As soon as you enter the world of fertility treatment, it canfeel like your life is being put on hold. Appointments, scans, medications, and treatment cycles can all take over your calendar, and you may wonder whether travel for pleasure or business will still be possible.
Although fertility treatment will limit travel during a scheduled cycle, it is still possible to book vacations or work-related trips if you plan ahead.
Tips for Making Travel Possible
Your clinic will be able to offer advice based on your personalized fertility treatment plan, but in general, travel may be possible with consideration of the following guidance.
Choose your dates carefully
Traveling close to the time of a treatment cycle could cause issues so, where possible, it is sensible to travel in the weeks or months between rounds of IUI or IVF.
Avoid booking travel when you may need to be reviewed by your clinic. This could include appointments for scans, blood tests, egg retrieval or embryo transfer. When booking within a few days of any of these appointments, make sure you will still have enough time to get home even if your train or flight is delayed or cancelled.
It is also important to consider that things can change during a treatment cycle. You may need more scans than expected, or your egg retrieval or embryo transfer date might change based on how treatment progresses. If dates change during a cycle, you may struggle to get home in time if you have traveled abroad, whereas a vacation closer to home may mean you have the flexibility to return sooner if needed.
Pack all medications
When you travel, you’ll need to continue taking all your medications as prescribed. Some drugs must be taken at the same time each day, so it may be helpful to create a scheduleor set alarms on your phone. If you cross a time zone, remember that you will need to take your medications at the same time you would take them at home.
If any of your medications require refrigeration, invest in a cooler to take the drugs with you safely. If you are taking a flight, check your airline’s policy on refrigerated medications before you travel. In some cases, it may be easier to travel by car or train.
Choose your location wisely
Whether you are traveling in a professional or personal capacity, check that the location is safe for pregnant women and those planning a pregnancy. It is safer to avoid traveling to areas known for malaria, Zika, and other tropical diseases.
Check your insurance policy
Some insurers may require you to have additional cover if you are pregnant or undergoing fertility treatment. Check your policy or call your insurance provider to check you’ll still be covered while away from home.
Staying well when traveling
Wherever you are in your fertility journey, there are some general health tips that will help you stay well during your trip.
Final Thoughts
As long as your clinic gives you the green light, it is possible to travel when you are undergoing fertility treatment. There will be certain times when it will be more convenient to travel, and you may find it helpful to speak to your doctor for advice on which dates might be best for you. With some forward planning, you can look forward to an enjoyable and safe trip.
