Women's Health and the Military

Approximately 1.8 million American women are veterans of the Armed Services, and an additional 200,000 women are currently serving on active duty. With the increasing number of women in the military, there has been an increase in the number of women who have faced prolonged deployment in combat environments. This article discusses reproductive health concerns, family planning and contraceptive considerations, intimate partner violence and military sexual assault, posttraumatic stress disorder, and postdeployment health issues. It concludes with a list of available resources accessible to veterans and their providers.