Birth control and checked luggage

[gatesy08]

I checked my luggage when I was on a plane over 2 weeks ago now. I had my birth control in that suitcase. Now I'm thinking, oh no, is my birth control less effective because it wasn't with me in my carry on but with the checked bag? Please help!

[al]

Hi there gatesy08,

There should be no problem with your birth control, even if you didn't have it with you in your carry-on bag. There are only a few things that can affect the effectiveness of contraceptives like that, which you can read about here: Something You Can Worry About Less: Interference and Hormonal Birth Control.

[gatesy08]

Ok thanks, Al

[Redskies]

It might help to know where the usual advice about putting medication in your carry-on and not in your checked baggage comes from: it's so that you can keep something important, that you need, with you. If the airline misplaces your checked baggage - temporarily or not! - you'll still have your medication with you, and not have the often difficult and expensive task of trying to replace it quickly, and not miss out on doses.