Travel and fertility treatment can be easy with these tips

Whether you’re planning a little fun in the sun in an exotic location or some rest and relaxation somewhere close to home, your summer plans likely include travel. You don’t have to put your plans on hold while you’re in the middle of infertility treatment. Erika Munch MD, our San Antonio infertility doctor offers some tips for travel and fertility treatment.

Travel and fertility treatment – Handling appointments and medication

It might be tricky to travel if you’re in the middle of an IVF cycle. After all, you need to regularly take fertility medications and visit our San Antonio infertility doctor for monitoring appointments. However, travel is still possible. When it comes to travel and fertility treatment, speak to one of our fertility team members and follow these tips.

• Find a local fertility doctor. If you must travel during your fertility treatment, Dr. Munch and our staff will be happy to get you the name of a reputable fertility specialist who is close to your travel destination. This can allow you to attend routine monitoring appointments if necessary. We will also ask you to find a nearby pharmacy in case we need to call in any prescriptions for you while you are away.
• Let our team know your plans. Before you leave, make sure that you tell a member of our team about your travel plans and give them a way to reach you.
• Keep track of your medications. To make sure you don’t miss a critical dose of your medication, create a list of your medications and be sure to keep track of exactly how much medication you have used and how much you have left. It is critical that you have enough medication on hand to get you through any weekends or holidays when a local pharmacy may be closed.
• Store all medications in your carry-on. When you fly, keep your medications in your carry-on, so they don’t get lost. Also, take note of which ones need to be refrigerated or kept at room temperature. Don’t forget to get a travel authorization from us if your airline requires it.
• Pack the right medical supplies. Don’t forget to pack all the supplies you may need, including gauze, ice packs, alcohol wipes and a sharps container to dispose of needles.

Take steps to avoid Zika virus

Although it’s not appearing in the news quite as often, the Zika virus is still a concern for fertility patients. The disease is spread by mosquitoes and sexual contact with someone who has Zika. If you contract the virus during your pregnancy, your baby could be born with a smaller than normal head and potentially intellectual disabilities as well.

Thankfully, you can avoid the Zika virus by following these tips.

• Pay attention to the CDC’s guidelines and travel advisories for Zika
• Avoid travel to areas where Zika is present
• Wear long-sleeve shirts and pants to protect your skin
• Use an insect repellent with DEET designed to repel mosquitoes
• Until you have fulfilled the CDC’s quarantine recommendations following your return, use condoms to avoid spreading the virus to your partner

These tips for travel and fertility treatment can help you enjoy your summer plans. Contact our San Antonio infertility doctor to learn more about traveling during fertility treatments.