Having a yearly “tune up” is a good strategy for all people. Young adults often only get care when they are sick. But they are missing out on opportunities to check in on their stats, nutrition, risks, shots, contraceptives, and more. Investing in your health now will pay off in the future – we promise! Learn more about why preventive visits matter here.

Your Annual Health Care Visit – This resource provides women with tailored information about annual health care visits based on age. Women can select their age group and learn about health topics to discuss with their provider, exams and screening tests, and appropriate immunizations.

Well-Woman Visits: 6 Things You Should Know – This resource is a list of 6 things women should know related to the well-woman visit.

What to Expect: Pap Smears – Pap tests, also known as pap smears, look for abnormal cells that can lead to cancer in the cervix. Click to read about pap smears and how often to get one.

What to Expect: Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing – how often, different types of STIs and tests, and treatment options.

What to Expect: Vaccines – You may be offered vaccines during certain visits. Learn when you should get different vaccines and how they work.

From The Period Doctor: Did you know body autonomy and consent applies at a doctor’s visit?

Before you schedule your well visit, click here for ways you can the most of your health coverage.

On average, people forget a lot of the information they hear during their visit. Here are some resources to help you get the most out of your time with your provider, including tips for remembering what you’d like to ask and what was discussed during the visit:

• Follow the Period Doctor online. She shares quick videos and tips about healthcare visits, coverage, and advocating for yourself.
  • What is a preconception visit?
  • How to speak up if you’re feeling ignored by your doctor
  • Three simple ways to advocate for yourself when you see your doctor.
• How to prepare for an annual physical
• How to Talk to Your Doctor – This resource describes strategies to assist women in communicating effectively with their providers

You’ve had your visit; now what? Click below for information about what you should do post-visit or post-diagnosis.

What to do after your doctor visit: learn more (videos and booklet at the bottom of the page)

What do your numbers mean? We break down common tests and body measurements that will be taken at your visit. Find out healthy ranges and questions to ask about monitoring your health (such as blood pressure).

From The Period Doctor: How to Ask Your Doctor for a 2nd Opinion

Common Frequently Asked Questions About Medication – Information about common medications, including how to understand doses, and why it is important to follow directions on how to take the medication (and finishing antibiotics). Mother to Baby has quick facts about medicine, exposures, and things to consider avoiding if you are trying to get pregnant or pregnant/breastfeeding.

Visit and Birth Control Reminders – This resource offers reminders for birth control and reminders for upcoming appointments. Utilizing text messaging or a cell phone app, women will be sent daily reminders for birth control and an appointment reminder a few days before the date of the appointment.

In-between visits? Here is a good resource for breast self-exams and explanations about how breasts change during your cycle.

Most insurance plans cover preventive visits, Click here to review five steps you can take to get the most out of your health coverage.

Don’t have insurance? Don’t know where to find care? Getting care is important. Check out the info below to help.

• Click to find a family planning clinic in your area – search for a place to schedule a visit in your zipcode.
• Insurance has a lot of ‘jargon’ words. Here are some Health Insurance Terms You Should Know – like what is a co-pay or deductible?!
• HealthCare.gov – If you don’t have insurance from your parents, job, etc., you can enroll for health insurance! This resource will help you learn how and what is the best coverage for you. Click to learn more about health insurance from KFF
• Talking to your health insurance company – Bedsider breaks down things to ask your health insurance company so you know what is covered and what’s included in your plan.
• Getting privacy on your parents’ plan – YES, you can still have privacy if you are using your parents’ insurance. Learn how.
• Find a health center – federally qualified health centers offer care on a sliding scale to everyone (meaning what you pay is based on how much you make).
• Birth control options under ACA – Whether you have insurance or not, find out about birth control options that you can access no matter your insurance coverage.
• Mental Health Matters – Your mind matters too. If you are struggling with your emotions and feelings, talk to a counselor or therapist who can help. If insurance doesn’t cover it, many people have sliding-scale fees (Sliding-scale therapists charge based on a person’s income.). Click to details about finding low-cost therapy.
• How much does telehealth cost with or without insurance?