PREVENTIVE MEDICINE MEASURES

FOR DEPLOYED FEMALES

Prepared by:
SPC Kathleen Wittenberg
4TH BCT Environmental Science NCOIC

UNCLASSIFIED

AGENDA
Purpose
Pre-Discussion
Combat Readiness
Deployment Challenges
Personal Hygiene
Menstrual Issues
Medical Issues
Supplies
Closing Discussion
Summary
References

PURPOSE
To provide information regarding Individual
Preventive Medicine Measures (PMM) to further
educate female soldiers in preparation for field
exercises and deployments. Including strategies
for effectively ensuring female readiness with the
least amount of impact on the day-to-day
mission of the unit.

COMBAT READINESS: HYGIENE ISSUES

RELATED TO MILITARY WOMEN

Military personnel need to be prepared for combat

readiness at all times, as this is central to the
mission of the United States Armed Forces.
Combat readiness in military women creates a
unique set of health care requirements. For
females, feminine hygiene practices constitute
health care practices based on physiological
necessities for the management of elimination of
products, including urine, feces, and menstrual
discharge. (Czerwinski, Barbara S.)

COMBAT READINESS: HYGIENE ISSUES

RELATED TO MILITARY WOMEN

The author of the study is Barbara S. Czerwinski,

Ph.D.
The study was sponsored by the U.S. Army Medical
Research and Material Command Fort Detrick,
Frederick, Maryland
The study was conducted at The University of Texas
Health Science Center, Houston, Texas
The conclusions of the study found that female
hygiene affected womens attitudes, practice, work,
morale and coping. There were six themes that
emerged from the study

COMBAT READINESS: HYGIENE ISSUES

RELATED TO MILITARY WOMEN
Variation in response to environment related
hygiene
Location and condition of facilities affected hygiene
practices
Menses management was seen as difficult when
working
Unmet basic hygiene needs affected morale
Attitudes of commanders and co-workers affected
coping
There is a code of silence surrounding womens
needs

DISCUSSION
What challenges will I have with personal
hygiene while deployed?
Will my menstrual cycle be affected when I
deploy?
Do I need to worry about protecting myself from
infections while deployed?

DEPLOYMENT CHALLENGES
Personal Hygiene
Menstrual Issues
Medical Issues
Supplies

PERSONAL HYGIENE
Nutrition
Physical Fitness
Protection from the Environment
Mental Health Concepts

MENSTRUAL ISSUES

Body changes
Sanitation
Disposal

MENSTRUAL ISSUES

Pain associated with cramping

PMS
Toxic Shock Syndrome

MEDICAL ISSUES
Dehydration
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
Yeast Infections

STEPS TO AVOID INFECTIONS

Drink plenty of water every day
Urinate when you feel the need
Wipe from front to back when using the latrine
Take showers instead of tub baths
Cleanse the genital area several times a day
Wear panties with a cotton crotch
Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays and scented
douches that may irritate the urethra

SUPPLIES
Baby wipes
Panty liners/sanitary pads
Cotton undergarments (underwear and bras)
Non-deodorant tampons with cardboard
applicators
Menstrual cycle control methods

SUPPLIES CONT:
Just in Case baggie
Panty liners
Baby wipes
Sanitary pads
Tampons
Hand sanitizer
Keep it Clean baggie
Baby powder
Freshette/ Female Urinary Device (FUD)

FUD DESCRIPTION
FEMALE URINARY DEVICE
Easy to use anatomically designed female
contoured plastic funnel (6 retractable tube directs
flow)
Permits urination through opening with no removal
of clothing or gear
Privacy: No need for cover
Avoids unsanitary latrines, dirty terrain, & unsafe
conditions
Reusable, light (1 oz), compact (5x3x1,) &
reusable
Transport pouch fits into cargo pocket

Freshette (FUD)

DISCUSSION
What was your experience during combat with
cleansing the body?
What would you do in the same way or
differently, if face with a combat situation?
What recommendations regarding feminine
hygiene practices would you make for women in
combat situations?

SUMMARY
Deployment is difficult for all soldiers, especially
when it comes to personal hygiene. In
preparation for deployment remember to pack
enough supplies for the first 3060 days.
Remembering the importance of individual
Preventive Medicine Measures (PPM) will
help with the challenges that come during
deployment.

Guide to Female Soldier Readiness

Guide to Female Soldier Readiness

QUESTIONS?

REFERENCES

AR 40-5, Preventive Medicine

FM 4-25.12, Unit Field Sanitation Team
FM 21-10, Field Hygiene and Sanitation
TG 281, Guide to Female Soldier Readiness
Combat Readiness: Hygiene Issues Related to
Military Women, Barbara S. Czerwinski