Travel-Friendly Birth Control: Best Options For Travelers

Travelling while on birth control can be a stressful experience, with many factors to consider, from time zone changes to the availability of your chosen method in your destination country. The best birth control methods for travelling are those that are not time-sensitive, such as the ring and the patch, or those that last for years, such as the IUD and the implant. However, if you are taking the pill, there are several things you can do to ensure you stay on track with your birth control regimen while travelling, such as setting an alarm on your phone or keeping to your home time zone.

How to transport birth control when travelling

Transporting birth control when travelling can be stressful, but there are several ways to make the process smoother. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

Packing and Transportation

It is recommended to pack your birth control in your carry-on baggage or cabin bag. This ensures that you have access to your medication if your checked luggage is delayed or lost. Keep your birth control in its original packaging for visibility and ease of identification during security screening. If you are transporting liquid medication, it is allowed in carry-on bags and does not need to be placed in a zip-top bag. However, inform the security officers about medically necessary liquids at the start of the screening process.

Documentation

When travelling internationally, consider carrying a copy of your prescription or a doctor's note. This helps customs and security officials verify the legitimacy of your medication. Take a photo of the medication packaging, including the generic medication name, as brand names may vary across countries. Research the medication importation regulations of your destination country and be prepared for potential customs and security scrutiny.

Backup Plan

It is advisable to pack extra birth control supplies and keep them in multiple bags or distribute them among your co-travellers' bags. This reduces the risk of losing access to your medication if one bag is lost or delayed. Additionally, if you are travelling across multiple time zones, you may need to adjust the timing of your medication. Consult a time zone chart to determine the appropriate time to take your birth control in your destination time zone.

Emergency Contraception

If you are concerned about losing access to your birth control or experiencing delays, consider obtaining emergency contraception before your trip and packing it in your carry-on luggage. In some countries, obtaining emergency contraception may be challenging, so planning ahead can reduce stress in the event of an unexpected need.

Local Availability

Research the availability of your chosen birth control method in your destination country. In some cases, you may need to consult a local doctor or healthcare provider to obtain a prescription or purchase specific types of birth control. Additionally, if you use condoms, be aware that availability and quality may vary across different locations.

By following these guidelines and planning ahead, you can ensure that you have uninterrupted access to your birth control during your travels.

Adjusting to time zone changes

Adjusting to new time zones while taking birth control can be tricky, but there are some strategies to help you stay on track. Here are some tips to make the transition smoother:

• Maintain your home time zone schedule: When travelling across time zones, it's recommended to take your birth control at the same time as you would in your home time zone. For example, if you usually take your pill at 9 am in Washington, DC, and you travel to Spain, which is 6 hours ahead, you should take your pill at 3 pm Spanish time. This ensures that you're adhering to the "same time every day" rule, which is crucial for the effectiveness of your birth control.
• Adjust your schedule gradually: If taking your birth control at your usual time becomes impractical due to time zone differences, you can gradually adjust your dosing schedule. However, consult your healthcare provider first, as some types of birth control may have stricter timing requirements.
• Use technology to your advantage: Set reminders or alarms on your phone or use a birth control app to help you remember to take your pill at the correct time. Ensure that your phone automatically adjusts to the new time zone to avoid confusion.
• Consider alternative birth control methods: If you travel frequently or are travelling across multiple time zones, you may want to consider switching to a longer-term birth control method such as the shot, patch, ring, implant, or an IUD. These options require less frequent administration and eliminate the hassle of keeping track of time zones.
• Plan ahead: When travelling with birth control, it's essential to pack enough medication for your entire trip, plus some extra in case of unexpected delays. Bring your birth control in your carry-on luggage, and consider keeping it in its original packaging to ease transportation through airport security.
• Consult a healthcare professional: If you have concerns or questions about adjusting your birth control schedule while travelling across time zones, don't hesitate to consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalised guidance. They can advise you on how to maintain the effectiveness of your birth control while adapting to new time zones.

Managing illness or sickness when taking birth control

Understand the Impact of Illness on Birth Control Effectiveness

If you experience vomiting or diarrhoea while taking birth control pills, it is important to know that it may affect their effectiveness. If you vomit within a certain time frame after taking your pill, it might not have been properly absorbed by your body. In such cases, take another pill immediately and continue taking the next pills at the usual time. However, if vomiting or diarrhoea persists for more than 24 hours, your protection against pregnancy may be compromised. Consider using additional contraception, such as condoms, during this period.

Take Preventative Measures

To avoid running out of birth control while travelling, it is recommended to pack enough medication for your entire trip, plus a few extra days' worth in case of delays. Keep your birth control in your carry-on luggage to ensure access, even if your checked bags are delayed or lost. Additionally, consider packing your birth control in multiple bags and distributing them among your co-travellers' bags for added security.

Adjust Your Dosing Schedule

When travelling across multiple time zones, maintaining the timing of your birth control pills can be tricky. It is generally recommended to take your pills at the same time each day, regardless of your travel destination. However, if the time difference is significant, you may need to adjust your dosing schedule gradually. Consult a healthcare provider for specific guidance, as some types of birth control may have stricter timing requirements.

Seek Medical Advice

If you experience persistent or severe nausea, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can help you find a different brand or form of birth control that suits your needs. Additionally, if you lose your birth control pills while travelling, contact local pharmacies or healthcare providers for assistance. Having a copy of your prescription or a doctor's note can be helpful in obtaining a new supply.

Treat Nausea Symptoms

Nausea is a common side effect of birth control pills, especially when starting a new pill or one with a high dose of estrogen. To alleviate mild nausea, try consuming light and plain foods, avoiding strong flavours or greasy meals, drinking ginger tea, and eating smaller, more frequent meals. Acupressure, which involves applying pressure to certain points on the wrist, is also a traditional remedy for mild nausea.

Running out of birth control while travelling

Pre-Travel Planning:

Before your trip, it is essential to plan and be prepared. Here are some suggestions:

• Consult your healthcare provider: Discuss your travel plans with your doctor or gynecologist. They can advise you on the best birth control options for your trip and may be able to provide you with a larger prescription or an alternative method that suits your travel needs.
• Research your destination: Look into the availability of your chosen birth control method in the places you plan to visit. Some countries may have different regulations and brand options. Online resources and travel forums can provide insights into the availability and quality of specific birth control methods in different regions.
• Pack wisely: Bring enough birth control to last the entire trip, and consider packing extra in case of delays. Distribute your supply across multiple bags and even among your travel companions' bags if possible. Always pack your birth control in your carry-on luggage to ensure it's accessible and secure.
• Documentation: Carry a copy of your prescription or a doctor's note, especially when travelling internationally. This can help with customs and security checks and may be required to obtain a new supply in some countries. Take a photo of the medication packaging, including the generic medication name, as brand names may vary in different countries.

During Travel:

Even with careful planning, unexpected situations can arise. Here's what to do if you run out of birth control while travelling:

• Contact local pharmacies or healthcare providers: Seek assistance from local healthcare professionals. They can guide you on obtaining a new supply or provide emergency contraception if necessary.
• Online resources: Utilize online forums and travel-specific subreddits to get insights and advice from fellow travellers who may have faced similar situations. However, always consult a medical professional for accurate and personalized advice.
• Adjust your schedule: If you are unable to obtain a new supply immediately, you may need to adjust your dosing schedule temporarily. Consult a medical professional or pharmacist for guidance, especially if you are using a method with stricter timing requirements, such as the progestogen-only pill.

Alternative Options:

If you are unable to obtain your usual birth control method while travelling, consider the following alternatives:

• Emergency Contraception: Emergency contraception, also known as the morning-after pill, can be used as a backup option. It is available in various countries, but the accessibility may vary.
• Condoms: Condoms can be used as a backup method or in combination with other forms of birth control. They are widely available, but their availability and quality may differ across regions. Internal condoms, in particular, may be harder to find, so consider bringing some with you.
• IUD or Implant: If you are considering long-term contraception, an IUD or implant can provide coverage for several years without the need for daily, weekly, or monthly maintenance. These methods are highly effective and can be a convenient option for travellers, but they should be discussed and inserted before your trip to allow your body to adjust.

Remember, it is always essential to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and to ensure that any changes to your birth control routine are safe and suitable for your specific needs.

Using birth control to delay your period

Travelling while on your period can be stressful, so it's understandable that you might want to delay it. "Menstrual suppression" is the medical term for skipping your period or controlling when you get your period. The good news is that delaying your period is possible and generally safe.

How to Delay Your Period

Using hormonal birth control is the most common way to delay periods. This is an off-label use, so talk to your healthcare provider to see if it's an option for you.

If you use birth control pills, you can delay your period by throwing away the placebo pills and starting the active pills of a new pack. When you want to have a period, you can finish the pack by taking the placebo pills or no pills at all that week.

Other Birth Control Methods

The vaginal ring and the birth control patch are also options for delaying your period. The vaginal ring is inserted into the vagina for 21 days and then removed for one week. To skip your period, you can put in a new ring instead of having a ring-free week. The patch is typically applied once a week for three weeks, followed by a patch-free week to get your period. To skip your period, you can go straight into your next pack of patches.

Other Considerations

It's important to note that delaying your period may cause irregular bleeding or spotting. Be sure to consult a healthcare provider before attempting to delay your period to ensure it's safe for you. Additionally, if you're travelling across multiple time zones, you'll need to adjust the time you take your birth control. It's recommended to maintain the timing of the country of disembarkation and to consult a healthcare provider for specific guidance.

Frequently asked questions