How to prep for both emergencies and lust

Water, a hand-crank radio, and canned goods are things we are encouraged to put in our emergency kits. But shouldn’t we also prep with morning-after pills, condoms, and estrogen patches? Periods, pregnancies, and sexual gray areas are just as real in a crisis as in everyday life. Ottar guides you through the items you didn’t know you needed to pack!

MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS

Yes, your period will still come even if a crisis hits. And while reusable menstrual products like cloth pads and period underwear have a longer lifespan, you might not have the option to wash them if water or electricity goes out. Therefore, a mix of disposable and reusable products is the smartest approach. Pads, tampons, a menstrual cup, and period underwear!

VIBRATOR!

Massage for all parts of the body. In times of need, there is of course also desire—and who says a vibrator can’t serve more than one purpose? A powerful massage wand in your emergency kit can be used to work out all your sore spots, reduce stress, and increase blood circulation—as well as lead to a great orgasm. Don’t forget to charge it!

»The body doesn’t stop functioning even if society does.«

CONDOMS

Of course! With as late an expiration date as possible. Preventing unwanted pregnancies is indispensable, so condoms should be included in both your personal emergency kit and the state’s emergency stockpiles. A condom typically lasts for five years. Condoms also have several practical uses, such as carrying water, acting as a rubber band, or serving as a waterproof cover.

STAY WARM

To soothe menstrual cramps or cope when temperatures drop, a heated blanket or heating pad can be your lifesaver. Alongside the traditional wheat bag, there are reusable heat packs that can be ”recharged” in hot water to be activated when needed—perfect for prepping. An emergency thermal blanket is also good to have.

HORMONES

Menopausal symptoms or gender-affirming care—whatever your needs, don’t forget to pack a supply of your hormonal medications, whether they are pills, patches, or injections. The National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen) recommends keeping a one-month supply of prescription medications at home.

»A condom can carry water, act as a rubber band, or serve as a waterproof cover.«

CONTRACEPTIVES

Whether it’s birth control pills, a vaginal ring, or a diaphragm, contraceptives are an obvious essential in an emergency kit—to prevent unwanted pregnancies, of course. Contraceptive implants and hormonal IUDs are also great, including for reducing bleeding and menstrual pain, though you will need a nurse or midwife nearby to help with insertion or removal.

PREGNANCY TESTS & MORNING-AFTER PILLS

If you have had unprotected sex or been subjected to an assault, these two items, pregnancy tests and emergency contraceptive pills, are a reassuring combination to have in your emergency kit. Just keep a close eye on the expiration dates so they work as intended.

BIRTHING KIT

If a crisis strikes, there is a risk you may have to give birth without the help of healthcare services. You can prepare your own birthing kit containing plastic sheets, gloves, intimate wash, cord clamps, sterile scissors, and gauze pads. Disposable underwear, maternity pads, baby clothes, and diapers for the newborn may also need to be packed.

Text by My Rova och Carolina Hemlin

Photo credit Daniel Ivarsson