Preventive reproductive health care isn’t just about Pap smears—it’s about catching small changes before they become bigger issues. Your gynecologist, nurse practitioner or nurse-midwife partners with you at every life stage, from first visits through menopause.

At WHA, we provide many of these screenings in-house—like Pap tests, mammograms and STI checks—while others (such as colorectal, bone density and cognitive assessments) are typically managed by a primary care provider. Your WHA provider can guide you to the right resources when needed.

We know scheduling appointments can feel like a chore, but staying on top of preventative care often makes everything easier down the road.

Below, find a quick overview of common screenings by age. Use this as a guide, and work with your provider to tailor preventative care to your personal health history.

What Health Screenings Can Detect

Preventative screenings do more than check a box—they catch issues early, when treatment is simplest. Common screenings at WHA include:

  • Cervical cancer. Pap tests and HPV checks find abnormal cells before they turn cancerous. Early treatment can prevent cervical cancer.
  • Breast cancer. Mammograms spot tiny lumps that you can’t feel yet. Clinical breast exams by your provider also catch subtle changes.
  • Heart health issues. Blood pressure and cholesterol checks reveal risks for heart disease, stroke, or heart attack. Early intervention keeps your heart strong.
  • Metabolic disease. A1C or fasting glucose tests spot prediabetes and diabetes early, letting you adjust diet, exercise or medications before complications arise.
  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Testing for infections (like chlamydia or gonorrhea) stops them in their tracks and lowers your risk of complications like infertility.

Other important screenings include:

  • Colorectal cancer. Stool tests or colonoscopies expose polyps before they become cancerous—or catch cancer early when treatment works best.
  • Osteoporosis. Bone density scans detect early bone loss so you can strengthen your skeleton before fractures occur.
  • Cognitive health. Specialized assessments identify memory, language or decision-making changes. These usually occur during a Medicare annual wellness visit or when concerns arise.

Screening guidelines evolve with new research and your personal health. That’s why regular conversations with your provider are key. Together, you’ll decide which tests fit your age, lifestyle and risk factors. Individuals at average risk typically follow these schedules, but your provider may discuss a different plan if you have specific concerns.

Recommended Screenings by Age

Ages 13–20: Laying the Foundation

At this stage, your provider focuses on vaccinations, STI prevention, education and counseling.

  • HPV vaccination: Most effective at ages 11–12 (can start at 9); catch-up shots are recommended through age 26. Talk to your provider about vaccination up to age 45.
  • STI screenings: Annual chlamydia and gonorrhea checks if sexually active; discuss HIV testing.
  • Wellness visits: Review menstrual health, mental well-being, nutrition and any questions you have.

Learn more about preventative health for teens →

Ages 21–35: Building Healthy Habits

As you enter your 20s and early 30s, screenings expand to include cancer prevention and heart health. STI screenings (chlamydia and gonorrhea) continue annually if sexually active and under 25. If you’re 25 or older, discuss testing with new or multiple partners. Continue HIV screening discussions.

Cervical Cancer Screening:
  • Ages 21–29: Pap test every 3 years if results are normal.
  • Ages 30–65: If Pap results remain normal, you have three screening choices: a Pap test alone every three years, an HPV test alone every five years or co-testing (Pap test and HPV test) every five years.
Breast Health:
  • Breast self-awareness: Know how your breasts normally look and feel; report any changes promptly.
  • Clinical breast exam (CBE): Offered every 1–3 years starting at age 25.
Heart Health Screenings:
  • Blood pressure checks at each visit (or annually if normal).
  • Cholesterol screening every 4–6 years (or more often if at higher risk).
Metabolic Health
  • Based on current guidelines, your provider may recommend starting blood glucose screening for prediabetes and diabetes at age 35. This is especially important if you are overweight or have other risk factors.

If you’re planning pregnancy, a pre-conception visit can help set the stage for a healthy journey.

Learn more about preventative health in your 20s and 30s →

Ages 36–45: Deepening Preventive Care

In this time frame, cervical cancer screening continues and STI screenings remain relevant if you’re sexually active with new or multiple partners.

  • Mammograms and clinical breast exam begin annually at 40.
  • Continue blood pressure and cholesterol checks.
  • Continue screening for prediabetes and diabetes at least every 3 years. If you haven’t been screened yet, you should begin now.
  • Colorectal cancer screening begins at age 45 if at average risk. Options include stool-based tests or colonoscopy—your provider can recommend the best choice.

Learn more about preventative health in your 30s and 40s →

Ages 46–55: Strengthening Foundations

As you move deeper into midlife, bone and heart health take on extra importance:

  • Mammograms: Continue annually.
  • Cervical cancer screening: continue on the same schedule if results are normal.
  • Colorectal cancer: Continue screening as recommended (often colonoscopy every 10 years if prior results were normal).
  • Bone density screening: Discuss with your provider if you’re postmenopausal and younger than 65 with risk factors (low body weight, prior fractures, smoking).
  • Heart health & blood sugar: Keep monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose regularly.

Learn more about preventative health in your 40s and 50s →

Ages 56–65: Preventive Care for Midlife

In your late 50s and early 60s, screenings pivot toward maintaining bone density, heart health, and cancer prevention:

  • Mammograms: Screening continues typically until at least age 75 if you’re in good health.
  • Cervical cancer screening: Continue preferred screening regimen; you can stop at age 65 if you’ve had 10 years of prior negative results.
  • Colorectal cancer: Continue screening through age 75 if at average risk; screening beyond 75 depends on overall health.
  • Bone density screening: All women should be screened starting at age 65; if you’re postmenopausal and under 65 with risk factors, this should already be underway.
  • Heart health and blood sugar: Keep up with regular blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose checks.

If you don’t have one already, make sure you establish care with a primary care provider during this time to help manage your evolving needs.

Learn more about preventative care in your 50s and 60s →

Ages 66 and Older: Ongoing Health Monitoring

Once you reach your late 60s and beyond, continuing preventive care helps maintain your quality of life–and address any issues that arise quickly and appropriately. By this stage, most of your preventive care is handled by a PCP. We are here for your breast and pelvic exams, to help you manage any ongoing menopause hormone therapy or if any gynecological health concerns arise.

Learn more about preventative care for seniors →

Your Annual Wellness Visit: More Than a Quick Check

At WHA, your yearly wellness exam isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s a chance to talk menstrual health, sexual wellness, mental well-being and any new or ongoing concerns. Together, you and your provider create a personalized screening plan—one that adapts as your life and health needs evolve.

If any issues arise—whether a new symptom or a concerning test result—your WHA provider will coordinate follow-up care and guide you to the appropriate specialists as needed. That way, you always have support, even for screenings we don’t here.

Preventative visits may not be anyone’s favorite chore, but they’re one of the best ways to protect your health. Your screening needs are as unique as you, and they’ll change over time—so staying in sync with your provider is essential.

Ready to stay ahead of your health? Schedule your next visit today.