Traveling With Birth Control? Here's How To Prepare

Taking birth control when travelling can be a tricky endeavour, especially when crossing time zones. It is recommended that you consult a medical professional for personalised advice, but there are a few general guidelines to follow. Firstly, it is important to note that oral contraceptives should be taken at the same time each day, and crossing time zones can pose a challenge. To maintain the effectiveness of the pill, it is crucial not to exceed the safe window of time between doses, which is usually 24 hours but can be as short as 3 hours for certain pills. When travelling, it may be necessary to adjust the time of day you take your pill to avoid inconvenient times, such as the middle of the night. This can be done by gradually shifting the time over a few days or by taking two doses in one day to move to the new time. Additionally, it is important to consider the availability of your preferred contraception at your destination and to pack enough medication for the entire trip, plus extras in case of delays.

How to transport birth control through airport security

Transporting birth control through airport security can be a straightforward process if you follow a few simple guidelines. Here are some tips to help ensure a smooth experience:

Keep Birth Control in its Original Packaging:

Keep your birth control pills in their original packaging to ensure visibility and ease the screening process. This helps security personnel identify the medication without causing any delays.

Place in a Transparent, Re-sealable Bag:

According to recommendations by certain airports, such as Gatwick, it is advisable to place your birth control medication in a transparent, re-sealable bag. This is a standard requirement for carrying medications through airport security.

Carry in Your Cabin Bag:

It is recommended to carry your birth control medication in your hand luggage or cabin bag. This ensures that you have immediate access to your medication during the flight and reduces the risk of losing it if your checked baggage gets misplaced or delayed.

Bring a Copy of Your Prescription or Doctor's Note:

When travelling internationally, consider carrying a copy of your prescription or a doctor's note. This documentation can help customs and security officials verify the legitimacy of your medication. It is also useful in the event that you need to obtain additional medication during your trip.

Take a Photo of the Pack with the Generic Medication Name:

As brand names may vary across different countries, take a photo of the pack displaying the generic medication name. This can be helpful for identification purposes and ensuring you have the correct medication.

Be Prepared for Additional Screening:

Medication is typically screened by X-ray, but you can request a visual inspection if you prefer not to have your medication X-rayed. This request should be made before sending any items through the X-ray machine.

Check State-Specific Regulations:

While the TSA does not require medication to be in prescription bottles, individual states may have their laws regarding the labelling of prescription medication. Ensure you comply with the regulations of the state you are travelling to or from.

By following these guidelines, you can confidently transport your birth control medication through airport security and ensure a smooth travel experience. Remember to plan ahead, keep your medication easily accessible, and carry the necessary documentation to support your birth control prescription.

How to access birth control if your luggage is lost

If your luggage is lost while travelling, it can be a stressful and challenging situation, especially if your birth control is inside. Here are the steps you can take to manage the situation and access your birth control:

• Contact the airline: Speak with an airline representative at the baggage claim or check-in desk as soon as possible. Don't leave the airport until you have reported the issue. If you cannot find a representative, call the airline. Complete any necessary forms to submit your claim while you are still at the airport. Get a copy or receipt for your records, and ask for a toll-free number to receive updates.
• Request delivery to your location: Provide your contact information and accommodation address to the airline. Most airlines will hand-deliver your luggage to your hotel or accommodation once it is located. Request that your luggage be delivered to your current location to save you an extra trip to the airport.
• Ask for reimbursements: If you paid a checked bag fee and the airline lost your luggage, ask for a refund. Some airlines may reimburse these fees if your luggage is delayed beyond a certain period, typically 12 hours after submitting the claim.
• File a claim for compensation: After your bags are lost for a certain period, usually more than 24 hours, you may qualify for compensation. Submit the airline's baggage claim form, providing details of the value of your lost items and any incidental expenses incurred due to the loss. Include an inventory of the packed items and their approximate value. Keep in mind that depreciation applies, and you may not receive full reimbursement for older items.
• Keep receipts for incidental purchases: Keep all receipts for any essential items you need to purchase due to the loss of your luggage, such as clothing, toiletries, or other necessary items. Many airlines will reimburse you for "reasonable incidental expenses" up to a certain amount per day for a limited number of days.
• Check your credit card benefits: The credit card you used to book your flight may offer benefits for lost or delayed baggage. Review your credit card's guide to benefits to understand the notification deadlines and claim process. You may need to notify your credit card company within a specific timeframe to initiate the claims process.
• Consider travel insurance or homeowner's insurance claims: If your credit cards do not offer baggage insurance, check if you have a standalone travel insurance policy or if your homeowner's or renter's insurance covers lost or delayed luggage. Remember that any compensation from the airline will be considered first before these secondary insurance options.
• Contact your healthcare provider: If your birth control is lost with your luggage, contact your healthcare provider, such as your general practitioner (GP), practice nurse, pharmacist, or contraception clinic. Discuss your situation and explore options for obtaining a new supply of birth control. They may be able to provide guidance on how to access contraception in your current location or offer alternative methods suitable for your trip.
• Plan ahead for future trips: To avoid similar situations in the future, consider the following:

• Always carry essential items, including medications and valuables, in your carry-on luggage.
• Book direct flights whenever possible to reduce the chances of your checked luggage being misplaced.
• Invest in a Bluetooth luggage tracker, such as an Apple AirTag or Tile Mate, to track your luggage in real time.
• Keep your birth control with you at all times, even when travelling across time zones. Set alarms to remind yourself to take your birth control at the correct time, adjusting for time zone differences.
• If you are travelling for an extended period, ensure you have enough birth control for the entire trip.

What to do if you lose or run out of birth control while travelling

Losing or running out of birth control while travelling can be stressful, but there are several steps you can take to mitigate the situation. Here are some tips to help you navigate this scenario:

Before Your Trip:

Prevention is always better than cure, so it's essential to plan ahead and take enough birth control for your entire trip. Consider taking an extra pack or two to account for unexpected delays. If you're travelling for an extended period, consult your healthcare provider to discuss obtaining more than a month's supply and ensure your prescription is up to date. Research the regulations of your destination country regarding medication importation and carry essential documentation like your prescription and a doctor's note.

During Your Trip:

If you lose your birth control or realise you don't have enough, don't panic. Contact local pharmacies or healthcare providers for assistance. Online forums and communities can also offer helpful insights, but always consult a medical professional for accurate advice. If you're travelling with others, consider asking them to pack some of their birth control supplies as well and spread them across multiple bags to reduce the risk of losing everything at once.

Adjusting Your Dosing Schedule:

If you're travelling across multiple time zones, maintaining your birth control dosing schedule can be challenging. Consult your healthcare provider for specific guidance, as some types of birth control may have stricter timing requirements. You can adjust your dosing schedule gradually to maintain consistency. For example, if you normally take your pill at 8 am PST, you would need to take it at 5 pm in Paris.

Backup Methods:

It's always a good idea to have backup contraception with you when travelling, such as condoms. Condoms can provide effective contraception and protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Additionally, consider bringing emergency contraception (morning-after pill) as a precaution.

Replenishing Your Supply:

If you need to obtain more birth control while abroad, research the availability of your specific birth control brand or formulation in your destination country. In some countries, birth control may be available over the counter at pharmacies without a prescription. However, in other places, it may be challenging to access. The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers can help connect you with an English-speaking doctor and access foreign healthcare services.

Remember, it's essential to stay calm and take proactive steps to address the situation if you lose or run out of birth control while travelling. By planning ahead, staying organised, and seeking assistance when needed, you can effectively manage this situation and continue enjoying your travels.

How to adjust the time you take your birth control when travelling across time zones

When travelling across time zones, it is important to continue taking your birth control pill every 24 hours to maintain its effectiveness. This means adjusting your pill-taking time to your new time zone. For example, if you are travelling from New York to London, which is five hours ahead, and you usually take your pill at 3 pm in New York, you should take it at 8 pm in London.

If you are travelling a long distance, such as from New York to Tokyo, which is 13 hours ahead, you may need to adjust your pill-taking time to a more convenient hour. For instance, instead of taking your pill at 3 pm in New York, you could take it at midnight in Tokyo, which is only 18 hours apart instead of the full 24. Alternatively, you could take two pills at once on the day of arrival and then continue with one pill a day at your preferred time. However, you should also use a backup form of contraception, such as condoms, for the first seven days.

If you are taking a progestin-only pill, also called the minipill, you must be more careful with timing. You need to take it within a three-hour window of your normal time. If you miss this window, you have missed that dose and must use a backup form of contraception for the next two days.

To make it easier to remember to take your pill at the right time, you can set an alarm on your phone. This will automatically update to the new time zone and remind you to take your pill at your usual time. You can also set a calendar reminder or use a watch set to your home time zone.

If you are unsure about how to adjust your pill-taking schedule when travelling across time zones, it is best to consult a doctor or pharmacist before your trip. They can advise you on the best strategy for your specific situation and type of pill.

How to use birth control to delay your period while travelling

Travelling while on your period can be stressful, so it's understandable that you may want to delay it. The good news is that it is possible to safely delay your period while travelling by using birth control. Here's how to do it:

Consult a Doctor

Firstly, it is always recommended to consult a doctor before attempting to delay your period. Although it is generally considered safe, your doctor can advise on any potential risks and help determine if this is the right option for you. They can also recommend specific types of birth control that are suitable for delaying your period.

Choose a Suitable Birth Control Method

There are several birth control methods that can be used to delay your period. These include:

• Oral birth control pills: You can delay your period by skipping the placebo week and continuing with the active pills from a new pack. This method should be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider, as there are different types of birth control formulations. Monophasic birth control pills, which contain equal amounts of estrogen and progesterone, may be a good option as you would continuously take the same pill.
• Vaginal rings (such as NuvaRing or Annovera): These act similarly to oral contraceptive pills and can be used continuously to delay your period. Instead of removing the ring for a free week, you keep it inserted. NuvaRing can be inserted every four weeks to delay your period, while Annovera contains enough hormones for a year of continuous use.
• Hormonal IUDs: These are long-term birth control devices that are inserted through the cervix into your uterus. They can delay or eliminate your period by continuously releasing the hormone progesterone, which prevents ovulation and lessens the frequency and duration of menstrual bleeding. IUDs such as Liletta and Mirena, which last for eight years, have the highest hormone levels and are most likely to stop your period altogether.
• Norethindrone: This is a type of progestin-only contraception that can be taken only when you want to delay your period and then stopped when you're ready to resume menstruation.

Plan and Pack Accordingly

When travelling, it is important to plan ahead and pack enough birth control medication for your entire trip, plus a few extra days' worth in case of unexpected delays. It is recommended to pack your birth control in your carry-on luggage to reduce the risk of losing it if your checked baggage gets lost. Spreading your medication across multiple bags or travellers can also be a good idea as a precaution.

Adjusting Your Dosing Schedule

If you are travelling across multiple time zones, you may be unsure about when to take your birth control. The general recommendation is to maintain the timing of the country of disembarkation and to take your pill at the same time each day, regardless of your travel destination. However, this can be challenging if your usual time falls in the middle of the night at your destination. In such cases, gradual adjustments to your dosing schedule may be made to maintain consistency, but always consult a healthcare provider for specific guidance.

Be Aware of Potential Risks and Side Effects

While delaying your period with birth control is generally safe, there are a few potential side effects to be aware of. Irregular spotting or breakthrough bleeding may occur, and up to 46% of people who delay their period may experience this. Additionally, there is a small risk of accidental pregnancy, as the absence of a period may cause you to be unaware of it for several weeks or months. Therefore, it is important to be vigilant about taking your birth control as directed and consulting a doctor if you have any concerns.

Frequently asked questions