Everything You Need to Know About Contraception and Pregnancy Termination Options for Your Working Holiday Adventure

Different types of birth control methods for long-term travellers

Contraception can be a conundrum for many long-term travellers. Can you stock up before you leave? Will you be able to get a prescription renewal on the road? Can you even get your preferred contraceptive in your destination country?

Don’t hesitate to discuss various options with your gynecologist or healthcare professional (GP or midwife) several weeks or months before your trip, so that you have time to try out a new birth control method and see if it works for you.

We won’t be talking about barrier methods such as condoms, diaphragms or cervical caps.

Remember that none of the contraceptives listed below will protect you against AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)—only male and female condoms protect both partners against diseases.

Birth control methods you won’t need to renew during your Working Holiday

Contraceptive implant

This 4-cm-long plastic implant is placed in your arm under the skin and releases the hormone progestin into your bloodstream for 2 to 3 years, without the need for other contraceptives. However, it is not suitable for everyone. You should test for several months before departure to see how you react to it because it can cause continuous or discontinuous bleeding, or even stop bleeding altogether. Discuss this option with your healthcare professional.

Intrauterine device or IUD (hormonal or copper)

Like the implant, an IUD can be a worry-free birth control method for travellers. The small T-shaped device is inserted into the uterus by a doctor or midwife. However, you need to have it checked once a year to make sure it’s still in the right position.

The hormonal contraceptive diffuses contraceptive hormones, while the copper contraceptive does not. The hormonal IUD is particularly suitable if you suffer from heavy, painful periods—this is also something to discuss with your healthcare professional.

Birth control methods to renew or to pack for a year

The pill

Note that in some countries, renewing your prescription can be tricky. We recommend taking a year’s supply with you (see below).

Birth control patch

This hormonal patch is applied to the skin once a week for 3 weeks, releasing hormones into the bloodstream. You then stop using them for a week, then take one a week for 3 weeks, and so on. Patches should be stored in a cool, dry place (NOT in the fridge!). This option may not be suitable for all Working Holiday travellers, depending on their lifestyle (watch out for patches that come off). As with the pill, it’s advisable to stock up for the whole year and bring your supplies with you.

Birth control methods that may be more difficult to manage on the road

Birth control vaginal ring

This small ring is inserted into the vagina and removed after three weeks, then a new one is inserted a week later. This option is not the best choice because it’s hard to pack supplies—the ring can only be stored at room temperature for up to four months.

Contraceptive injections

The hormone progestin must be injected every 12 weeks, so you would have to find a healthcare professional on the road.

How to leave home with a 12-month supply of the pill, birth control patches or vaginal rings

Women travellers are discussing how to get a 12- or 24-month supply of birth control pills on the forum—go join them!

Your chances of getting a one-year supply of your preferred birth control method will vary widely depending on your healthcare provider and your local healthcare system.

First, you’ll need a prescription from your doctor (GP or gynecologist) or midwife. It should say that you need a yearlong supply because you’re going abroad.

The biggest issues women often face are pharmacies refusing to fill the prescription for the full year (try another pharmacy!) and insurance plans not covering a yearlong supply but only a three- or six-month supply (some women end up paying the rest out of pocket).

Don’t forget that birth control patches must be stored in a clean, dry place. Vaginal rings can be stored at room temperature, out of direct sunlight—it’s safer to store them in the fridge when it’s above 30°C.

Why you should consider packing emergency contraception

It’s a good idea to pack an emergency contraception method in your first-aid kid.

There are two kinds of emergency contraception used to prevent pregnancy when you’ve had unprotected sex or if your birth control method has failed (broken condom, missed pill, etc.):

• The emergency contraceptive pill (“morning-after pill” or “Plan B”) to prevent or delay ovulation.
• An IUD inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex, or up to 5 days after the earliest time you could have ovulated, may stop an egg from being fertilized.

As a traveller, for practical reasons, you’ll be looking at the morning-after pill. Get it at home if you can—it can be hard or impossible to find abroad.

Why you should consider packing condoms

In some countries, it can be complicated to find the right brand and right size of condoms, or latex-free versions. Occasionally, local brands ( … or local pharmacies!) can feel very unreliable.

As for female condoms, they can be impossible to find in some corners of the world.

It’s always a good idea to bring a small supply of condoms, but remember to check the expiry date and store them properly, away from extreme heat or cold.

Contraceptives, abortion, IUD infections and your travel insurance

Travel insurance plans don’t cover birth control, abortion or tests. For example, the medical visit and checkup to get a birth control prescription may not be covered completely or at all.

You will also have to pay out of pocket for an IUD or implant insertion, a follow-up visit or a blood test for screening. You’re also on your own to buy contraceptive medication (birth control pill, morning-after pill) or device (IUD, implant, vaginal ring).

Travel insurance plans don’t cover abortions either.

The same applies to IUD infections.