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Women's Health

No one wants health-care hassles while traveling. Here are some tips to help you avoid visiting the doctor while on the road, or scrambling for items that may be hard to find.

  • Because some items may not be readily available while traveling, it's a good idea to keep female hygiene products such as tampons and pads handy at all times.
  • Consider taking extra vitamin and mineral supplements to compensate for jet lag, dietary changes, and other travel-related stresses.
  • If you vomit or get diarrhea, medications, including birth control pills, may be rendered ineffective. Please check with your physician for instructions regarding any medications you take.
  • Hot, humid climates can encourage yeast infections, as can changes in diet or body pH. Please consult your physician for preventive measures or prescription remedies prior to travel, if necessary.
  • We recommend keeping your doctor's telephone number and e-mail address with your travel documents in the event you have medical questions during travel.

Traveling While Pregnant

If you are pregnant, we recommend consulting your health-care providers before making travel decisions to advise you of measures to take before or during travel.

Traveling and Breast-feeding

It's a good idea to consult your health-care provider about breast-feeding prior to travel. In most cases, the activity won't be affected, but you may wish to have a written list of local breast-feeding resources handy, just in case:

  • International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) are health professionals in approximately 50 countries who specialize in the clinical management of breastfeeding; see www.ilca.org.
  • La Leche League Leaders (LLLLs) are trained and accredited volunteer mothers in approximately 60 countries who provide mother-to-mother breast-feeding support and information; see www.llli.org.

In most situations health-care providers can and will select immunizations and medications that are compatible with breast-feeding.

Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control. World Trade Press accepts no liability for statements on this page. Consult your health care provider for more information.