How does getting your birth control (shot) work when you’re deployed ?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 20:01:17 -0400

So i’m getting ready to deploy for the first time and i asked my leadership how would i get my birth control shots while overseas (because my doctor needed to know). I was told that we aren’t allowed to get BC since you’re not supposed to have sexual relations over while
deployed. Even though that’s not the only reason a female would be on birth control, but has anybody ever heard of that before ? Or has a personal experience with getting your BC.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 17 at 2020 8:13 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 20:13:39 -0400

All the time- if deployed you shouldn't have time for a hookup, causal sex, etc.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jun 17 at 2020 8:45 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 20:45:12 -0400

Get a written order from your provider. Get one before you leave. Ask about this at the SRP medical screening. See if this is something the aid station PA can do.

Many soldiers have reasons they receive this other than contraception since it’s a hormone thing as well.

Response by MAJ Monique Ruiz made Jun 17 at 2020 8:56 PM

MAJ Monique Ruiz — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 20:56:50 -0400

Yes. Birth control serves different purposes other than preventing pregnancy. The shot may not be available. You may need to ask your doctor for a 90-day prescription for the pill form. Before you run out, you’ll need to ask someone from back home to get a refill and mail you another 90-day supply. Keep doing that until you come off deployment. Just know that it can take up to 4 weeks to get your mail depending on where you deploy to.

Response by MSgt Don VandeBogert made Jun 17 at 2020 9:03 PM

MSgt Don VandeBogert — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 21:03:11 -0400

Largely depends on location, but maybe you can have the meds shipped over to your location if it's something you can't have in possession for transport. I've had an Airman that needed something similar done since he couldn't hand carry the meds he needed but remained world wide deployable. I do know that took approval through our local base clinic and the downrange clinic and took a few weeks to sort out. I'd check and see if that's an option. Not exactly sure how that would work from a civ doc but it's at least worth asking and working with your chain or unit/base doc to accomplish.

Enjoy your deployment.

V/R
Bogie

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2020 9:24 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 21:24:31 -0400

There use to be 6 and 12 month depo shots ... maybe that is an option. If not I would consider switching to another form that could be mail ordered/delivered.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2020 10:28 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 10:28:31 -0400

You may have to go on the pill depending on your location. When you go thru the medical portion of SRP, as the medical provider if they know if the Depo shot is available at that location. If it is not, then the pill it is. Also, when you get down range, I challenge you to find the Preventive Medicine office and see if they have condoms for free grabs. This will give you an idea about the "no sex while deployed" thought process. In Iraq, we couldn't keep our HUUUUUGE punch bowl of condoms filled enough.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2020 1:37 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 13:37:41 -0400

Speak with your doctor about writing something up pertaining to the fact that coming off of your BC for the deployment and then going back on after can cause health issues. I had to do that when I went to BCT to explain why I needed to remain on it. Take that with your to your SRP and discuss the concerns and the reasons you are on BC.