Take Charge of Your Sexual Health

What you need to know about preventive services

This guide informs people of all genders and ages about sexual health. It focuses on the preventive services that can help protect and improve your sexual health. The guide explains these recommended services and helps you find and talk with a health care provider.

Home » What Are Preventive Sexual Health Services? » Preventive Sexual Health Services for People with a Vagina/Vulva » Chart of Recommended Preventive Sexual Health Services for People with a Vagina/Vulva

Chart of Recommended Preventive Sexual Health Services for People with a Vagina/Vulva

Sexual Health Service
Adolescent
(13-18 years)
Adult
(19+)
Cervical cancer screening Not recommended Those aged 21-29 every 3 years

Those aged 30-65 every 3-5 years

Not recommended for those age 66+
Chlamydia screening Those who are sexually active (screen annually) or pregnant Those aged 24 and under (screen annually)

Those age 25 and over who are at risk*

Those who are pregnant, if 24 and under, or pregnant and at-risk if 25+
Contraceptive counseling Those who are sexually active Those who are sexually active and/or of childbearing age
Counseling to prevent sexually transmitted infections Those who are sexually active Those who are at risk*
Gonorrhea screening Those who are sexually active or pregnant Those aged 24 and under (screen annually), including those who are pregnant

Those age 25 and over who are at risk, including those who are pregnant
Hepatitis A vaccine Those not vaccinated as children Those who are at risk* and are unvaccinated
Hepatitis B vaccine Those not vaccinated as children Those who are at risk* and are unvaccinated

Those born in a country where the hepatitis B virus is common
Hepatitis B screening Those who are pregnant

Those who are at risk and are unvaccinated

Those born in a country where the hepatitis B virus is common

 Those who are pregnant

Those who are at risk* and are unvaccinated

Those born in a country where the hepatitis B virus is common
Hepatitis C screening Those who are 18

Those who are pregnant

 Those aged 19-79

Those who are at risk* or pregnant
Herpes  Those who have been exposed or are symptomatic Those who have been exposed or are symptomatic
HIV testing Those ages 13 and older (test at least once)

Those who are pregnant

 Those who are ages 19-64 (test at least once)

Those who are at risk* (test at least annually)

Those who are pregnant
HPV vaccine Those not vaccinated at age 11 or 12 Those not vaccinated through age 26 (and eligible adults ages 27-45)
Syphilis screening  Those who are pregnant or at risk* Those who are pregnant or at risk*
Trichomoniasis Not recommended Those who are at risk or receiving care in high-risk settings (correctional facilities, STI clinics)

*You’re at risk if you have had unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex (sex without a condom), have multiple partners, have an STI (including HIV), share injection drug equipment (including needles or syringes), exchange sex for drugs or money, are incarcerated, or have a partner who answers “yes” to any of these questions or whose health status you don’t know.

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How Do I Know if I’m at Risk?

Your sexual health is at risk if you answer “yes” to any of the following questions:

  • Have you had unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex (sex without a condom)?
  • Do you have multiple partners?
  • Do you have an STI, including HIV?
  • Have you shared injection drug equipment, including needles or syringes?
  • Do you exchange sex for drugs or money?
  • Do you have a partner who answers “yes” to any of these questions or whose health status you don’t know?