Burning Woman Survival Kit Helps Reduce Sexual Health Problems at Burning Man

Every September, the Women’s Community Clinic gets a rush of yeast infections, sexually transmitted infections and other gynecological concerns from women and their partners. Why? Burning Man. The mixture of sand, heat, lack of showers and desert revelry send many women home with unpleasant “after burns.” To help women and their partners avoid infections and other irritable souvenirs from Black Rock City, the Clinic has created a Burning Woman Survival Kit.

Burning Woman Survival Kit—A little preparation and good hygiene can ensure Burning Man doesn’t turn you into a Burning Woman.

What to Bring
Burning Man is a commerce-free event, meaning you should come prepared with all the safer sex and hygiene supplies you may need for a week of wild frolicking in the desert. Save yourself a frantic trip to the Empire General Store by pick up these items at your local pharmacy before you go to Burning Man.

o Plan B
If there is any chance you’ll be having unprotected sex in Black Rock City, do yourself a favor and bring a few packs of Plan B. Emergency Contraception or Plan B, previously called the “Morning After Pill,” is a back-up method of birth control that can be used up to five days after unprotected intercourse. In California (if you are over 18), you don’t need a prescription to get Plan B. To find a pharmacy near you where you can buy it, call the Women’s Community Clinic at 415.379.3800, log on to www.ec-help.org or call (888) NOT.2.LATE.
o Unscented sanitary wipes
The desert is drier, hotter and dirtier than the comforts of your own bedroom. Use unscented sanitary wipes every morning, before and after sex, and before you go to bed to stay clean and reduce infection during your week of shower-free festivities. Unscented baby wipes can be found in the baby section of your local pharmacy. Avoid oils, scents, moisturizers and other additives as they can break down the latex in condoms.
o Lube, latex gloves & condoms
Be sure to pack latex gloves and lots of lube along with the latex condoms (we hope) you’ve already thrown into your Burning Woman bag. Not into latex? Use polyurethane condoms (which will need lots of lube in the dry desert) or non-latex gloves. Your hands could be the culprit in spreading sexually transmitted infections, so glove-up during hand jobs or other hand-to-genital contact. Lubing up before sex with latex or non-latex condoms can significantly reduce your risk of skin abrasion, sexually transmitted infections, and other unpleasantness.

What to Do
o Drink water
Beyond keeping you hydrated, helping to reduce sunstroke and the usual benefits, drinking water may also help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
o You are only as clean as your partner(s)
Bring an extra box of unscented sanitary wipes for your partner(s) and use them before any genital contact. Ask your partners about sexually transmitted infections, screen for obvious infections and general hygiene, and always use condoms and lube.
o Use a buddy system
Wandering around alone in the desert isn’t good for anyone’s health. Take care of the other people in your community and help each other make healthy decisions.

For more information call 415.379.7800 or email info@womenscommunityclinic.org.

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