Health: Women's health

Women holidaymakers have several health factors to consider, such as menstruation, safe sex and coping with illness abroad. Try to prepare for any eventualities before going away.

Periods

Menstruating on a long flight can be unbearably uncomfortable if you're prone to heavy bleeding, headaches and bloating.

• Take enough sanitary pads and tampons with you
• Carry painkillers
• Try evening primrose oil or vitamin B6
• Drink water regularly
• Reduce the risk of blood clots by taking regular walks
• If you take an oral contraceptive pill and your flight or holiday clashes with when a withdrawal bleed is due, consult your GP about ways to prevent it. Typically, you'll need to carry on taking the pill without the usual break

Menopausal/postmenopausal travellers

Common side effects of menopause are dry skin, hot flushes and, quite often, cystitis. Travelling puts the body under abnormal stress, so it's common to feel more discomfort while flying or journeying long distances.

• Try to protect your skin with moisturisers and suncreams with a high SPF
• If you have cystitis, drink water regularly
• Wear light, loose clothing to combat hot flushes. Try to keep your accommodation cool
• If you are on HRT, ask your GP about how travelling will affect you
• During a flight, stretch your legs regularly to help circulation

Pregnant travellers

If you're going to a country that requires jabs or malaria tablets, talk to your GP about ones that are safe to take. Some vaccines and anti-malarials aren't recommended for women in the first three months of pregnancy.

Women in their 36th week of pregnancy must check whether their airline will allow them to fly. Some carriers won't let women travel in the latter stages of pregnancy.

• Book an aisle seat if possible
• Walk around to get your blood circulating
• Drink water regularly

General health

RECURRING CONDITIONS

If you tend to get ill while travelling or are prone to certain infections, such as cystitis or thrush, have a doctor prescribe treatments before your departure.

SAFE SEX

If you are travelling with a partner or intend to have sex on holiday, always pack contraception - particularly if you're going to a remote destination where it may be tricky to get hold of.

FOOD AND DRINK

Eat fresh fruit and vegetables abroad to boost your immune system, and consider taking multi-vitamins if you don't already. If you're visiting somewhere hot, drink water regularly.

The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website offers general travel advice. Its helpline number is 09068 224 100 (60p/min).:http://www.masta.org

Travel Health Online offers detailed advice for pregnant travellers in its Special Needs section.: http://www.travelhealth.co.uk