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Early screenings increase Airmen readiness

  • Published
  • By Shireen Bedi
  • Air Force Surgeon General Public Affairs
FALLS CHURCH, Va. --  Staying current on screenings and addressing concerns early are key to female Airmen mission readiness.

“The current active duty population consists of 16 percent women,” said Lt. Col. Jason Massengill, medical director and department chief for women’s health services at the Wright-Patterson Medical Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. “The Department of Defense predicts that women will make up almost 25 percent by 2025. Specialized providers in women’s health care are critical to supporting this growing military force.

“These providers have specialized training. They are more adept at counseling, educating, and treating this growing patient population.”

According to Maj. Brittany Nutt, maternal flight commander at the 86th Medical Group, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, many women do not realize that these screenings and checkups are a crucial part of their ability to deploy.

“I have seen patients deploying in two months who want an intrauterine device,” said Nutt. “It doesn’t work that way. Ideally, after receiving an IUD, you want at least six months of stabilization to ensure there are no complications or issues.”

There is a wide range of health issues that may affect mission capability such as abnormal screenings, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, pelvic pain, and other concerns.

“Polycystic ovarian syndrome is something that can significantly affect active duty women,” said Nutt. “For example, PCOS can cause weight gain and make it difficult for women to lose weight. This impacts the PT test, waist measurements, and just being fit enough to support the mission.”

In an austere combat environment, there may be limited treatment options and therapies available to treat women’s health concerns. As Nutt explains, it is important from a readiness perspective to address concerns before deployment.

“It is important to lessen the chances of unexpected issues emerging while deployed as best as possible,” said Nutt. “We don’t want to set women up for failure where they aren’t current on their screenings and then start having symptoms and concerns while in an austere environment.”

Massengill also stressed the importance of contraception consultation and education for these Airmen.

“Unintended pregnancies are an issue across the nation, and the Department of Defense is no exception,” said Massengill. “Preventing pregnancy for those who do not want to get pregnant is important. We want to make sure these Airmen are aware of their contraception options and getting the counseling they require.”

As the female fighting force grows, so does the importance of women’s health practitioners. Across the DoD, these practitioners are improving their ability to counsel patients so they remain medically ready to support the mission.

“As more women join the Air Force, education, counseling, and early screenings will become more important,” said Nutt. “Women’s health care is not just about specialty care, but a routine part of female Airmen readiness and the health of the mission.”