“You can’t pour from an empty cup, but you also can’t pour from a cracked one. Annual health screenings are how you check for the cracks before they break you.”
Okay sis, let’s talk about something that nobody warned us about in our twenties — the whole “adulting” thing includes actually taking care of your body beyond just skincare routines and hangover cures. I know, I know. You’re busy. You’ve got tuition due, a group project that’s literally giving you gray hair, and your roommate keeps eating your leftovers. The last thing on your mind is scheduling health screenings.
But here’s the thing — I learned this the hard way. My sophomore year of college, I ignored weird symptoms for six months because I thought I was “too young” for anything serious. Turns out, I had a thyroid issue that could have been caught way earlier with a simple blood test. A basic health screening. That’s it. So now I’m your big sister telling you what I wish someone had told me: your health isn’t something you “get to later.” Later is now.
Why Are We Scared of Health Screenings?
Let’s be real for a second. The thought of going to a doctor and having them poke and prod you is not exactly a vibe. Add in the cost, the confusion about what you actually need, and the fear that they might find something wrong — and suddenly it’s easier to just… not go. I get it. I’ve been there.
But here’s what nobody tells you: catching something early is almost always less scary, less expensive, and less time-consuming than catching it late. Those annual health screenings your doctor keeps sending reminders about? They’re not trying to annoy you. They’re trying to save your life — and your wallet.
Think about it this way: you wouldn’t drive your car for years without an oil change and then act surprised when the engine blows up. Your body is the only vehicle you’re going to have for the rest of your life. It deserves a check-up.
💡 Quick Tip
Most insurance plans cover annual wellness visits at 100% — meaning you pay $0 out of pocket. If you’re on your parents’ insurance (thanks, Affordable Care Act, you can stay on until 26), those health screenings are literally free. Use them.
The Non-Negotiable Health Screenings You Need in Your 20s
Alright, let’s get into the actual list. I’m not going to give you a overwhelming medical textbook here. I’m giving you the real talk version that I wish someone had handed me when I was 19 and clueless.
First up: the annual physical. Yes, the one where they check your blood pressure, listen to your heart, and ask you awkward questions about your stress levels. This is the foundation of all your health screenings. It’s where your doctor figures out what other tests you might need based on your family history, your lifestyle, and any symptoms you’ve been ignoring.
Then there’s the blood work. This is the real MVP. A basic metabolic panel and complete blood count can tell you if your thyroid is acting up (like mine was), if you’re anemic (super common in young women), if your vitamin D is low (probably — we’re all inside on our phones), and if your cholesterol is already creeping up (yes, this happens in your twenties).
And listen — I know getting blood drawn is not fun. I’m a fainter. Like, full-on pass out and wake up with a juice box. But I promise you, thirty seconds of discomfort is worth knowing that everything is okay — or catching something early.
💊 What Works: The Complete Guide to Women’s Health Screenings Book – This is the book I wish I had in college. It breaks down exactly what tests you need at every age, how to prepare for them, and how to talk to your doctor without feeling stupid. No medical jargon, just real talk.
The Stuff Nobody Warned You About
Okay, let’s get into the health screenings that feel awkward to talk about but are actually crucial. Pelvic exams and Pap smears. I know, I know — nobody wants to think about this. But the guidelines have changed, and you need to know what’s actually recommended now.
Current guidelines say you should have your first Pap smear at age 21, regardless of whether you’re sexually active. After that, it’s every 3-5 years depending on your results. This screening checks for cervical cancer and HPV — and before you freak out, just know that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when caught early. That’s literally what these health screenings are for.
And if you’re sexually active? You should also be getting tested for STIs at least once a year. I know it feels embarrassing to ask for, but I promise you — your doctor has seen and heard it all. They literally do not care. And most STIs are totally treatable if caught early. The ones that aren’t? You really don’t want to find out about those when it’s too late.
1 in 3 women skip their annual health screenings because they’re “too busy” or “too scared.” Don’t be a statistic. You’re worth 30 minutes.
Mental Health Is a Health Screening Too
Here’s something I don’t see talked about enough: your annual health screenings should include a mental health check-in. And I don’t mean your therapist asking “how are you feeling?” — I mean actually screening for depression, anxiety, and stress levels.
Many primary care doctors now use a PHQ-9 questionnaire during annual visits. It’s literally a 2-minute questionnaire that screens for depression. It’s not a diagnosis — it’s a screening. Think of it like checking your emotional temperature. If something’s off, you can address it early instead of letting it spiral.
And girl, if you’re reading this and thinking “I definitely need that” — you’re not alone. The pressure of school, work, relationships, social media, and trying to figure out your entire life before 25 is A LOT. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Treat it that way.
“The most expensive thing you can do is ignore your health until it becomes an emergency. Annual health screenings are the cheap, easy version of taking care of yourself.”
The Truth About Cost and Insurance
I know what you’re thinking: “This all sounds great, but I’m broke.” I hear you. I was a broke college student too. But here’s the thing — those health screenings are literally designed to be affordable, especially if you have insurance.
Under the Affordable Care Act, most insurance plans — including student health plans and plans you’re on through your parents — cover preventive health screenings at 100%. No copay. No deductible. Free. That includes your annual physical, your Pap smear, your blood work, and your mental health screening.
If you don’t have insurance? Look into community health centers, Planned Parenthood, or your school’s health center. Many offer sliding scale fees based on your income. Some even offer free health screenings during certain months. It takes a little research, but it’s worth it.
Why Annual Health Screenings Are Worth Your Time:
✅ Catch issues early when treatment is easier and cheaper
✅ Build a relationship with a doctor who knows your baseline
✅ Reduce anxiety about your health (ignoring it makes it worse)
✅ Save money in the long run by preventing emergencies
✅ Set the standard for how you treat yourself — like someone who matters
How to Actually Make This Happen (Step by Step)
Okay, so you’re convinced. Now how do you actually do this without it feeling overwhelming? Here’s your game plan.
Step one: Find a primary care provider. If you’re in college, your student health center is your best bet. If you’re working, use your insurance company’s website to find in-network providers near you. You can also use apps like Zocdoc to read reviews and book appointments online.
Step two: Schedule your annual wellness visit. Tell them it’s for your yearly physical and you want to discuss health screenings for your age group. They’ll know what to do.
Step three: Before your appointment, write down any symptoms you’ve been ignoring. That weird fatigue? The random headaches? The fact that your periods are trying to kill you? Write it all down. You will forget once you’re in the room.
Step four: Ask questions. Ask what blood work they’re running and why. Ask about your family history and what that means for you. Ask about mental health screening. You’re not being annoying — you’re being an advocate for yourself.
Step five: Actually go to the appointment. And then schedule your follow-ups. That’s it. You’ve done more for your health than most people your age.
The Real Talk About Body Image and Health Screenings
I need to address something that nobody talks about: the fear of being judged at the doctor’s office. Whether it’s your weight, your sexual history, your mental health struggles, or your lifestyle choices — I know the anxiety of walking into that room.
Here’s the truth: doctors have seen it all. They’ve seen people who haven’t showered in three days. They’ve seen people who haven’t had a Pap smear in ten years. They’ve seen people who are 100 pounds overweight and people who are severely underweight. You are not going to shock them. And if a doctor does make you feel judged? Find a new doctor. You deserve healthcare that makes you feel safe, not shamed.
Your annual health screenings are not a report card on how “good” you’ve been. They’re a tool to keep you alive and thriving. That’s it. No judgment, just information.
💡 Quick Tip
Bring a friend to your appointment if you’re nervous. Seriously. Many clinics allow you to have someone in the room with you for support. Having my roommate come with me to my first Pap smear made it 100x less terrifying.
The One Health Screening You’re Probably Forgetting
Okay, I have to mention this because it’s the one that almost got me. Thyroid function tests. Your thyroid is this tiny butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that controls your metabolism, your energy levels, your mood, your weight, and basically everything else. And young women are disproportionately likely to have thyroid issues.
I was tired all the time. I was gaining weight even though I was eating the same as always. My hair was falling out. My skin was dry. And I thought it was just stress from school. It wasn’t. It was my thyroid. And a simple blood test — part of routine health screenings — caught it.
If you’re experiencing unexplained fatigue, weight changes, mood swings, or hair loss, ask your doctor to check your TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). It’s a standard part of blood work, but you have to ask for it specifically sometimes. Don’t be afraid to speak up.
This is the kind of stuff women talk about inside TechMae every single day. No judgment, just real ones keeping it real.
Related: This post is a must-read for women on their journey.
Start Here
Your one action for today: Open your phone’s calendar app and schedule your annual wellness visit for this month. Right now. Before you close this article. I’ll wait.
Seriously. Go do it. It takes 30 seconds and it could literally save your life. If you need to look up your insurance info first, set a reminder for tonight. But don’t let this slide. You deserve to know that you’re okay.
And if you’re reading this and thinking “I can’t afford it” or “I don’t have insurance” — check your school’s health center first. Most colleges offer free or low-cost health screenings to students. If you’re not in school, check Planned Parenthood or your local community health center. There are options. You just have to take the first step.
You might also love this article – one of our most shared.
This Is Your Sign to Stop Doing It Alone
Women inside TechMae have been exactly where you are. Come find your people — the ones who will remind you to schedule your health screenings, hype you up before your appointment, and celebrate you for taking care of yourself.
