Women’s bodies are miraculous and complicated, and our needs, concerns, lifestyles, and risks change as we age. These changes are often referred to as life stages, based on the reproductive cycle, beginning with menstruation and continuing through menopause. 

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In addition to reviewing lifestyle habits and mental well-being, below are a few of the most common life stage topics for 25-35 year olds to be aware of and discuss with your provider. 

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• Family History and Genetic Counseling
• Cervical Cancer Screening
• Sexual Health (STD/STI Testing)
• Family Planning (Birth Control)
• Fertility and Egg Freezing
• Postpartum

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This is intended to be a guide. Not all topics apply to everyone.

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Family History and Genetic Counseling

Fortunately, only 5-10% of cancers are caused by inherited cancer gene mutations. These include certain breast and ovarian cancers from the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations.  Those patients who carry a genetic mutation can have a much higher risk of developing cancer, so it is important to know as much as you can about your family health history.  For more detailed information, see our article, Family Health History: What to Track and Why.

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For those at high risk based on family history, you may be referred to genetic counseling to decide whether testing is appropriate, and so you can work with a specialist to be monitored more closely. 

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Cervical Cancer Screening

Cervical cancer screenings are critical for anyone 25-65 years of age who has an intact cervix (has not had a full hysterectomy). Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by high-risk HPV (human papillomavirus). The Primary HPV test looks for high-risk HPV (hrHPV), which can cause changes to the cervix if it persists over several years. 

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Your current and past results will determine your screening schedule. According to the self-collection guidelines from the American Cancer Society:

• If you have a history of normal results, it is recommended that you screen yourself (self-collect) with a primary HPV test every 3 years. 
• If you have a history of abnormal results in the past 2 years, in most cases, we will recommend that you screen again in 1 year to keep an eye on the infection (which can be dormant), and you can connect with a Teal provider to discuss further.
• If your results are abnormal, you should connect with a Teal medical provider to discuss whether additional tests or procedures are needed. Follow-up care is critical to ensuring HPV infections do not progress. 

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The above screening timelines are in accordance with the American Cancer Society for a self-collected Primary HPV test (including at-home screening). For detailed screening guidelines for at-home vs in-person, please see our Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines.

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Sexual Health (STD/STI Testing)

Beginning in your 20s (or earlier), an OB/GYN or specialized nurse practitioner may ask questions about your sexual health. While this discussion may feel personal and private, a provider’s questions are intended to discover whether you are sexually active, if you are at risk for an unplanned pregnancy, or at risk for sexually transmitted diseases or infections (STDs/STIs).

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For sexually active people, 25 years of age and older, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends yearly STD/STI tests if you are at an increased risk, such as having new or multiple partners. This is most commonly a blood or urine test.

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For more information on testing and treatment, see our article on Sexually Transmitted Infections.

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Family Planning (Birth Control)

Beginning in your 20s (or earlier) and continuing through your 30s and 40s, family planning — or use of contraceptives — may be a topic that you bring to your provider, or that your provider raises to discuss protecting yourself from pregnancy and/or to help manage your menstrual cycle.

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Your provider can help determine the best method for you and will consider factors like:

• What type of birth control best fits with your lifestyle
• The best hormonal content for you
• How soon you may want to consider trying for pregnancy 

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For more information on birth control options, see our article on Birth Control Methods.

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Fertility and Egg Freezing

Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, or 40s, fertility becomes a discussion even before you begin trying to have a baby. The option of egg freezing (called oocyte cryopreservation) is something to consider discussing with your provider if you are not quite ready to become pregnant. 

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Once you are ready to start trying, there are a few considerations for your fertility journey, such as starting prenatal vitamins, using fertility tracking apps, or ovulation testing kits to increase the chances of pregnancy. 

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• If under 35 years of age with regular menstrual cycles, it’s recommended to try for pregnancy for a year before testing for fertility issues.   
• 35-39 years of age, you may be offered testing at the six-month mark of trying.

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If you are having abnormal periods or not seeing signs of ovulation, you should seek an evaluation right away, regardless of age.

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Depending on the outcome of your evaluation, your provider can review fertility treatment options and refer you to a fertility specialist. Once you are pregnant, you’ll have a separate series of visits with your OB/GYN until delivery.

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Postpartum

Postpartum refers to the time period after you deliver a baby. 

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After having a baby, you will have a postpartum visit with your OBGYN 4-6 weeks after delivery. This visit is to check in on how your body is recovering from either a vaginal or Cesarean (surgical) birth. During this time, your body works to repair any injury from tears or incisions and to return to your pre-pregnancy state.

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However, the period of postpartum extends for the full year after birth as your body continues to undergo changes:

• The uterus takes up to two months to shrink back to pre-pregnancy size, and while the abdominal wall is relaxed, most of the muscle tone returns after several weeks.
• Stretch marks will fade, though some are permanent. 
• Postpartum hair loss often starts one to five months after giving birth and typically resolves naturally between 6 to 15 months postpartum. 
• Women can lose about half their pregnancy weight in the first six weeks post-delivery, then usually lose at a slower pace the following months. 
• Most women will get a period again by three months postpartum, though a percentage of those who exclusively breastfeed may not have a period for a year or more. 
• Ovulation can still occur during this time, so contraception is recommended if pregnancy prevention is a goal. 

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