Bags? Packed. Flight? Booked. Passport? Ready to go. But wait, what about your birth control? If you’re planning a trip this summer that’s in a different time zone, it can be confusing to determine when exactly you're supposed to take your daily birth control pill. You know it’s supposed to be the same time every day, but what about when you switch time zones? If you usually take your pill at noon, does the same time rule mean you keep taking your birth control at noon even in a new time zone?
The short answer is no. We have to remember that the same time every day rule is a reminder to take your daily birth control every 24 hours. That’s every 24 hours in your body, so when we travel, daily birth control must be taken in accordance with your home time zone. For example, let’s say you live in California (PST) and are taking a two-week trip to Rome (GMT +2), and you usually take your birth control at noon. Rome is 8 hours ahead of California, which means once you are in Rome, you should be taking your birth control at 8 PM instead of 12 PM.
We know that remembering to take your birth control on time is probably the last thing on your mind when you’re on an unforgettable whirlwind vacay, but here are some tips to help you stay on schedule and ensure your birth control is still effective:
Consider setting a calendar reminder on your phone.
- By using your calendar app, you should be able to set a reminder that’s in your home time zone, and your phone will adjust accordingly depending on your location in the world.
If planning a multi-time zone trip, consider changing your birth control method.
- If staying on track with your birth control while traveling across multiple time zones doesn’t sound like your idea of a good time, we’ve got you covered. Consider changing to a longer-term birth control method like the shot, patch, or IUD.
Not sure about what option is best for you? Visit your local Planned Parenthood, our nine health centers are open 7 days a week, and our expert staff can help you find the option that best works for you and your lifestyle.
To make an appointment call 714-922-4100, we also offer same-day appointments and walk-ins are welcomed.
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