An overarching theme of women's health in the military is a lack of consistent and timely education about women's health issues and how they are affected by deployment. Urinary Tract Infections, vaginitis and menstrual symptoms are the most common gynecologic health problems for women serving in current conflicts. Risk factors for these in the deployed environment include impaired feminine hygiene and voiding, which is fostered by poor sanitation conditions, lack of privacy and latrines, as well as the inconvenience of undressing in full battle gear.

Women's health issues are compounded by their hesitation to seek medical care when they have a female health concern. One main reason involves having to be seen by a male provider, who may be in her chain of command or someone she works with on a daily basis. Major concerns for many service women tend to be a lack of confidence in their health care providers, as well as the cleanliness and privacy of healthcare facilities.

Psychosocial Effects of Deployment

Female service members consistently voice that they feel their deployment experiences differ from those of their male peers. Their perceptions of stressors, as well as how to prevent and cope with them, is influenced by being a mother, spouse, and soldier. With such divergent and conflicting roles, the concerns of many servicewomen relate to preparing themselves and their families for deployment, being a mother while being a deployed warrior, reintegrating with their families, and taking care of their own mental health needs. 

Sexual Harassment/Assault

Sexual assault is not a gender specific issue in the military, though the majority of victims who report sexual assault tend to be lower-ranked female soldiers, 24 years of age or younger. The prevalence of sexual assault in the military has been estimated at 6% to 33%, however the true prevalence is greatly hampered by under-reporting, various definitions of sexual assault, and a lack of consistent reporting systems. 

Barriers to Reporting Sexual Harassment/Assault 

Women's concerns with reporting sexual harassment and assault include a lack of trust in the fidelity of the reporting system and the confidentiality processes in place. Women fear becoming "the talk of the unit," believe the report would be transformed to reflect negatively on them, and feel that reporting would cause them additional suffering without the likelihood of the perpetrator being punished.