Going on holiday? Here are answers to the four most asked questions about the pill
With so many things to pack before going on holiday, it’s no surprise that almost 70% of UK women have forgotten to take their contraceptive pill with them on one or more occasions.
Our survey of 500 women also revealed that 56% of women are unsure of what to do when this happens and worry about its possible effects on their bodies.
To provide more advice, Dr Sabah Salman from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor is here to answer the four most common questions about the contraceptive pill on holiday, including what you can do if you forget your pill when going on holiday, how to take your pill if you’re travelling in different time zones, and how to delay a period on special occasions.
1) What happens if I forget to take my pill packets with me on holiday?
If you realise you’ve forgotten to take your pill packets on holiday with you, avoid borrowing or using pills from friends or people you are travelling with, and do not have unprotected sex as you could become pregnant when you stop taking birth control.
If you are going to have sexual intercourse, always use a condom to prevent pregnancy and avoid sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you’re on holiday in the UK, you may be able to order a prescription at a nearby pharmacy. However, if you’re overseas, it can be more difficult, as certain types of contraception can be difficult to obtain in other countries.
Assuming you are going to be away from home for one to two weeks, you may experience some mild side effects from not taking your regular pill. If you’re on the combined pill, missing two or more consecutively may cause mild spotting or bleeding, alongside menstrual cramps. If you’re away for a longer period of time, and so miss more pills, you may experience side effects such as changes to your skin or mood swings.
Once you return home and resume taking your pill, these side effects should subside, however if you feel like you need some advice after missing your pill for a longer period of time, always consult your GP.
2) How do I take my pill if I am travelling in different time zones?
If you’re on the pill and are travelling long distance, it’s important to know that flying through different time zones can affect your pill schedule.
For the best results, oral contraceptives should be taken at the same time each day, so if you’re travelling abroad, it’s best to keep your pill schedule the same as at home. For example, if you take your pill at 10am and travel to Greece (which is 2 hours ahead of the UK), it’s advised to take your pill at midday. If you’re still within your pill’s protection window (less than 3 hours for the minipill and less than 24 hours for combo pills), take your missed pill as soon as you remember and take the next pill as usual – even if it means taking two the same day.
When travelling long distances, it is also recommended that you take extra contraceptive pills with you – just in case of delays and lost luggage. When going through airports, contraceptive pills must be kept in their original packaging.
The UK government website states that passengers don’t need to show proof that medication is prescribed to them. Still, all passengers need to know that all medications going through security could be given extra security screening.
3) What happens if I have brought my contraception with me but I forget to take a pill?
It all depends on what kind of pill you are taking. For example, if you are taking the combined pill and have missed two or more pills, you will be less protected against pregnancy.
If this is the case, leave any earlier missed pills and take the last pill you have missed, even if that means taking two in a day. Keep taking your pill packet as usual, but use condoms for the next 7 days to prevent pregnancy. If you have less than seven days’ worth of pills, do not take a break. Continue to use the new pill packet.
If you do, however, have more than seven days’ worth of pills left, you can finish the packet as usual and take a pill-free break.
If you are taking the progestogen-only pill, you need to find out which one you are taking, the 3-hour or 12-hour version; you can find this on your pill leaflet or online. If the main component in your pill is desogestrel, you can take it within the same 12-hour period, and you will be protected. However, if the main component is levonorgestrel, you will need to take this pill within the same three-hour period every day. If you’re still unsure, contact your GP for advice and use condoms.
If you do, however, have more than seven days’ worth of pills left, you can finish the packet as usual and take a pill-free break.
If the main component in your pill is desogestrel, you can take it within the same 12-hour period, and you will be protected. However, if the main component is levonorgestrel, you will need to take this pill within the same three-hour period every day. If you’re still unsure, contact your GP for advice and use condoms.
4) Can I delay my period if I’m not on the pill?
For those who aren’t taking the pill and are looking to delay their period, you can use a pill called Norethisterone. This can delay your period by up to 17 days.
It comes in the form of tablets, which you should start taking three days before your period is due. You must then take three tablets a day for the time you wish to delay your period.
You can take the tablets for a maximum of 20 days, which will delay your period by a maximum of 17 days. You should get your period two or three days after you stop taking Norethisterone.
Norethisterone is a prescription-only medicine. Your GP can prescribe it for you, or you can order it through an online service. It is not a contraceptive, and cannot be used to prevent pregnancy.
