Contraception in sea-going service personnel

Abstract

The right to make an informed choice about contraception should be afforded to every individual serving within the United Kingdom (UK) Armed Forces. This article looks at the responsibilities and approach that healthcare professionals should take within a Primary Care setting, summarises the common contraceptive options available, discusses the associated advantages and disadvantages of each technique, and considers operational factors in a military environment that combine to influence the final contraceptive choice an individual makes. Case Study. A 19-year old Able Rate joined the Royal Navy (RN) and at her joining medical it was noted that she had been on Microgynon™ combined oral contraceptive pill for approximately three years. During this time, her menstrual periods remained light; she never experienced adverse effects, demonstrated good compliance, and was happy to remain on this contraceptive regimen. Over the course of the next eighteen months, she was reviewed by a number of Medical Officers and Civilian Medical Practitioners on a quarterly basis, with Microgynon™ re-prescribed on each occasion. The appropriate Defence Medical Information Capability Programme (DMICP) template was used, with weight, smoking status, compliance and any issues or comments documented accordingly. In December 2010, a discussion regarding long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) was documented for the first time. The patient agreed to give LARC some thought and a review appointment was made for one month. She was subsequently started on the progestogen-only pill Cerazette™. It was noted by the consulting doctor that both the patient's mother and grandmother had a positive history of cerebrovascular events and the combined oral contraceptive pill was discontinued. Upon review at two months, the patient reported that she was content on Cerazette™ and wished to continue with this medication. She was amenorrhoeic, highly compliant, had given up smoking and her weight and blood pressure were stable. However, due to supply issues, it was explained that Cerazette™ was no longer a viable option for her. She had no plans to start a family, and was keen to investigate other contraceptive options. Furthermore, she expressed a particular desire to remain amenorrhoeic, as she was due to deploy overseas in the coming months, and not only wanted to avoid the inconvenience of having her period, but also felt it preferable not to have to take a daily pill when considering the constantly changing time zones. She subsequently had the etonogestrel-releasing subdermal implant Nexplanon™ fitted without complication. She has remained amenorrhoeic throughout and this form of long-acting reversible contraception has particularly suited her busy working role and active lifestyle.