Hormonal contraceptive prescriptions in the UK Armed Forces
Rebecca L Double1, S L Wardle1,2, T J O'Leary1,2
1Department of Army Health and Performance Research, UK Ministry of Defence, Andover, Hants, UK.
BMJ Military Health
|January 19, 2021
Summary
Hormonal contraceptive use among UK servicewomen is similar to the general population. Military roles do not appear to affect the prevalence or choice of these contraceptives.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Military Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hormonal contraceptive use is common in the UK, with the pill being the most frequent method.
- Servicewomen may use contraceptives for menstrual management during arduous duties, but data are lacking.
- This study investigated hormonal contraceptive prevalence in UK Armed Forces personnel.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of hormonal contraceptive prescriptions in UK servicewomen.
- To compare contraceptive use in servicewomen with the general UK female population.
- To explore factors influencing contraceptive choice within the military.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Defence Medical Information Capability Programme database.
- Analyzed prescription data for all regular UK servicewomen (n=15,738) as of September 1, 2017.
- Identified hormonal contraceptive prescriptions.
Main Results:
- 31% of servicewomen had a current hormonal contraceptive prescription.
- Prevalence varied by service branch: Royal Navy (28%), British Army (30%), Royal Air Force (34%).
- The pill was most common (68%), followed by long-acting reversible contraceptives (32% combined). Non-officer ranks showed higher usage (32%) than officers (27%).
Conclusions:
- Hormonal contraceptive prevalence in UK servicewomen mirrors that of the general UK female population.
- Military service does not appear to significantly influence the prevalence or selection of hormonal contraceptives.
- Findings suggest comparable reproductive health choices between military and civilian women regarding hormonal contraception.
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