Female soldiers' gynecologic healthcare in Operation Iraqi Freedom: a survey of camps with echelon three facilities.
OBJECTIVE
To describe female soldiers' predeployment gynecologic healthcare screening, common symptoms, and availability of gynecologic care during Operation Iraqi Freedom.


METHODS
A questionnaire distributed to U.S. military females presenting to outpatient facilities in level 3 echelon of care between August 2005 and March 2006.


RESULTS
Three-hundred ninety seven of 401 surveys (99%) were returned. Ten percent of deployed females (40) had no cervical cytology screening 1 year before deployment and 27% of the 399 required additional treatments for abnormal cervical cytology during deployment. Thirty-five percent reported a gynecologic problem and 44% received care at their base. Irregular bleeding was the most common gynecologic problem. Forty-four percent of women used some form of hormonal contraception; however, 43% changed methods because of unavailability. One-third of soldiers received pre-deployment menses regulation counseling, with 48% of those using continuous oral contraceptive pills for cycle control.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Nielsen
Peter E
PE
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Madigan Army Medical Center, 9040 Fitzsimmons, Tacoma, WA 98431, USA.
Murphy
Christopher S
CS
Schulz
Jodi
J
Deering
Shad H
SH
Truong
Vu
V
McCartin
Tamarin
T
Clemons
Jeffrey L
JL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008887:Military Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008889:Military Personnel; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D014932:Women's Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*