things get bad.

-- Titania Baildon (tbaildon@yahoo.com), December 15, 1999

Answers

Good point. We will be in tight quarters if things do get bad.

-- Larry (cobol.programmer@usa.net), December 15, 1999.

Within nine months, Y2K stress is likely to be so great that spontaneous abortions may be the rule rather than the exception.

-- Slobby Don (slobbydon@hotmail.com), December 15, 1999.

Right on Titania,

An ounce of protection is worth 7 pounds of care

-- spider (spider0@usa.net), December 15, 1999.

An excellent idea for those who want to have *everything* covered for the new year.

-- Greybear (greybear@home.com), December 15, 1999.

After thinking about this, I realized that if it does come to major shortages and the masses going without, the last thing a woman is going to be thinking about is SEX.

-- d----- (dciinc@aol.com), December 15, 1999.

My wife had me fixed. She says it makes me more docile and easy to deal with, but I do have a tendency to laze around on the couch and get fat.

-- bw (home@puget.sound), December 15, 1999.

A hysterectomy seems a little extreme as a Y2K prep, but it does solve the potential pregnancy and the feminine sanitary supplies problems. My wife had to have one, and now I couldn't be happier.

Just imagine what would happen if tampon supplies were interrupted to the country. No don't. I think a lot of women would feel justified in tearing Koskinen limb from limb.

-- Dog Gone (layinglow@rollover.now), December 15, 1999.

Another essentially irrelevant post. During a time of severe and protracted emergency, the last thing anybody should be thinking of is sex. Most of us in this forum are concerned about folks freezing or starving to death or becoming FEMA slaves...and you raise a typical mindless issue...sex.

Keep your pants on. Get real!

-- Irving (irvingf@myremarq.com), December 15, 1999.

"last thing anybody should be thinking of ..." I'm not about to tell anyone what they should or should not think about. People do what they do, and sometimes stuff that isn't purely logical is also the stuff that keeps you going. Maybe if we have protracted problems and stress, your relationship with a significant other will be the only thing that makes life worth living. And if you don't have to worry about pregnancy, so much the better.

-- bw (home@puget.sound), December 15, 1999.

I work in an oval office. I have a head of state sitting in the lobby waiting to see me. I've got some congressman on the phone to discuss a war or something. Monica's in the office. What is the "first" thing I think of?????

-- Hawthorne (99@00.com), December 15, 1999.

The lowest birth rates of this century occured during the depression. In times of trouble, the procreative drive seems to decrease.

For a long term solution, contraceptive supplies don't really cut it. Most of them require manufacturing and pharmaceutical infrastructure that may or may not last or be around. One solution is to learn the natural methods of birth control, namely natural family planning. It has many benefits:

1. It's free

2. No drugs or hormones involved, therefore no medical side effects

3. No intrusive foreign objects in the woman's body

4. It teaches discipline and self control - never a bad thing

5. Done correctly, it's every bit as effective as the best artificial birth control methods.

Knowing the woman's fertility cycle enables a couple to make the decision of when they wish to conceive or abstain. It is also a great help for men to understand the physiological ups and downs of their wives' lives.

One of the best resources is the Couple to Couple league. Their website is http://www.catholicity/Cathedral/ccl

The woman's body is an amazing thing. You're never worse off from learning more about it.

-- rob minor (rbminor@hotmail.com), December 15, 1999.

One solution is to learn the natural methods of birth control, namely natural family planning.

Joke: what do you call a couple who uses "natural family planning"?

Answer: Parents

-- Steve Heller (stheller@koyote.com), December 15, 1999.

The woman's brain is an amazing thing. You're never worse off from learning more about it.

-- rob minor (rbminor@hotmail.com), December 15, 1999.

-- Andy (2000EOD@prodigy.net), December 15, 1999.

I've covered those needs in my Y2k online shop Mountain Family Resources if anyone is suddenly feeling shy about purchasing such things locally. Condoms, a set of goodies that includes Kama Sutra Oil, books on tantra and midwifery and breastfeeding. Full service. Expect a flood of babies in September.

-- Firemouse (firemouse@fcmail.com), December 15, 1999.

Natural family planning: "Vatican Roulette"

-- A (A@AisA.com), December 15, 1999.

Andy, rotflmao. You're gonna get hammered for that one.

-- Nikoli Krushev (doomsday@y2000.com), December 15, 1999.

Hmmmm..... under stress folks won't be interested in sex.....

Out at Beale AFB (Calif.) a couple years ago there was an official evacuation center we (ambulance) were taking people to out of a mandatory flood evac area. Afterward I heard multiple complaints of people having sex in full view of others,in bathrooms, etc. I can't remember exact details but I think that evac center had 1000 plus folks in it - they also had problems with some folks butchering chickens in the bathrooms. Yeah, stress does funny things to people. I decided then and there that I would do my best to avoid official evacuation centers if at all possible. (Really certain after an old timer died and we had to just put up hospital curtains on stands around his cot until the coroner could get there later - kids playing around him and hundreds of people around and this guy laying there dead for hours......). After power outages or long winter storms the birth rate 9 months later is always much higher. Good suggestion.

-- Kristi (securxsys@cs.com), December 15, 1999.

"Good point. We will be in tight quarters if things do get bad. "

.....Speaking of tight quarters, perhaps some quarters held tightly between the knees? Nah!

-- Patrick (pmchenry@gradall.com), December 15, 1999.

Thought I'd add a bit of humor to this thread ...

After a few days on the new Earth, the Lord called to Adam and said, "It is time for you and Eve to begin the process of populating the earth, so I want you to kiss her."

Adam answered, "Yes, Lord, but what is a 'kiss'?" The Lord gave a brief description to Adam, who took Eve by the hand and took her to a nearby bush.

A few minutes later, Adam emerged and said, "Thank you Lord, that was enjoyable."

And the Lord replied, "Yes Adam, I thought you might enjoy that. Now, I'd like you to caress Eve."

And Adam said, "What is a 'caress'?" So, the Lord again gave Adam a brief description and Adam went behind the bush with Eve.

Quite a few minutes later, Adam returned, smiling, and said, "Lord, that was even better than the kiss."

And the Lord said, "You've done well Adam. And now, I want you to make love to Eve."

And Adam asked, "What is 'make love', Lord?"

So, the Lord again gave Adam directions and Adam went again to Eve behind the bush, but this time he re-appeared in two seconds.

And Adam said, "Lord, what is a 'headache'?"

-- hiding in plain (sight@edge. of no-where), December 15, 1999.

Patrick -- when the knees are together, and the legs up, it's tighter and better. :o)

-- A (A@AisA.com), December 15, 1999.

I think I posted concerning this issue in the past. Yes, I think it is a good idea to stock up on birth control whether it be pills, condoms, etc. If life gets hard, I really can't say if sex will be on my mind or not but who cares? The point is, it's smart to have some sort of protection just in case. I even bought a book about the best time in a woman's cycle to have sex with the least possible chance of getting pregnant. Yeah, I know it's not 100% reliable but it's the best "natural" way possible. It's always good to learn more about one's body - no harm in that!

-- Julie (DesertJewel@Hotmail.com), December 15, 1999.

Some of you may be in shelters, as workers or as residents. Or you may have other people joining you, and not many private bedrooms. If it hasn't been dealt with already, you might want to make some tactful suggestions about having "family" (or however you want to put it)rooms that people can sign up for in advance for a couple of hours. They may need to talk in private, they may need to have sex, they may need just to be peaceful or meditate.

-- Firemouse (firemouse@fcmail.com), December 15, 1999.

Leave it to you A...

-- (pmchenry@gradall.com), December 15, 1999.

Uh, let me be a little subtle here. There are other ways outside of intercourse that can get off a man or woman. Some men and most women like it even better. You guessed it! I am referring to the techniques of Connie Lingus and Phil Atio. For the 69th time, do I have to tell you that??!! Sorry to be dirty but you have to consider that the NFP isn't always 100% effective, and certainly not condoms.

-- nevermind (whocares@whatever.com), December 15, 1999.

Rob only a man would endorse rhythm as an "effective" means of birth control. It works, but not as effectively as "any artificial means of birth control"....get real man, Do you know what they call people who practice "the rhythm method of birth control"?

PARENTS!

Women justs are not as regular as you would be lead to believe. And with shortages abundant, I guarantee that their "cycle" will be "off"...after being deprived of sufficient nutrients for a period of time, many women will go "infertile" (temporary condition) until they receive the proper amount of nutrients, but that can hardly be counted upon as an effective means of birth control.'

I betcha the reason the birth rate went down during the depression was not due to lack of pregnancies, but due to lack of nutrients...bet the spontaneous abortion rate went waaaaaaaaaaaaay up! Most women don't like to practice abortion, spontaneous or otherwise, as an "effective" means of birth control. Talk about an emotional roller coaster!

Ladies, stock up on SOME means of birth control. Trying times usually increases sex...if the ladies are not interested (and my bet is most won't be), I GUARANTEE you that the men will be...very little short of death or lobotomy decreases THEIR appetites.....you may be in no condition to resist either, depending on your circumstances.

-- Ynott (Ynott@incorruptible.com), December 16, 1999.

just cut it out

-- otomy (bobbit@u.nick), December 16, 1999.

Perhaps a few graphics will help here:

Internal Workings of the Male Brain:

Internal Workings of the Female Brain:

Quickly ducking back under cover ;-)

-- hiding in plain (sight@edge. of no-where), December 16, 1999.

My friends/family on TB2000;

You may think me flippant for the two (err ... three) humorous jabs. I DO understand the delicate nature of this topic, and just how serious it truly is. First lesson my grandmother ever taught me was ... in any situation or on any topic, if you can find the humor, you will do exceedingly well. That being said, I will put on my ministerial hat for a moment if I may.

Family planning is arguably one of, if not the most important part of any committed relationship. The truth is - money, communications, privacy issues, and family planning are in that order the four most oft misused and abused areas - these areas, when in conflict most often leads to dissolution of the relation, i.e. divorce and/or separation.

I see three of these four being bantered around in this thread ... which does my heart good - for in that, I see individuals who KNOW where their commitments lie. Who KNOW where the problem areas are.

The first area, money, is one that will soon run a very high possibility of becoming relatively irrelevent.

I have never met anyone who had perfect, or even close, communications skills all the time. It is something that must be practiced continuously.

Strive to get your point across, accurately, without dishonor or disgrace, treat the others to whom you are communicating with dignity and respect. A good rule of thumb - If the other person does not understand what you are saying, you should assume it is ALWAYS your fault ... it is up to you to provide a clear understanding of what it is that you mean.

(Yes, I know what happens when you ass.u.me! :-) Remember - be nice!

Privacy issues are another area that may soon be taxed to the limits of your endurance. Some suggestions:

In a private home setting: a set aside room for couples during daylight hours is a good idea. Heavy drapes, blankets, comforters, etc hung over windows and insides of doors provide additional sound and light privacy. Make certain however that couples, so 'in the mood,' should either carry their own sheets in with them, or have additional clean sheets available ... a few waterproof mattress covers would be advisable as well :-)

In a shelter situation: A free-standing tent, covered with heavy blankets, comforters, etc is a wise choice. First, it gives the entire family privacy all of the time ... and mom and dad a 'secluded' place for their own private time as well.

The third is an area that each of you will have to search your heart and you conscience ... no one can tell you what is right or wrong in this area. The choices of means of family planning are many. As many have correctly pointed out, some are far less efficient then TPTB would have you assume. (Remember what cannon fodder is, and you will understand why this doctrine has been adopted. eeks, did a Minister ACTUALLY say that? Yes, I did, because it is TRUTH!)

Condoms are the single most effective means there is. They can mean the difference in your life or death! Or the co-Creation of new life or not! STD's, including AIDS, unwanted pregnancies, and a myriad of other medical conditions can be avoided from their use, including with your spouse! Many medical ailments and conditions can be transmitted, even in a purely monogamous relationship via sexual intercourse including various viral and bacterial infections.

Other methods are ALMOST as effective, but always have a supply on hand.

I know a few males who are allergic to silicone based products ... I myself volunteered with an EMS organization for several years and developed an allergy to silicone rubber gloves. There are now polyethylene alternatives to the silicone rubber. Another excuse removed. :-)

BTW: some of you have teenage children ... if this gets REALLY ugly, they may be parents themselves before their time also ... having extra on hand to provide to them - if and when the time comes - is a life affirming present.

I urge each of you, male or female to see your doctor before the end of the year, and ask them about viable alternatives.

Thank you for allowing my two cents worth ... though it may be a dime by now!

Blessings upon each of you, Rev ThunderLight

-- hiding in plain (sight@edge. of no-where), December 16, 1999.

I know that heat is bad for condoms. I suspect any freezing might be bad for them too. Some people may have had their condoms in packs that have been left somewhere where they could freeze, so they made not be very trustworthy.

Be real cautious about intercourse with anyone simply because of the heightened risk of condom failure. I've had one fail with me and my husband right at the height of my fertility once. The end just exploded, and the gynecologist had to pick shards of rubber out of me the next day. I received several birth control pills as a "morning after pill." Some of you may want to explore this as a method for emergency use, there are probably sites on the web that explore the topic. Every child must be a wanted child.

nevermind, I don't know how much oral sex we're going to be getting around to in the winter if the grid goes down too and there aren't any nice hot showers...

Wonder if the local dope dealers are prescient enough to stock up on Viagra?

-- Firemouse (firemouse@fcmail.com), December 16, 1999.

The "Relationships" article on my website has substantial related information on this topic. Anyone who wants to make a hotlink, please do.

http://www.y2ksafeminnesota.com/relationships.htm

www.y2ksafeminnesota.com

-- MinnesotaSmith (y2ksafeminnesota@hotmail.com), December 16, 1999.