Family planning
Family planning involves deciding when—or if—you want to have children, how many to have and taking measure to see your plan through. This includes preconception care and contraception to support your goals.
You're 21-35
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.
Hello, uterus.
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.
Hello, uterus.
Lucky you!
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.
Your annual visit is still important
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.
Preventing pregnancy is part of preventative healthcare
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.
Speaking of pregnancy…
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.
Medical records, test results and privacy
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.
Deductibles, copays and more
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.
What matters right now
Here are some topics your provider may bring up
What matters right now
Here are some topics your provider may bring up
Family planning
Family planning involves deciding when—or if—you want to have children, how many to have and taking measure to see your plan through. This includes preconception care and contraception to support your goals.
Relationship health and safety
A healthy relationship is built on trust, respect and open communication. If you feel controlled, unsafe, isolated or fearful, these may be signs of an unhealthy or abusive relationship. Everyone deserves care and connection without fear. Speak with your provider to discuss available support and resources.
Emotional wellbeing
Emotional health is your ability to cope with life’s ups and downs, manage stress and maintain positive relationships. It’s closely connected to mental and physical health. Paying attention to your feelings, getting support when needed and making time for movement and things that bring you joy all support emotional well-being.
Abnormal bleeding
Abnormal menstrual bleeding refers to menstrual cycles that are heavier, longer or more irregular than expected. This can mean soaking a pad or tampon every one to two hours, bleeding for more than seven days or having cycles that are too short (less than 21 days) or too long (more than 35 days). Spotting between periods or after sex can also be a sign of irregular bleeding. Understanding your bleeding patterns can help you recognize when to seek care.
Contraception
Contraception, aka birth control, helps prevent pregnancy, but it can also be used to manage conditions like painful periods, abnormal bleeding and hormonal imbalances. Options range from pills and IUDs to implants and permanent procedures. Some methods, like condoms, also reduce the risk of STIs. Finding the right birth control for you depends on your lifestyle, health and family planning goals.
Disease prevention
Taking steps to prevent disease can protect your long-term health. Women face unique risks for conditions like heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Regular screenings, healthy lifestyle choices (like exercise, well-rounded nutrition, not smoking and not drinking regularly), along with early intervention can help lower these risks.
A simple guide to screenings and prevention
Preventive care becomes more routine in this stage—and more personalized. These guidelines are a starting point, but your provider will help you decide what’s right for you based on your health, your history, and your plans. Some of these screenings may also be part of your primary care, depending on your needs.
Starting at age 21, regular screening is an important part of preventing cervical cancer.
- Ages 21–29: Pap test every 3 years
- Ages 30–65: You have three screening options: Pap test alone every 3 years, HPV testing alone every 5 years, Pap + HPV testing together every 5 years (co-testing). Your provider will help you decide which option is right for you.
If you are sexually active, STI screening is an important part of your care.
- Annual screening is recommended under age 25
- Additional screening may be recommended based on your risk
Everyone should be tested for HIV at least once as an adult. Your provider may recommend additional testing based on your risk.
The HPV vaccine is recommended through age 26 and is approved through age 45. Even if you’ve tested positive for HPV, it can still protect against other types that cause cancer and genital warts.
Everyone six months and older should get a flu vaccine each season. It’s especially important if you have a chronic condition, are pregnant, or are around higher-risk individuals. We also recommend staying up to date with current COVID vaccination guidelines.
The Tdap vaccine protects against pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, and diphtheria.
- One dose in adulthood if you didn’t receive it earlier
- Td booster every 10 years
- During each pregnancy: Tdap between 27 and 36 weeks
Preventive care isn’t just about reproductive health—it’s about your whole health.
- Blood pressure: every 2–3 years when younger, then annually starting at 40
- Diabetes: starting at 35 if you have risk factors
- Cholesterol: periodic screening, more often if you have risk factors
A simple guide to screenings and prevention
Preventive care becomes more routine in this stage—and more personalized. These guidelines are a starting point, but your provider will help you decide what’s right for you based on your health, your history, and your plans. Some of these screenings may also be part of your primary care, depending on your needs.
Cervical cancer screening
Starting at age 21, regular screening is an important part of preventing cervical cancer.
- Ages 21–29: Pap test every 3 years
- Ages 30–65: You have three screening options: Pap test alone every 3 years, HPV testing alone every 5 years, Pap + HPV testing together every 5 years (co-testing). Your provider will help you decide which option is right for you.
STI Screening
If you are sexually active, STI screening is an important part of your care.
- Annual screening is recommended under age 25
- Additional screening may be recommended based on your risk
HIV Test
Everyone should be tested for HIV at least once as an adult. Your provider may recommend additional testing based on your risk.
HPV Vaccine
The HPV vaccine is recommended through age 26 and is approved through age 45. Even if you’ve tested positive for HPV, it can still protect against other types that cause cancer and genital warts.
Seasonal Flu and COVID Vaccines
Everyone six months and older should get a flu vaccine each season. It’s especially important if you have a chronic condition, are pregnant, or are around higher-risk individuals. We also recommend staying up to date with current COVID vaccination guidelines.
Tdap Vaccine
The Tdap vaccine protects against pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, and diphtheria.
- One dose in adulthood if you didn’t receive it earlier
- Td booster every 10 years
- During each pregnancy: Tdap between 27 and 36 weeks
General Health Screenings
Preventive care isn’t just about reproductive health—it’s about your whole health.
- Blood pressure: every 2–3 years when younger, then annually starting at 40
- Diabetes: starting at 35 if you have risk factors
- Cholesterol: periodic screening, more often if you have risk factors
Ways We Care
Let’s talk about it
Recent articles from the WHA blog.
Additional Resources
Bedsider
A website about birth control and STDs.
CDC.gov
The website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – this is a great resource for vaccination and disease screening and prevention recommendations.
GoodRx
A website to compare the cost of prescription medications.
Hystersisters
On online resource and forum for women having bleeding issues, fibroids, pelvic pain, etc.
Our Moment of Truth
Learn more about midwifery care and women's health during pregnancy and beyond on this site from the American College of Nurse-Midwives.
Planned Parenthood
Great information about all aspects of reproductive health.
What to Expect During a Physical Exam
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.