Minuteman
December 7th, 2011, 23:56
I just got this link from a HHS mailing list I'm subscribed to and thought it might be worth adding to our knowledge base. It might be interesting if someone who knows the workings of the U.S Military better than I do could locate equivalent guidance for male soldiers, for contrast and comparison (and evaluate how practical the recommendations in this guidance are under field conditions).
http://phc.amedd.army.mil/PHC%20Resource%20Library/TG281finalJuly2010.pdf
Excerpts:
It is highly recommended that female Soldiers that are menstruating during field exercises or deployments have daily access to bathing facilities. This does not mean that there must be a fixed facility with hot and cold running water. A private place with sufficient drainage should be adequate for a “bird bath.” A full canteen of water is required for one Soldier and a 5-gallon container for multiple Soldiers. Provisions for heating water would be helpful, but this is not always possible. This setup could be arranged using a general purpose (GP) small tent and some improvised flooring (e.g., wood pallets).
...
Vaginitis (an infection causing irritation of the vagina) is a common condition and can affect women of all ages. The infection is rarely a serious threat to a Soldier’s health. However, the infection can cause discomfort and may require treatment by a healthcare provider (HCP).
...
During convoys or other operations that restrict the places and time allowed for urination, many female Soldiers limit their consumption of liquids. In this effort to decrease their need to urinate, Soldiers dehydrate themselves, sometimes to a dangerous degree. Females should be allowed enough time to urinate on a regular basis, especially since they have to remove much of their gear and require more time than men.
http://phc.amedd.army.mil/PHC%20Resource%20Library/TG281finalJuly2010.pdf
Excerpts:
It is highly recommended that female Soldiers that are menstruating during field exercises or deployments have daily access to bathing facilities. This does not mean that there must be a fixed facility with hot and cold running water. A private place with sufficient drainage should be adequate for a “bird bath.” A full canteen of water is required for one Soldier and a 5-gallon container for multiple Soldiers. Provisions for heating water would be helpful, but this is not always possible. This setup could be arranged using a general purpose (GP) small tent and some improvised flooring (e.g., wood pallets).
...
Vaginitis (an infection causing irritation of the vagina) is a common condition and can affect women of all ages. The infection is rarely a serious threat to a Soldier’s health. However, the infection can cause discomfort and may require treatment by a healthcare provider (HCP).
...
During convoys or other operations that restrict the places and time allowed for urination, many female Soldiers limit their consumption of liquids. In this effort to decrease their need to urinate, Soldiers dehydrate themselves, sometimes to a dangerous degree. Females should be allowed enough time to urinate on a regular basis, especially since they have to remove much of their gear and require more time than men.