After your first GYN visit, your health care provider will tell you how often you should have exams, including pelvic exams and Pap tests. How often you need to be seen will depend on your medical history and individual health needs. 

In general, an annual GYN visit is still advised for people using prescribed hormonal contraceptives (pill, nuvaring, etc.) regardless of age or whether a Pap is due. This is an opportunity for your provider to update your medical and sexual health history, offer STI screening and important vaccines such as HPV, and renew your prescription for contraceptives. Sometimes a brief physical exam may be needed but having a pelvic exam at annual visits can be a shared decision between you and your provider.

For those not  using  hormonal  contraceptives, including those with an IUD, a periodic GYN visit is still a recommended part of routine health care, regardless of age or whether a Pap is due. Your primary health care provider at Health Services can address any sexual health concerns, offer STI screening, etc., and get to know your unique history. Again, the decision to do a pelvic exam at periodic GYN visits can be a shared decision between you and your provider.