International travel. (Long & rambling!)

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-19-2005
International travel. (Long & rambling!)
4
Tue, 08-01-2006 - 2:47pm

I will be taking a 10 day trip to Italy in November. I am taking a triphasic combination pill. The first few days of the trip, I will be taking my last active pills, but most of the trip will be on my placebo week. I will start my new pack the day after I return. I normally take my pill at 10 PM, which would be 5 AM in Italy. As I see it, I have 3 options for dealing with the time difference, each with pros and cons.:

1) The move-forward method. Take my pill a half hour later each day for four days before leaving, so that when I arrive in Italy, I will be taking my pill at 7AM (I should be awake by then.). Pro: least number of days to change. Cons: I know it is ok to take a pill a half hour late one day, but what would be the effect of taking it progressively a half hour later that many days. And, I will have to stay up late or set the alarm, and do I really want to disrupt my sleep that much?

2) The move back method. Take the pill one hour earlier each day for a week (which will not affect its effectiveness, right?) until I am taking my pill at 3PM, which will be 10 PM in Italy. When I begin my new pack, take my pill at the normal time, and use a backup for a week, since I will be taking that first active pill late. Pros: no sleep disruption, taking it in Italy at my normal time. Cons: longest conversion time, reduced effectiveness at the start of the new pack.

3) The "cold turkey" method. No adjustment pre-trip. Take the first Italy pill at 7AM, which would be 12 midnight Houston time (2 hours late). Use a back up during the trip. Start my new pack back home at a normal time. Pro: no adjustments. Con: Need a backup on the trip. Do I need a backup starting my new pack.

For those of you that have traveled internationally, what has been convenient for you? And, what sounds like it would maintain the highest level of effectiveness?

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-12-2002
Tue, 08-01-2006 - 8:12pm

The other option is that once you finish your next lot of placebos, you take the first active pill of your next pack earlier in the day, so that when you go to Italy, you are already well adjusted and protected.

 


 


iVillage Member
Registered: 07-19-2005
Tue, 08-01-2006 - 8:27pm
That makes a lot of sense! Now, to change it back, would I take my first pill of my first post-trip pack at 10 PM Houston time, and just use a backup for 7 days?
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Tue, 08-01-2006 - 9:40pm

Hi bagpipe_mouse, welcome back!


      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-19-2005
Wed, 08-02-2006 - 9:26am

I think since option #3 is only a two hour move, which is within the on-time window, that would be the best bet. Taking my pill first thing in the morning would leave my mind free of bc matters for the rest of the day. Having to take my pill in the afternoon in Houston would be a major pain, considering my work schedule. I'll probably use a backup just to have the extra confidence, but it's good to know it will just be for security.

I'm still interested in hearing from people that have actually experienced this!

Thanks!