Pharmacist issues warning to women about common travel mistakes

With summer now here, Brits will be jet-setting across the world to bask in some very overdue sunshine.

But Jaanki Kotecha, Pharmacist Independent Prescriber at Hello Eve, warns of three surprisingly common mishaps you may make while holidaying abroad – and these especially apply to women. Speaking exclusively with The Express, she said: “Your long-awaited summer holiday is finally here, but amidst all the excitement, remember that finding your passport is not the only important thing you need to think about before jetting off.

“When you’re away from home and out of routine, making a mistake with your contraception is, unfortunately, all too easy to do. However, with a little bit of forward planning and a few of these tips and tricks, you can enjoy your break safe in the knowledge that you are protected from pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).”

First up, Kotecha drew to changing time zones, which is particuarly important when venturing somewhere further afield. If you’re a woman taking the progesterone-only pill or combination pill, you’ll still need to take it at the same time every day to prevent pregnancy, even if it feels too early or late in a different country. 

“One of the simplest yet most effective strategies to stay on track is to set a daily alarm or recurring calendar notification on your phone,” Kotecha advised.

“This will serve as a direct reminder to take your contraception, helping you stay on track even when your daily schedule is unpredictable. Remember: if you miss the appropriate time window or forget altogether, you may need to use a secondary form of contraception, such as condoms, to protect against pregnancy.”

Next up, Kotecha drew to typical holiday tummy troubles perhaps brought about by food, air travel or unclean water. Not only can this ruin your day-to-day plans, but it may even impact the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. 

She continued: “This is because once you’ve taken a pill, it can take two to three hours to be fully absorbed by your body. If you happen to vomit less than three hours after taking the combined pill, it will not have been absorbed, and you should take another pill straight away.

“As long as you’re not sick again, you’re still protected against pregnancy. The progestogen-only pill may not work if you vomit within two hours of taking it.”

Last but not least, Kotecha urges women to store their contraceptives in a safe place. While that may seem like a no-brainer, it’s no secret that suitcases sometimes goes missing.

She went on: “It’s every traveller’s nightmare: arriving at baggage reclaim to discover that your suitcase has gotten stuck at departures.

“But this scenario is almost certain to happen to you at least once in your life. So, be prepared and avoid unnecessary worry by packing your contraception, and any other important medication you may need, in your carry-on bags rather than in your checked luggage.

“[…] Above all, preparation is key when it comes to successfully managing your contraception while travelling. By packing smart, understanding what to do in an emergency, and sticking to your schedule, you won’t have to worry about bringing unwanted ‘souvenirs’ home with you.”