How to manage contraception while living abroad ?

Accessing contraception abroad: challenges and solutions

The availability of contraception abroad varies greatly by country. In nations like Canada or Germany, contraceptives are readily accessible. Conversely, in many regions of Africa, Asia, or the Middle East, access can be restricted or complicated. The preferred contraceptive methods also differ by location; for instance, the pill is popular in France, male condoms are favored in Japan, and female sterilization is common in the USA.

Country-specific regulations about contraception add another layer of complexity. Some countries require prescriptions for certain contraceptives, and coverage by social security in your home country does not guarantee similar benefits abroad. The added cost of a doctor’s consultation can significantly increase the overall expense. For example, in the United States, a prescription is needed for the pill, with the doctor’s visit costing between USD 40 and USD 250 and the pill itself around USD 50. For those on limited incomes, options like Planned Parenthood offer services similar to family planning clinics found in other countries. Still, international health insurance rarely covers costs associated with contraception.

Cultural differences and perceptions of contraception

The variation in access to and regulation of contraception is deeply intertwined with the religious and cultural fabrics of each country. In Scandinavian countries, contraception is broadly accepted, whereas it remains a taboo or is viewed negatively in places like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burkina Faso.

Religious beliefs and cultural traditions significantly shape attitudes toward contraception. For example, the Catholic Church, which opposes most modern contraceptive methods, outlined its stance in the controversial encyclical Humanae Vitae ("Of Human Life") by Pope Paul VI. In the Philippines, contraception wasn't authorized at family planning centers until 2012. In Japan, the pill carries a stigma linked to perceptions of immorality. However, attitudes are gradually changing, thanks to efforts from activists like Kazuko Fukuda, who founded Nandenaino in Japan, though progress is gradual.

Cultural norms also influence the role of partners in managing contraception. Often, the responsibility of contraception falls disproportionately on women. However, this is changing in some places, such as Anglo-Saxon countries, where vasectomies are becoming more common, reflecting a shift away from deeply ingrained patriarchal values.

Practical advice for managing contraception abroad

Plan ahead before you leave

Thorough preparation is crucial for a successful move overseas, and managing your contraception is a key part of this process. Schedule a gynecological check-up before your departure to discuss and assess your current contraceptive method. Familiarize yourself with the contraception laws in your destination country, particularly if you use methods that require frequent renewal, such as pills or patches.

If you use oral contraceptives, consider securing a supply that will last several months. In some countries, like France, you can obtain a prescription for up to 12 months. When traveling by air, ensure your pills are in their original packaging, accompanied by the instruction leaflet and your prescription to facilitate smooth customs processing. Alternatively, you might opt for an IUD, offering long-term protection ranging from four to ten years for a copper IUD and up to five years for a hormonal IUD.

Choose a contraception method that aligns with your lifestyle; for instance, an irregular routine may increase the risk of forgetting to take a pill. Also, consider the potential side effects, such as the hormonal effects or significant bleeding that can accompany the use of a copper IUD. It's important to note that condoms are the only method that protects against both STIs and unintended pregnancies. Still, be cautious with storage conditions for condoms; avoid keeping them for too long or exposing them to extreme temperatures.

Lastly, purchasing a morning-after pill as a precaution before departing is advisable if it might be unavailable or hard to access in your new country.

Once you have settled

Once you're settled abroad, you'll have two main options for managing your contraception:

- if you often return to your home country, use these visits as opportunities to renew your contraception. This approach prevents the need for switching methods or brands.

- if returning home isn't an option, then prepare to change your contraception method or brand. If you're using oral contraceptives, you may not find the exact same brand or dosage in your new country. To facilitate a close match, carry a prescription detailing your current pill's active ingredients and dosage. This will assist your new healthcare provider in finding a comparable alternative.

It's also crucial to be prepared for contraceptive failures. In some countries, abortion may still be illegal or hard to access. In such cases, you might need to urgently return to your home country or travel to a neighboring country where it's available.

Cultural differences can greatly affect access to contraception abroad. Therefore, being well-informed and prepared is the best strategy for managing your contraception while living abroad.

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