Integrative Literature Review: U.S. Military Women's Genitourinary and Reproductive Health.

Abstract

This integrated literature review evaluated research on genitourinary and reproductive health care needs and gender-specific health care delivery for active duty U.S. military women, a growing population in the armed forces. A literature search was conducted for publications on genitourinary and reproductive health published between 2008 and 2014 using keywords and terms utilized in previous systematic literature reviews in similar military populations. Previous literature reviews concentrated on broader health care issues of military women. This review updates and expands the literature identified in three previous reviews. Publications were evaluated for relevancy to U.S. military women's health and a sample of 82 publications was included. Five broad categories were addressed across the literature: (1) pregnancy health, (2) deployment and preventive health, (3) sexually transmitted infections, (4) family planning and contraceptive services, and (5) sexual violations. Health care challenges are evolving within a changing military environment that includes a greater integration of women. Contraceptive, genitourinary-reproductive health care access, and self-diagnostic tools for easily treatable vulvovaginal conditions can empower military women and improve quality of life. Studies examining military gender-specific health care delivery are limited. Research to understand factors important for women in a changing military environment can improve health care delivery and outcomes, and military readiness.