Going on vacation with her family should be exciting. For the most part, Trudy* has been looking forward to their long-awaited trip to a beach resort. Yet she can’t help but worry about whether traveling with fibroid symptoms is a good idea.
She was diagnosed with these non-cancerous tumors of the uterus last year, and at first, they were not a problem at all. Fast-forward several months, and her pain-free life disappeared thanks to longer-than-usual menstrual cycles, heavy bleeding, and on-again, off-again intense pelvic cramping.
On some days, it is about all she can think about, and she wonders if long-distance travel can worsen symptoms. After all she never knows when fibroids will flare up or if she will have an unexpected heavy flow causing accidental bleeding through her clothes. As a result, the last thing Trudy wants is to ruin a perfectly good vacation.
Three out of four women will develop uterine fibroids during their lifetime. In fact, several studies estimate that up to 70-80% of women between the ages of 35 and 54 will develop them. While not all of them will have to deal with painful or debilitating fibroid symptoms, many will—and vacations do not do them any favors. Granted, nothing says you can’t travel with fibroid symptoms. It is not risky, and your life is not in danger. That said, the thought of being away from all the comforts of home, your healthcare team, etc., can be stressful.
Are You Worried These Fibroid Symptoms Will Ruin Your Vacation?
- Painful periods, including heavy or inconsistent cycles
- Debilitating cramps, pelvic pain, and pressure
- Back or leg pain
- Bloating or swelling in the lower abdomen
- Pregnancy-looking weight gain
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Urinary frequency
- Constipation, diarrhea, and rectal discomfort
The key is not avoiding travel—it is being prepared for possible symptoms while you are away from home. With the right planning, you can keep discomfort to a minimum and focus on making memories, not managing pain.
How Are Fibroids Affected by Traveling for Vacations?
They aren’t. It is worth noting that women have stated on various online forums that they have experienced fibroid symptoms such as pelvic pain and pressure, excess bleeding, swelling, and abdominal discomfort during or after long plane flights. While we would never dismiss or discredit those personal experiences, it is important to note that every woman’s fibroid journey is unique. Menstrual cycles, underlying health conditions, and how the body reacts to travel stress, jet lag, and prolonged sitting can all play a role in how symptoms show up. That said, there is no medical evidence or studies that suggest flying has a direct impact on fibroids. The only factor for women who experience this phenomenon could be the relative stress of flying versus living their normal life on firm ground.
There is no medical evidence or studies that suggest flying has a direct impact on fibroids.
The consensus? No matter where you intend to go, your vacation itself won’t cause fibroids to worsen. You can fly on airplanes and ride trains. You can also safely take long road trips cross-country, sit poolside or on the beach with a fancy martini, and soak up the sun. You aren’t in any danger with those activities or the vacation itself.
That said, traveling with existing fibroid symptoms can be uncomfortable. Here are a few practical ways to prepare ahead of time so that your vacation is as pleasant as possible.
Pack with your comfort in mind.
Packing smart is essential when dealing with uncomfortable symptoms. We suggest putting a travel checklist together several weeks before your trip and considering all the comforts you normally turn to when fibroid symptoms peak. The last thing you want is to be on the road or mid-flight and think, “Oh, I wish I had brought that one thing.” Granted, you may have to pack lighter or more efficiently if you are flying, but having everything you need at your fingertips can be a lifesaver in managing pain, stress, and overall comfort. A few examples might include:
- Extra sanitary products and period panties
- Pain relief medications (prescribed or over the counter)
- Portable heating pads or heat patches
- Refillable water bottle
- Wipes, stain remover pens and travel-size laundry detergent
- Multivitamins, if you are prone to excessive bleeding
- Symptom journal to track fibroid symptoms
- Extra pillows or neck massagers for comfort
Wear loose, breathable clothing.
Whether you have fibroid symptoms or not, most people prefer to avoid tight, restrictive, or uncomfortable clothes when they travel. This is true regardless of your method of travel (plane, car, train, etc.). Perfect examples include loose-fitting tops, flowy blouses, oversized shirts, elastic belts, comfortable fabrics, and even loose, slip-on shoes. The benefits of packing for comfort throughout your vacation include.
- Improve overall comfort
- Reduce body insecurity and stress
- Better air circulation and irritation reduction
- Conceal any existing bloating or swelling
- Reduce pressure on the abdomen
- Allows easier use of heating pads
- Ideal for emergency bathroom trips
Research your route and destination.
If you want to be ahead of the curve when traveling with fibroid symptoms, map out your route and destination ahead of time. For instance, plan ahead for emergency bathroom, snack runs, or supply stops on long car rides. Check for 24-hour laundromats close to your destination, in case you need to wash clothes that have bled through. Look up urgent care centers, hospitals, and pharmacies near your destination that are covered under your medical insurance plan. Save the addresses and phone numbers in your phone. You can also map out the closest 24-hour clinics if you need help late at night.
Speaking of needing help, keep any important medical records on hand if your fibroid symptoms are considered a complex case. Let your doctors know you will be traveling and ask them the following questions:
- How do I reach you while I’m away?
- Do you recommend any travel medications or temporary medication adjustments?
- Do you have any medical referrals for my destination area?
- Do you have any additional traveling tips?
Look up urgent care centers, hospitals, and pharmacies near your destination that are covered under your medical insurance plan.
Stay hydrated and plan for movement.
We mentioned that it is wise to bring a refillable water bottle with you on the trip. Here’s why: fibroids can cause fibroid symptoms ranging from constipation to bloating. These and other symptoms can often worsen when you aren’t drinking enough water. The refillable water bottle allows you to sip throughout the day, reducing the chance of dehydration on long summer car rides or packed plane flights.
As you drink more water, you will naturally need to get up and go to the bathroom. Know where to make these pit stops. Not only is it important for bathroom purposes, but moving every few hours can reduce potential swelling and improve blood circulation.
Consider additional strategies to reduce stress levels.
Stress is the body’s biochemical response to life challenges. To handle stress, the brain tells the body to produce extra hormones. As a result, hormone levels rise, stimulating fibroid growth and causing symptoms to flare up. Needless to say, you want to consider anything and everything pre-vacation to reduce stress levels. Many of the tips above will help with that, but here are a few more to consider:
- Get on the road earlier so you do not feel rushed.
- If you are flying, consider earlier or direct flights to navigate gates on time and increase recovery time.
- Practice deep breathing and mindfulness techniques.
- Get a good amount of sleep and stay consistent with your sleep schedule.
- Maintain a healthy diet (can be harder on vacation, but it is worth a try).
Consider UFE in Advance of Travel Plans
Living life with constant fibroid symptoms is hard enough. Add in traveling for vacation or work, and you can expect many of those symptoms to be harder to deal with if you do not have a plan. All the travel tips mentioned above are designed to put you in the best possible position once you are on the road. But there’s something you can do right now: schedule an appointment to see if you are a candidate for UFE – Uterine Fibroid Embolization. Not only does UFE help you avoid surgery, but it offers a faster recovery with over 90% success in becoming symptom free in 10 days or less.
With UFE, small particles are introduced into the uterine arteries and fibroid vessels, blocking the blood flow to the fibroids, versus surgically removing them. The procedure will last about one hour, and you will be asleep for the procedure. You can resume light activities as soon as you feel up to it.
Advantages of UFE at Fibroid Institute include:
- Covered by most major medical insurance
- You can come to us directly, referrals not required
- No hospital stay
- Treat multiple fibroids at once
- No incision or vaginal access, just a small puncture on your wrist
- Recovery period is as little as one week in many cases
- Our patients receive their doctor’s mobile number
- Over 90% effective in reducing symptoms
There are additional ways to rid yourself of fibroids and fibroid symptoms forever, but UFE is one of the least invasive options. It is also highly effective and quick, meaning you can make your vacation trip without worrying about planning for any of the tips above.
UFE Procedures Designed for Your Comfort
You do not have to travel with fibroid symptoms. There is another way, one led by a team of fibroid specialists prioritizing communication, trust, and increased peace of mind. Our Dallas and Houton fibroids doctors are open to back-and-forth dialogue, answering every question or concern, relieving any anxiety, setting expectations, and honoring each patient’s wishes. Yes, there are more options than ever for quality fibroid removal. But a growing number of women also want the concierge-level care that not every doctor provides.
For instance, imagine being able to call your doctor 24/7 on their personal cell phone and having access to shorter waiting times and longer appointments. This is an everyday occurrence at Fibroid Institute, allowing for quick communication and resolution of concerns. Our team also goes far beyond the standard procedure techniques, offering our patients a uniquely supportive experience so they can return to the life they love with confidence. With multiple locations, our Dallas and Houston UFE doctors help thousands of women avoid fibroid surgery and find relief from their fibroid symptoms.
At Fibroid Institute, we set the standard of care for advanced fibroid treatment and help women achieve a fibroid-free life. We specialize in UFE – Uterine Fibroid Embolization because it delivers results in the least amount of time and with limited pain. On top of that, we simplify your UFE journey, managing everything from insurance to PCP communication and offering all patients physician-direct access before and after their procedure.
With multiple locations, our Houston and Dallas fibroid centers help thousands of women avoid fibroid surgery and find relief from their fibroid symptoms. As highly experienced Dallas and Houston UFE specialists, our doctors are board-certified interventional radiologists and experts passionate about helping women become #FibroidFree.
Most major medical insurance providers cover the cost of UFE. Get started now by calling our Dallas fibroid centers at 214-838-6440, our Houston fibroids clinics at 713-903-3733, or by completing complete the form below.
This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Prior to starting any new treatment or if you have questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider.
Fibroid Institute Texas serves the Dallas and Houston metro areas including Houston, Sugar Land, Katy, Webster, Clear Lake, The Woodlands, Universal City, Spring, Kingwood, Stafford, Conroe, Texas City, Cypress, League City, Bellaire, Addison, Carrollton, Plano, Frisco, Craig Ranch, McKinney, Allen, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, Hurst, Euless, Bedford, Arlington, Hutchins, Irving, Duncanville, DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Lancaster, Cockrell Hill, Highland Park, University Park, Park Cities, Garland, Mesquite, Richardson, Dallas, Sherman, and more.
*Patient names and/or photos may be changed to protect patient confidentiality.