Dr. Gilbert Mottla advocates for elective fertility preservation.

Shady Grove Fertility’s Own Gilbert Mottla, M.D. Recommends Counseling Men and Women about Elective Fertility Preservation before Deployment

For active duty women in the military the challenges are just as strenuous as their male counterparts. However, women can often face additional hurdles when it comes to their reproductive health that perhaps their male counterparts do not. US News recently examined the protocols in place for women soldiers who become pregnant in theater (a war zone), the methods of birth control that are and are not readily available, and the opportunities for men and women to preserve their fertility prior to deployment as a precautionary measure in case of injury during deployment.

Serving during a Woman’s Fertility Prime

While getting pregnant while in a combat zone is “forbidden and socially taboo,” according to one female soldier interviewed for the article, many women also risk missing their most fertile window while pursuing their military careers. US News reports that, “​a large majority of servicewomen are in their reproductive primes.​ Of the ​2.2 million active duty members and ready reserve personnel in 2013, 16 percent were women and about 40 percent were under age 26.” Shady Grove Fertility’s Gilbert L. Mottla, M.D., said, “Women can age out of their most fertile years while serving, and the increasing number in combat roles risk injuries that could compromise their ability to reproduce. In a perfect world, we would counsel both men and women to consider elective fertility preservation before deployment.”

While military health care benefits cover contraception and birth control medications like the pill and IUDs, many active duty soldiers complain of trouble obtaining the necessary supply of birth control for their time overseas, and education about IUD is limited. One retired colonel, a psychiatrist who specializes in women’s health issues said, “Contraception may be a handful of condoms at the front desk.”

The Pentagon Enacts Program to Cover Elective Fertility Preservation

In response to the concerns about preserving family building capabilities, the Pentagon recently enacted a pilot program providing funding for egg and sperm freezing for active duty personnel with the initial goal of measuring whether such a program would affect whether a member of the military would remain in service longer. In a statement the Department of Defense said, “the Department is also committed to continuing to look at how we can broaden reduced cost Advanced Reproductive Technologies to the active force beyond current care at some Military Treatment Facilities.”

Progress is being made every day to help veterans and active duty military personnel receive access to family building tools. Education and awareness are the essential building blocks to support our military and Shady Grove Fertility is a proud advocate.

Fill out this brief form to schedule an egg freezing appointment. To learn more about the Egg Freezing Program at Shady Grove Fertility fill call 1.877.411.9292 to speak with a New Patient Center Liaison or attend one of the free upcoming educational events about egg freezing.

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