Tips for Traveling During Fertility Treatments

It could be a fun conference you’ve been asked to attend for work, a trip to see your family, or a vacation to an island getaway, but will it be possible when you’re right in the middle of your fertility treatment? The answer is a resounding YES for many types of treatments and travel plans. As long as you plan and consult your fertility specialist, you may be on your way go on the trip of your dreams.

IVF treatments are the trickiest for travel because it requires appointments and monitoring during specific times, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. You’ll want to avoid traveling 10-12 days before the IVF egg retrieval but you should be able to plan a trip for the time after your egg is retrieved. Keep in mind that the IVF process involves many rounds of stimulation and medication which might make it uncomfortable to take long flights or road trips. After the embryo is transferred, you’ll take a pregnancy test in 10-12 days to see if the embryo has been implanted. If you do become pregnant, it’s still possible to travel while you’re expecting just as with any pregnancy. You don’t have to worry about trying to make it “stick” since the normal activity is recommended after the implantation.

For many other less intensive fertility treatments such as IUI, you will be able to travel more easily as long as you keep your appointments. Here are some tips!

Consult your doctor – Before you go on any trip, talk to your fertility specialist about the best times to travel during your cycle and when you need to be home for appointments. Your fertility specialist will help you plan your trip around what’s necessary for the treatments.

Safety – As with any pregnant mother, you’ll want to check vaccine guidelines for the destination you’re going to or any risk of the Zika virus which affects pregnant women. You’ll also want to monitor the coronavirus situation for the destination. The CDC guidelines will be helpful with the planning.

Medications – You’ll want to keep your medications on you as you travel and not store them in checked luggage. Some medications may need to be stored at a cool temperature and you may want to invest in ice packs or a small cooler. Be clear about your medication schedule and stay organized with reminders or alerts on your phone. Make sure you have a referral for a trusted fertility specialist in case you need a refill and know where the nearest pharmacy is at your destination.

For more advice about fertility treatments, consult a fertility specialist at the Alabama Center for Reproductive Medicine. The ACRM guides clients through every aspect of the fertility journey. To learn more about fertility options at ACRM, call (205) 307-0484 for a consultation today.