Your 20s are filled with energy, change and growth — and they’re also the ideal time to establish the health foundations that will support you for decades to come. While you may feel fit and well now, preventative care is a powerful tool to protect your future fertility, emotional wellbeing and long-term health.
This guide walks through the most important medical screenings, health checks, and care conversations every woman in her 20s should consider.
Cervical Screening: Your First Test at 25
If you’re approaching your 25th birthday, it’s time to book your first Cervical Screening Test (CST). This test replaces the old Pap smear and is one of the most effective ways to prevent cervical cancer before it develops.
The CST checks for the presence of high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) — a common virus that can cause cell changes in the cervix over time. If detected early, these changes can be monitored or treated long before they become serious.
You should still have this test even if:
- You feel completely well
- You’ve had the HPV vaccine
- You’re not currently sexually active
If your result is normal, you won’t need another test for five years. It’s a quick appointment with your GP, and for many women, a reassuring part of staying on top of their health.
Learn more: Cervical Screening Overview
Contraception and STI Checks
Contraceptive needs often shift throughout your 20s — influenced by your health, relationships, or plans for the future. Whether you’re starting contraception for the first time or reassessing what’s working for you, your GP or gynaecologist can help you make an informed decision that suits your current life stage.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. You might be weighing up the convenience of an IUD or implant, the flexibility of the pill, or considering non-hormonal methods. Having a thoughtful conversation with your doctor can help you feel confident in your decision — and revisit it as your needs change.
Sexual health screening is also a key part of looking after yourself. If you’re sexually active, regular testing — especially for chlamydia — is recommended until age 29, even if you don’t have symptoms.
STIs are common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of — your GP will guide you through testing and treatment with care and respect.
Explore more: IUD Contraception Overview
Mental Health Support
Your 20s can be a time of self-discovery, but also uncertainty — marked by study pressures, career transitions, shifting identities, and big emotions. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed at times, and your mental health deserves the same care and attention as your physical wellbeing.
A trusted GP plays a central role in supporting your emotional health. They can help you make sense of how you’re feeling, check in regularly, and provide continuity of care over time — not just a one-off assessment.
Your GP may:
- Offer counselling and emotional support in a safe, non-judgemental space
- Coordinate referrals to psychologists or psychiatrists if needed
- Set up a Mental Health Care Plan to assist with access to psychologists if needed
- Help you explore evidence-based strategies to build resilience and prevent burnout
- Recommend other lifestyle supports and self-care strategies – for both mental and physical health.
You don’t need to be in crisis to reach out. Having an ongoing relationship with a GP you trust can make it easier to speak up early — and stay connected to the care you need, when you need it.
Breast Health Awareness
While routine mammograms aren’t recommended for women in their 20s, getting into the habit of checking your breasts each month is a simple and important way to take charge of your health.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation recommends that women of all ages become familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts — so you’re more likely to notice any unusual changes early. There’s no specific technique or time of day required. What matters most is consistency.
Make a note to check monthly, ideally at the same stage of your menstrual cycle. You might do this in the shower, when dressing, or lying down.
See your GP if you notice:
- A new lump or area of thickening
- Changes in breast size, shape or symmetry
- Nipple discharge or inversion
- Skin changes such as dimpling, redness or scaliness
- Persistent pain that’s new or unusual
Your GP can also do a clinical breast check in an appointment and talk through any concerns. Like all aspects of your health, breast awareness is about being informed, not alarmed — and supported, every step of the way.
Skin Checks and Sun Safety
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world — and much of the risk begins with sun exposure in our younger years. That’s why your 20s are the ideal time to build skin awareness into your regular routine.
You don’t need any special equipment to check your skin. Once a month, take a few minutes to look over your body from head to toe, including areas that are harder to see like your back, scalp, and soles of your feet. A mirror or help from a partner can make this easier.
Look for:
- New spots
- Moles or freckles that change in shape, size or colour
- Sores or spots that itch, bleed or don’t heal
If something catches your attention (even if you’re not sure), it’s worth checking in. GPs can identify issues early or simply offer reassurance.
Routine GP Health Checks
Even when you feel well, a regular check-in with your GP is one of the best ways to stay on top of your health. These visits aren’t just about treating illness — they’re about prevention, reassurance, and building a picture of your health over time.
In your 20s, your GP may recommend:
- Blood pressure checks — every two years, or more often if you have a family history of high blood pressure or heart disease
- Blood tests — to monitor cholesterol, blood sugar, or other risk factors, especially if you have a family history of diabetes or cardiovascular conditions
- Vaccination updates — including HPV, tetanus, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and whooping cough
If you’ve previously experienced gestational diabetes (GDM), your GP may also recommend ongoing screening to monitor your long-term health.
Read more: Understanding the Long-term Risks of Gestational Diabetes
These simple checks don’t take long — but they can offer valuable insight, catch issues early, and help you feel more in control of your wellbeing.
Period and Pelvic Health
Many women experience heavy bleeding, irregular cycles or painful periods in their 20s — but that doesn’t mean it’s normal, or something you should have to “just deal with.” If your period is interfering with your everyday life, it’s worth speaking to your GP.
Symptoms to raise include:
- Severe cramps that disrupt work, study or sleep
- Bleeding that’s heavy, prolonged, or unpredictable
- Pain during sex
- Irregular or absent periods
These can be signs of underlying conditions like endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), both of which are common and manageable with the right care.
Early diagnosis can not only ease symptoms — it can help protect your future fertility, support your emotional wellbeing, and prevent longer-term complications. Your GP may investigate, treat or refer you to a gynaecologist for further support.
Explore your options: Gynaecology Services
Investing in Long-Term Health
Taking care of your health in your 20s isn’t about waiting for something to go wrong — it’s about building confidence in your body, your choices, and your support network.
A trusted GP can be your partner in health across all stages of life — not just when you’re unwell. From contraception and mental health to screening and cycle concerns, having a consistent point of care means you don’t have to navigate it all alone.
Whether it’s been a while since your last check-up or you’re ready to take that first step, now is the perfect time to prioritise your wellbeing.
You can start by booking an appointment with your GP. If you need additional gynaecology or women’s health care, you can ask for a referral to make an appointment at Bloom Women’s Health — we’re here to listen, support and guide you forward.
Further Reading on Women's Health
- A Guide to Tracking Your Menstrual Cycle – Learn how to recognise patterns, manage symptoms, and monitor your cycle more effectively.
- How Can I Tell If I Have Heavy Menstrual Bleeding? – Understand what’s normal, and when to seek help.
- Gynaecology Services – Find out how Bloom Women’s Health can support your care across every stage.
