The summer travel season is upon us. Whether you’re hitting the beach or pitching a tent, you can lessen the stress of traveling during a fertility treatment cycle with these tips from Dr. Marc Fritz of UNC Fertility in Raleigh, North Carolina. Read on for advice on how to enjoy your summer vacation with your medication, and sanity, intact.
Plan Ahead
Check in with your nurse before you go. Discuss exactly where you’ll be in your cycle during your vacation and plan how much medication you need to take with you. Refill prescriptions if necessary before you leave. It also makes sense to locate a pharmacy near your destination. Putting your medication schedule in your phone for quick reference can be a huge help when you’re out of your normal routine. If you’ll need to go in for monitoring during your trip your nurse can help you find a trusted fertility specialist in your destination.
Keep Cool & Carry On
This goes for you and your medication. Practice stress reduction techniques such as deep breathing or meditation on travel days; it’s amazing how much easier it is to manage things when we’re relaxed. As far as your medication, be sure to label it clearly, pack it in its original container, and carry it on board with you. For injectable medication, use a small, insulated cooler with an ice pack. Never pack meds in your checked luggage. If you have a long journey, speak with the flight attendants to see if they can store your fertility medication in their refrigerator. Be sure to call your nurse at UNC Fertility in Raleigh, North Carolina if you have any questions before you pack up and get going.
Check In Before You Leave Home
According to the Frequently Asked Questions on the Transportation Security Administration website (tsa.gov) you can bring medically necessary liquids, medications, and creams in excess of 3.4 ounces in your carry-on bag. You’ll be asked to remove them from your bag so they can be screened separately from the rest of your belongings. It’s also a good idea to check with your airline to see if they have any specific guidelines regarding traveling with medication. Some airlines may require a letter from your doctor explaining why you need to travel with your fertility medication.
Details Matter
Write a checklist of everything you need to administer your medication. Be sure to pack everything on the list:
o Ice packs
o Gauze
o Alcohol wipes
o Hand sanitizer
o Sharps container to dispose of your used syringes (Alternatively, you can check with a local hospital or sanitation department to find out how to dispose of them properly in your destination.)
Being prepared can help reduce stress, and eliminate the need for frantic runs to the drugstore. The last thing you want to do after a long day of travel is go shopping to pick up something that you forgot.
Stay Connected
It’s wise to keep contact information for your pharmacy and fertility clinic easily accessible while you’re away. You may need to call in a fertility medication refill, or contact your nurse if something unexpected–like a new side effect–pops up.
Reach out to Dr. Marc Fritz of UNC Fertility at 919-908-0000 if you’d like more tips on how to easily stick to your fertility treatment plan while making the most of your summer vacation.