Getting away from it all? How to manage fertility on vacation.
After weeks of planning your days around treatments, it's finally time to treat yourself to a great escape. Don't worry. You can take a vacation without letting a fertility regimen divert your rest and relaxation.
The most important item to add to your packing list is the Texas Fertility Center phone number. As always, our team remains on call, accessible by phone 24/7 for emergencies, and during office hours from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm for routine questions.
Before you take off, ask for assistance assessing your supply of prescription medication so you don't run out mid-trip. In some rural U.S. communities and many foreign countries, you will not have access to prescription refills. Your insurance company may need to approve a variance from the typical cycle of your drug regimen, so plan to have a phone conversation with an insurance counselor at least two weeks before your trip.
For domestic airline travel, the Transportation Security Administration allows you to bring all of your medications and supplies (including syringes) on the flight, provided these pass through security. It's helpful to package medications in original containers, together with a copy of your prescription, in a quart-size plastic bag. You may request a visual inspection rather than passing your medication through the X-ray machine.
International travelers should research the country they plan to visit on the State Department website, or check with the consulate or the U.S. Embassy within that foreign country for specific regulations. Some countries require a doctor's note, in addition to a prescription.
Whether traveling by plane, train or automobile, we recommend using cold packs and a carry-on sized soft-sided cooler to maintain temperature control of your fertility meds. In addition, be aware that some treatments require that you remain close to home:
In vitro fertilization cycles will involve frequent office visits, particularly after beginning gonadotropins with Lupron. There is some flexibility for travel during the initial birth control and Lupron phase, so ask about your particular cycle.
When undergoing a natural cycle IUI (intrauterine insemination), plan to visit the TFC office close to the time of ovulation. Unlike a train schedule, fertility treatment timing is fluid. We won't know until 1-2 days before the insemination, so travel schedules will need to remain flexible.
Pairing prescription drugs Clomid or Femara with IUI also requires an ultrasound somewhere during menstrual cycle days 1-5.
If your recommended treatment involves gonadotropins (injectables) with IUI, you might consider a "staycation." We'll need access to you from time of menses until ovulation for ultrasounds and blood work.
While enjoying your summer trip, we'd write a prescription for 'fun' if that were possible … with just a few caveats. Leisure activities to avoid include hot tubs, saunas or steam rooms, as well as more than 4-5 hours of strenuous activities a week. With injectables, your ovaries are enlarged. Protect them!
After ovulation and before taking a pregnancy test, presume that you are pregnant and avoid the activities mentioned above as well as those that may be specifically contraindicated in pregnancy (i.e. scuba diving or parasailing)If you have questions about the safety of an activity, please discuss this with your nurse.
Apply sunscreen generously and avoid prolonged sun exposure as the antibiotics we often prescribe may increase sun sensitivity. If we do confirm a pregnancy, plan to stay local for at least 2-3 weeks after the first blood test.
You deserve a fun-filled time away. Texas Fertility Center will help you plan for your vacation so you can return refreshed, relaxed and ready to make the next step toward your ultimate destination—the journey to becoming a parent!
Travel Checklist
√ Medication(s) in original containers
√ Cotton or gauze
√ Alcohol wipes
√ Cold packs (for refrigerated meds)
√ Cooler
√ Prescriptions
√ Authorization to Travel with
Injectable Medications
