Trying to get pregnant can feel like a full-time job. Getting away from it all – even for a few days – can pack more joy into your life and help you reconnect as a couple. Some choose to take a month off from the rigors of fertility treatment, but you can enjoy a much-needed vacation while still moving toward your final destination of parenthood.

As you plan a summer trip, IVF Plano offers this special travel alert: Consult with Dr. James Douglas before committing to travel dates. We’ll also encourage you to visit www.tsa.gov to review guidelines for flying with prescription medication. Essentially, the agency recommends carrying on copies of your prescriptions, keeping medicine in original packaging and securing an authorization to travel with injectable medication.

Once you’ve set your itinerary, ask Dr. Douglas’ staff to help assess your supply of fertility drugs. You don’t want to search for a specialty pharmacy in a resort town or rural location. You’ll also need to call your insurance representative to secure approval for any variances from your regular prescription cycle.

Domestic Travel

Wherever you go, a small, soft-sided cooler with refrigerated cold packs will safeguard your medication. If you travel by plane, request a visual inspection of your carry-on medical supplies rather than passing them through the X-ray machine.

According to the Transportation Security Administration: “If the medically necessary items exceed 3 ounces or are not contained in a one-quart, zip-top plastic bag, you MUST declare to one of our Security Officers at the checkpoint for further inspection.”

Foreign Travel

Requirements vary for traveling with medication in foreign countries. You will need a letter from Dr. Douglas describing your medical condition and corresponding prescription drugs. Check with the embassy of your destination country to ensure your prescription is allowed. Visit the State Department website (www.travel.state.gov) for more information.

Staycations

Certain days in an IVF cycle will keep you within a day’s drive of Plano. That’s because IVF requires frequent office visits once you begin drug therapy (Lupron to “power down” your ovaries and gonadotropins to stimulate egg growth under a doctor’s direction). Dr. Douglas and his fertility nurses will work with you to determine your flexibility to travel during the birth control/Lupron phase of treatment.

During an IUI (intrauterine insemination) cycle, we’ll need to see you on days 1-5 of your menstrual cycle if you take Clomid or Femara and again close to ovulation. Couples prescribed injectable gonadotropins during IUI will have more frequent office visits.

Planning for Pregnancy

Enjoy your leisure time while remaining vigilant about your health and wellness. As always, avoid excess alcohol, cigarette smoking and recreational drugs. In the sun-baked Texas summer, it’s easy to bypass hot tubs, saunas or steam rooms, but remember these are off limits on spa vacations, too. Say no to strenuous activities that could harm an early pregnancy or a woman’s enlarged ovaries during fertility treatment.

Finally, save the IVF Plano phone number in your contact list so you’ll have it ready in case questions arise on your trip: 972-612-2500. Regular office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 am to 4 pm and Wednesday: 8-12 pm. You deserve some “we” time this summer and IVF Plano wishes you safe travels and a restful, memorable trip.

For more information please visit www.ivfplano.com

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