Female Soldiers’ Gynecologic Healthcare in Operation Iraqi Freedom: A Survey of Camps With Echelon Three Facilities

Abstract

Gaps remain in predeployment gynecologic screening and counseling. These critical predeployment medical evaluations must remain a priority for all female soldiers to ensure unit readiness.

High-Risk Behavior and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among U.S. Active Duty Servicewomen and Veterans

“…52 Rates of cervical cancer screening among active duty servicewomen have increased over time from 78% of women receiving screening within 12 months of deployment in 2003 to 90% receiving screening in 2005. 53,54 In a large survey of active duty personnel conducted by the DOD in 2005, 97% of military women reported receiving cervical cancer screening within the past 3 years. 17 High rates of cervical cancer screening have also been reported among TRICARE Prime beneficiaries, of whom 92% received screening within the past 3 years.…”

Contraception access and use among US servicewomen during deployment

“…Several studies found that contraceptive use decreased during deployment, with proportions of users ranging from 39% to 77% [11]. A study of women deployed to Iraq and Kuwait showed a significant decrease in contraception use during compared to before deployment [12], and another recent study from Iraq had similar findings [13]. The most common methods used during deployment were oral contraceptives (28%-41%), injectables (11%-14%), surgical methods (5%-11%), implants (6%) and patches (5%-6%) [11].…”

Estimated Economic Impact of the Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System on Unintended Pregnancy in Active Duty Women

“…Although surveys show over two-thirds of women have a favorable opinion of and use some form of contraception, the majority use short-acting methods that become difficult to maintain during deployment such as pills (requiring daily use and refills) or patches that fall off from dust and heat. 13,41–43 Many factors impacting the lack of contraception use among active duty women have been identified in the literature. These include lack of availability of chosen method while deployed, limited space in barracks for storage and privacy of contraception, and limited health care provider knowledge of contraception.…”

“…Active duty women have low percentages of contraceptive use and this nonuse increases during deployment despite having readily accessible health care. 10–13 Given that active duty women and Department of Defense (DoD) beneficiaries have access to no cost contraception, this population could potentially serve as a model for an enhanced access to care environment. The impact of unintended pregnancy on mission readiness makes it a women’s health issue of paramount importance.…”