Reservist Or National Guard Female Anticipating A Deployment? Visit Your OBGYN ASAP
If you are a female in the Reserves or the National Guard and are anticipating being called to active duty for an upcoming deployment, you will need to visit your OBGYN well before your departure date. There are a number of reasons for doing so. Here are just a few.
No OBGYN Available On Deployment
It's highly likely that there will be no OBGYN appointments available while you are deployed. Of course, if there is an emergency, you will likely be taken out of the theatre of operations via a medevac. Wanting to obtain new birth control won't usually be considered a medical emergency to require a medevac. The possibility of a pregnancy, however, would be.
Prevention of Pregnancy
While pregnancy is possible while deployed, you'll need to take extra precautions to prevent pregnancy before deployment, as well. That way, you will reduce your risks of deploying after conceiving before the pregnancy is realized. If you are married or have a significant other, be extra cautious during that last month or so together as you spend more intimate time together in preparation for your deployment.
Current Method Isn't Feasible
Even if you are happy with your current birth control method, you'll need to have it evaluated by your OBGYN to determine whether or not the current method will be feasible while you are deployed. Some birth control methods require regular office visits, such as injections, and other methods require the use of refrigeration for a supply, such as the plastic rings that release hormones.
Suppress Menstruation
Now that you will be deploying, your reason for using birth control may change from preventing pregnancy to suppressing your menstruation and/or making your menstruation more predictable if it's unpredictable. Many females in the military prefer to suppress their menstruation when out in the field and when on deployment because there's no access to a steady supply of feminine hygiene products, bathroom breaks are sometimes few and far between, and showering or bathing isn't always possible.
Re-Evaluation Possibility
A reason you'll want to see your OBGYN as soon as possible is in case you need to be re-evaluated before deployment for situations such as an intolerance or an allergic reaction to the new method of birth control you choose. By starting your new birth control methods sooner rather than later, you'll have more time to work with the OBGYN to find a solution that will work for your needs.
For more information, contact a local OBGYN clinic.