Semin Reprod Med 2019; 37(05/06): 211-214
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-3400461
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Contraception and Unintended Pregnancy in the Military Healthcare System

Ryan J. Heitmann
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, Washington
› Author Affiliations
Funding None.
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
04 February 2020 (online)

Abstract

The number of women serving in the Armed Forces is growing and readiness has been decreed as the number 1 priority for the total Army. Provision of contraception and unintended pregnancy rates higher than the general population are two key factors in readiness of female soldiers. An in-depth review of women's healthcare in the military identified these two areas of women's health as greatly understudied. Long-acting reversible contraception provides effective and cost-efficient method for contraception and a proven way to decrease unintended pregnancy. Increased research and focus into these two areas of women's health is crucial to providing the best care for our female service members.