Health Care Providers' Recommendations for Menstrual Suppression for Servicewomen Prior to Deploying to and Austere Field Environment

Abstract

Problem: Servicewomen that are being deployed to austere field environments may need assistance in managing their menstrual hygiene. Often these servicewomen lack access to restrooms and adequate hand washing facilities. Managing a menstrual cycle in an austere field environment may be difficult, inconvenient, and lead to genitourinary tract infections. There are various contraceptive methods available that may be used for menstrual suppression if servicewomen desire to manage their menstrual cycle while deployed. These methods include use of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), continuous use of a contraceptive by eliminating the withdrawal-bleeding week, or receiving injectable progesterone. Servicewomen have reported a desire for education on menstrual suppression options, yet most have not been provided this education from health care providers. Project Aim: The overall aim of this project was to identify the current practice of health care providers at a Midwestern U.S. Army Military Treatment Facility (MTF) in regards to their recommendations for menstrual suppression for servicewomen prior to deploying to an austere field environment. Project Method: A brief 11-question paper and pencil survey, concerning providers’ current recommendations regarding menstrual suppression techniques, was administered to health care providers during a routine staff meeting. The Project Director and the U.S. Army MTF Health Center Educator will ensure distribution of the surveys. The survey consisted of nine multiple-choice questions and two ranking style questions. Survey responses were analyzed and disseminated at the facility to encourage discussion on the topic of menstrual suppression for servicewomen deploying to an austere field environment. Results: Seven health care providers completed the survey and the majority did not routinely discuss menstrual suppression options with AD servicewomen. Most health care providers prescribed contraception for both birth control and menstrual suppression. Female health care providers were more likely to prefer a LARC for menstrual suppression. Conclusions: Servicewomen need counseling regarding menstrual suppression options from their health care provider prior to deploying to an austere field environment. LARC appears to be a viable option for menstrual suppression for these servicewomen. Future, large scale research with members from different branches of the military may help to better understand difficulties servicewomen face with menstrual suppression.