Good question; however, there is not a “one size fits all” answer because female sexual health involves many factors. Some of the factors include age, past and current health issues, number of sexual partners, method of birth control, and any history of sexually transmitted disease and pregnancy. Most medical providers (and health organizations) recommend that young women have a health exam by a gynecologist or nurse practitioner every year, particularly between the ages of 18-30 years. Gynecological exams usually include an internal and external pelvic exam (including a Pap test) plus examination of the thyroid gland and breasts. In a Pap test, the cells of the cervix (opening to the uterus) are collected and checked for abnormalities and infection. This screening test can detect early changes which might indicate the presence of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) or cervical cancer. Because cervical cancer can be detected early, and often treated successfully, many of the protocols focus on the importance of the Pap test.