Between general good health, disease screening and tackling life’s other issues as they arise, you have a lot to think about. Whether you’re trying—or TRYING NOT—to get pregnant, our providers can help you understand your reproductive health, fertility and contraceptive options so you can enjoy these years, however you plan to spend them.
It’s time for your first Pap test! Ok, so maybe it’s not quite as fun as some of the other things going on in your life right now, but cervical cancer screenings, known as Pap tests, begin at age 21 and are an important part of keeping you healthy. During the test, your provider will collect cells from the outside of your cervix. At the lab, your cells will be examined by a pathologist for any changes that might lead to cervical cancer. Good news: if everything is normal your provider could recommend waiting up to three years for your next one! Beginning at age 30, your provider will likely recommend a Pap test together with an HPV test. If both of these are normal, you may be able to go five years between cervical cancer screenings.
Even if you’re not due for Pap test. Depending on your situation and needs, your visit may include a breast and pelvic exam. Your provider may also listen to your heart and lungs and look at your skin for any obvious changes that could indicate skin cancer.
If you have vaginal sex with a sperm producer and don’t want to become pregnant, your provider will probably want to talk about what you’re doing to actively prevent it. This is the perfect time to discuss whether you’re happy with your method of birth control. There are many options available and your provider can help you find the one that works best for you. If you decide to start using a long-acting form of contraception—such as the intrauterine device or contraceptive implant, you may (or may not) need a follow-up visit to have it inserted.
If you are thinking about becoming pregnant, your provider would love to talk to you about how to get ready for that. Being healthy when you conceive will help you have a healthier pregnancy.
WHA is part of a network of providers in the community who share one medical record system, which streamlines your access to your health information, including report results, and makes it easier for us to deliver coordinated care.
Insurance is confusing. Learn more about what you should know going into your visit—and how to ask your insurance company for the information you need.
It’s time for your first Pap test! Ok, so maybe it’s not quite as fun as some of the other things going on in your life right now, but cervical cancer screenings, known as Pap tests, begin at age 21 and are an important part of keeping you healthy. During the test, your provider will collect cells from the outside of your cervix. At the lab, your cells will be examined by a pathologist for any changes that might lead to cervical cancer. Good news: if everything is normal your provider could recommend waiting up to three years for your next one! Beginning at age 30, your provider will likely recommend a Pap test together with an HPV test. If both of these are normal, you may be able to go five years between cervical cancer screenings.
Family planning is deciding when (or if) you want to have children, how many to have and how to space their births—and taking active measures to follow your plan through the use of contraception. Your provider can help by answering any questions you have about fertility, becoming pregnant and birth control.
Family planning is deciding when (or if) you want to have children, how many to have and how to space their births—and taking active measures to follow your plan through the use of contraception. Your provider can help by answering any questions you have about fertility, becoming pregnant and birth control.
From age 21 through 29, you should have a Pap test to screen for cervical cancer every three years or, as recommended by your provider. Beginning at age 30 (and going until age 65), cervical cancer screening guidelines recommend a Pap test and an HPV test done together. If your results are normal, your provider may recommend waiting up to five years to test again.
Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for sexually transmitted infections. Talk to your provider if you’ve had a new partner since your last test.
Everyone should be tested for HIV at least once. There is no agreement among medical professionals about how often re-testing should occur; your provider may assess your risk and recommend re-testing.
The HPV vaccine is recommended up to age 26. Even if you’ve tested positive for HPV—the vaccine can protect you against other types of HPV that are also known to cause cancer and genital warts.
Everyone six months and older should receive the flu vaccination every flu season. The flu vaccine is especially important for people with chronic health conditions, pregnant people and older adults. We also recommend staying up to date with COVID vaccination guidelines.
Every adult should get the Tdap vaccine (if they did not receive it as an adolescent) to protect against pertussis (whooping cough) and a Td (tetanus, diphtheria) booster shot every 10 years. In addition, pregnant people should get the Tdap vaccine sometime between 27 and 36 weeks.
From age 21 through 29, you should have a Pap test to screen for cervical cancer every three years or, as recommended by your provider. Beginning at age 30 (and going until age 65), cervical cancer screening guidelines recommend a Pap test and an HPV test done together. If your results are normal, your provider may recommend waiting up to five years to test again.
Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for sexually transmitted infections. Talk to your provider if you’ve had a new partner since your last test.
Everyone should be tested for HIV at least once. There is no agreement among medical professionals about how often re-testing should occur; your provider may assess your risk and recommend re-testing.
The HPV vaccine is recommended up to age 26. Even if you’ve tested positive for HPV—the vaccine can protect you against other types of HPV that are also known to cause cancer and genital warts.
Everyone six months and older should receive the flu vaccination every flu season. The flu vaccine is especially important for people with chronic health conditions, pregnant people and older adults. We also recommend staying up to date with COVID vaccination guidelines.
Every adult should get the Tdap vaccine (if they did not receive it as an adolescent) to protect against pertussis (whooping cough) and a Td (tetanus, diphtheria) booster shot every 10 years. In addition, pregnant people should get the Tdap vaccine sometime between 27 and 36 weeks.
A website about birth control and STDs.
The website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – this is a great resource for vaccination and disease screening and prevention recommendations.
A website to compare the cost of prescription medications.
On online resource and forum for women having bleeding issues, fibroids, pelvic pain, etc.
Learn more about midwifery care and women's health during pregnancy and beyond on this site from the American College of Nurse-Midwives.
Great information about all aspects of reproductive health.
This resource from the Oregon Medical Board provides more information on what to expect from various types of physical exams at the doctor's office, including how to advocate for your rights and what to know about medical chaperones.
