Protect Your Sexual Health on Deployment As you prepare for deployment, you’re likely completing your unit checklist, updating legal documents, organizing your finances and planning for the time away from friends and family. Every bit of preparation is important, including your sexual health. Protecting your sexual health on deployment starts before you even deploy. Planning ahead, understanding your options and adhering to military guidelines like General Order 1 (GO-1) are critical for staying mission-ready and protecting your health. Consider these prep and action steps to optimize your health! Did You Know? Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality. It includes the ability to make informed decisions, access resources and engage in safe, consensual experiences free from coercion, discrimination or violence. Maintaining your sexual health ensures readiness and protects your overall well-being during deployment. Before Deployment Attend all health appointments. Make sure you are vaccinated – hepatitis A, hepatitis B and HPV vaccines are all available to you as a Warfighter. Check if you already received these prior to or upon entry into service. If you are on birth control, talk to your health care provider about continued care while deployed to ensure you receive necessary protection. If you or your partner are not on birth control and you’d like to explore the option, talk to your provider about available types. Long-acting reversable contraceptives, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants, may be beneficial for deployment cycles. Learn more here. Get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Stock up on supplies and medication you may need during deployment including contraceptives and prescribed treatments, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and medications for chronic conditions. Get familiar with the sexual health resources available to you during deployment. Prepare for a shift in access to care. Talk with your intimate partner(s) about sexual health concerns, expectations and potential risks during deployment. Honest, open communication is a sign of a healthy sexual relationship. Bring protection. It’s important to stay protected, which starts with preparation. Have condoms on hand if you need them while you are deployed. Know Your Options Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) like IUDs or implants are ideal for deployment due to their effectiveness, privacy and low maintenance. Short-acting reversible contraceptives (SARCs) are also an option. Keep in mind some SARCs may present challenges in specific environments. For example, NuvaRing needs to be stored at specific temperatures and refrigeration may not always be available to you. Another example is the patch, which may lose effectiveness in hot or wet environments. Whatever method you choose, ensure it will last you throughout deployment. To choose birth control that works best for you, talk to your health care provider. During Deployment Depending on where you are deployed, you may have access to clinics. If you need sexual health care, be sure to see a provider, if possible. Practice safe sex, including condom use, and continued use of birth control, if you are on it. Continue to communicate honestly and openly with all sexual partners. After Deployment Attend all health appointments. Get tested for STIs. Continue to communicate with your sexual partners, especially if there have been any changes in your, or their, STI status. Continue practicing safe sex. What Happens If… I Test Positive for an STI on Deployment? If you get an STI while deployed, you will typically be treated by medical staff. You may be asked back for follow-up testing and examination. If treatment interferes with job duties and performance, medical leave may be suggested. Talk to your provider and command leadership for advisement on what to do if you contract an STI while deployed. If you are at a higher risk for HIV, talk to your health care provider about PrEP. It’s a safe, daily medication that significantly reduces your risk. What Happens If I Get Pregnant on Deployment? If you get pregnant while deployed, you will be reassigned to a non-deployable status. Each branch has different requirements and protocols for sharing pregnancy status and what a Warfighter can and cannot engage in. Talk to your provider and command leadership for advisement on what to do if you become pregnant while deployed. Deployments are often high stress, so it’s essential to use reliable methods to prevent infections and unplanned pregnancies that could be impact your deployment status and readiness. It’s important to stay prepared, use healthy communication and practice safe sex before, during and after deployment. Talk to your health care provider about any concerns along the way and make a plan to stay sexually safe and healthy as you serve your country. Additional ResourcesHealth.mi - “DOD initiatives address the sexual health of our military”Navy and Marine Corps Force Health Protection Command - “Women’s Health and Readiness”Warfighter Wellness - “Sexual Health On-the-Go: Mission Wellness App”ReferencesSexual Health in the Military - “American Sexual Health Association”Defense Centers for Public Health – Aberdeen. - “Sexual Health”
