Timing is everything when it comes to fertility, and perfectly timed fertility medication doses are no exception. That’s why it’s so important to take special care when you’re traveling with fertility medications. To keep your treatment on track, make sure you take or administer every dose as prescribed.

With the holidays right around the corner, we’re taking extra time to remind patients of the tips and tricks for traveling with fertility medications to keep treatments and cycles on track.

Top Tips for Traveling with Fertility Medications

Contact your airline early about fertility medication policies

Contact your airline ahead of time to get specific instructions about their prescription medication regulations. In most cases, you’ll need to have a copy of your prescription with you (make sure it’s current and not expired) and follow their security protocol. For example, they may have specific instructions for passengers traveling with syringes/needles.

Speak to your fertility specialist, pharmacy, and insurance carrier

Let your fertility specialist, the pharmacy, and your insurance carrier so everyone has an idea of the dates you’ll be gone as well as the location(s). Doing so ensures quicker approval if you wind up needing a replacement dose or a pickup from a pharmacy in a different location than they are used to sending it.

Invest in high-quality, insulated packs for fertility medications

Always keep your fertility medications with you in your carry-on bags. Do not check them.

Since injectable fertility medications are heat-sensitive, it’s wise to invest in high-quality cool packs. You never know what may transpire by way of delays or unpredictable flight cancellations. Knowing your medications are stable brings peace of mind.

Go over this fertility medication accessory checklist

It’s easy to forget “the extras” when you’re focused on prescription copies and cool packs. This checklist can help:

• Insurance information
• Gauze/pads
• Cotton balls
• Alcohol wipes
• Printed emergency/medical contact information that includes contact information for your primary physician, fertility specialist, and pharmacy.
• A printed copy of your valid prescription(s)

Consider having medications shipped to your destination

These days, specialty fertility pharmacies make it easier than ever to have prescriptions shipped right to your door. If you are worried about traveling with medications and don’t want to deal with the extra stress, ask to have meds and supplies shipped to your location.

Be prepared for the side effects

Fertility medications are known for their side effects, most commonly experienced in the form of bloating, spotting or irregular bleeding, cramping, nausea or headaches, moodiness, hot flashes, tender breasts, etc. It’s one thing to experience those at home, and it’s another to have them while on vacation.

Create a TLC kit for yourself that includes things that can provide relief:

• OTC pain/anti-inflammatories
• Ginger chews or tea to support an upset tummy (ginger also relieves pelvic inflammation)
• A heating pad
• Pads or tampons
• Mindfulness apps (to help you unwind, relax, and find your center)
• Anything else that brings you comfort

Final thoughts

Traveling during fertility treatment doesn’t have to be stressful. With careful planning and these fertility medication tips, you can keep your treatment on track and enjoy your trip. For more advice, consult your fertility specialist before you travel.