Comparison of oral contraceptive use in the military and the general US population

Oral contraceptive (OC) use has been associated with health outcomes such as decreased risk of endometrial and ovarian cancers and increased risk of venous thromboembolism and stroke. Military women may be more likely to use OC because of their need or desire for temporary amenorrhea or contraception and their easier access to prescription medications. Detailed comparisons of OC use in the military and the general population have not previously been conducted. This study assessed OC use among women in the military and the general U.S. population aged 18 to 39 years using data from the Military Health System Management Analysis and Reporting Tool (M2) and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The prevalence of OC use was age-adjusted to the 2000 U.S. Census population and comparisons between the military and the general population and between the military branches were conducted overall and stratified by age, marital status and race. OC use was higher in the military (34%) than the general population (29%; p<0.05). This difference increased with age and was most pronounced among Hispanics where OC use was 63% higher in the military than the general population. Within the military, OC use was consistently highest in the Air Force (39%) and lowest in the Army (30%; p<0.05). These findings suggest that OC use differs between the military and the general population and between the military branches. Differences in OC-related diseases between the military and the general population and between the military branches should be further evaluated.