You planned the honeymoon of a lifetime.  You saved your money, put together a dream itinerary, and packed the perfect on-the-go wardrobe. Don’t throw a wrench in your plans by forgetting a plan for birth control. Unless you and your partner are prepared to start a family, it’s an essential tool you’ll want to ensure you have on your honeymoon. 

We’re all adults and we know very well what tends to happen on honeymoons. You’re elated that you’ve finally tied the knot with the love of your life. You’re both still on a natural high as you reminisce about the floral arrangements, lighting, wedding balloons, candles, bridal fashion, delicious food, entertainment, and of course, the fun times with loved ones. All those emotions are bound to lead to a romantic evening you two will treasure forever.

Don’t Leave Home Without It

While it may not have been on your to-do list, don’t wait until the wedding sparklers are lit and the limo arrival to consider birth control.  Why might you need birth control?  Where are you going?  How will your routine change?

The Why

Birth control comes in many shapes and forms and can be used for a variety of purposes.  Most commonly, it is used to prevent pregnancy, but it is also used to regulate the timing or severity of periods, to control endometriosis, and sometimes to stave off migraines or acne. 

Nothing will stress a trip faster than a frantic run around town looking for supplies like condoms, tampons, or pain killers at an inconvenient time.  Outside of populous areas in the United States, you may not find a late-night pharmacy open at the last minute.  Rural towns and most countries do not have an abundance of 24-hour shops. 

If you have a prescription, make sure it’s filled and that you are supplied with plenty to last for your entire trip.  If you think there’s a chance you might need birth control that you would typically pick up over-the-counter, bring a stash with you.

The Where

Countries around the world treat birth control very differently.  While many countries sell birth control pills over-the-counter without a prescription, you still need to know what your doses of the key ingredients are if you find yourself having to replace a lost packet.  Consider making a note or storing a photo in your phone of your prescription dosage information just in case. 

In Western Europe, North America, Australia, Japan and some other countries, you need a prescription for birth control, but not other types of contraception, like condoms or spermicides.  Although you may have to jump through a couple hoops to get the exact birth control you want, it’s very possible to find affordable options. Learn how to get free birth control so that you can get the birth control you need without stigma in these countries.

By contrast, there are many countries who have made access to birth control illegal or extremely difficult.  Trying to find contraception in countries like The Philippines, Kenya, Nigeria, or Sri Lanka will likely prove to be an embarrassing and frustrating challenge.  There are about 70 countries that treat birth control as a serious taboo.  Especially if you are traveling to a developing nation or country with strong religious sensibilities, do your research about what the cultural norms are regarding sex and contraception.

The biggest takeaway is to know before you go.  Know whether you’ll be able to find condoms in a flash if the night takes that kind of turn, or whether you will need to come equipped for any possibility because the local stores will have slim pickings. If you can’t get it easily where you are going and you might need it, bring it with you.

The How

For those who use the birth control pill, your physician likely made it very clear that you need to take your pills at the same time every day.  That’s not such a big deal when you are home, living your normal rhythm, but it can be tricky when traveling.

How will that work when you zoom across eight time zones in one day?  Your best bet is to try to stay on the 24-hour cycle of your home base.  For example, if you usually take your pill at 7 a.m. and you are heading 3 hours ahead to the east, you need to take your pill at 10 a.m. while you are away.

What will remind you to stay on time if you are used to taking your pills based on things in your normal routine, like when you get up in the morning or after dinner? Set a timer on your phone and make sure you will have your pills with you when the alarm goes off.

Keep control by doing a bit of reading, a bit of stocking up, and a bit of contingency planning.