Men's and women's health issues

Group of expeditioners standing around talking on rocky terrain

Expeditioners in the field
Photo: M. Boydell

The unique Antarctic expedition environment can require specific pre-departure consideration of concerns of importance to both female and male expeditioners.

Questions are frequently asked on how to manage field toileting and hygiene, menstruation, contraception and pregnancy matters, as well as the limited nature of medical care in extreme environments.

The Polar Medicine Unit (PMU) encourages you to seek advice on your individual concerns with your local medical advisers, station doctors and thePMU at the earliest possible opportunity in order to ensure a safe and successful expedition.

This page was last modified on June 29, 2011.