Do people in their 20s go to the doctor? Here's why they should

September 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to some health organizations, nearly half of young adults in their 20s don't have a primary care provider. The question, Do people in their 20s go to the doctor?, highlights a concerning trend where many young adults delay preventative care, often underestimating its long-term impact on their health and well-being.

Quick Summary

Despite common misconceptions, regular doctor visits in your 20s are essential for setting the foundation for lifelong health, catching potential problems early, and establishing healthy habits. The focus is on preventative care and risk assessment, even when you feel healthy, to prevent chronic issues from developing later in life.

Key Points

Preventative Care is Key: Your 20s are the best time to start preventative health screenings and establish healthy habits, not just wait until you feel sick.
Build a Lifelong Relationship: Finding a primary care provider now allows for a continuous health record and a trusted professional to consult over the years.
Address Silent Issues Early: Many chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes can begin in your 20s without symptoms and are easier to manage when caught early.
Prioritize Mental and Sexual Health: Regular check-ups are an opportunity to discuss mental health concerns and get necessary sexual health screenings.
Understand Your Risks: Your doctor can help you assess your genetic risk for certain diseases based on family history, guiding preventive action.
Cost-Effective in the Long Run: Investing in preventative care now can save you significant time, money, and stress associated with treating serious health problems down the road.

The Importance of Primary Care in Your 20s

While many people in their 20s feel healthy and invincible, regular doctor visits are crucial for establishing a baseline for your health. This is the decade to transition from pediatric to adult care and to begin building a rapport with a primary care provider (PCP). This relationship is a key component of a proactive approach to wellness, enabling early detection of issues and personalized guidance tailored to your lifestyle and risk factors.

What Happens at a Doctor's Visit in Your 20s?

Contrary to popular belief, a check-up in your 20s isn't just about treating an illness. It's a comprehensive wellness visit focused on prevention. Here's what you can expect from your doctor:

Health History Review: Your PCP will discuss your medical history, family history, and lifestyle habits like diet, exercise, and sleep.
Physical Exam: This includes checking your vital signs, such as blood pressure and heart rate, and examining your body for any unusual signs.
Screenings: Age-appropriate screenings are a primary focus. These can include tests for high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
Counseling: Your doctor will provide behavioral counseling on topics such as alcohol and tobacco use, stress management, and sexual health.

Why Young Adults Often Skip Doctor Visits

Several factors contribute to the low rate of doctor visits among people in their 20s:

Feeling Healthy: The most common reason is simply feeling fine. Young adults often don't see the need for a doctor until they are sick.
Cost and Insurance: Transitioning from a parent's insurance plan can be confusing and expensive, creating a barrier to care.
Time Constraints: Busy schedules with school, work, and social life can make it difficult to prioritize and schedule appointments.
Lack of a Consistent Provider: Without a long-term relationship with a PCP, young adults may not know who to see or where to go for care.

Common Health Issues to Address in Your 20s

Even if you feel healthy, this decade can be when certain conditions begin to develop. Early intervention can prevent them from becoming serious problems later on.

Mental Health

Your 20s can be a period of significant stress and change. It's a good time to screen for mental health concerns. Your doctor may ask questions about your mood and stress levels to screen for depression and anxiety, ensuring you get the support you need.

Sexual Health

Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screenings are a routine part of a check-up, especially for sexually active individuals. For women, cervical cancer screening often begins at age 21.

Family History and Risk Assessment

Your doctor can help you understand your genetic risk for certain conditions. If you have a family history of heart disease, cancer, or diabetes, your PCP can recommend personalized screening schedules and preventive strategies.

Comparison: Neglecting vs. Prioritizing Preventative Care


Aspect	Neglecting Preventative Care	Prioritizing Preventative Care
Health Issues	Chronic diseases may develop silently, becoming more difficult and expensive to treat later.	Early detection and treatment of potential issues, often requiring simple lifestyle changes.
Healthcare Costs	Higher costs in the long run due to treating advanced or chronic conditions.	Lower overall costs through preventative measures and early intervention.
Relationship with Doctor	No established rapport; using urgent care or walk-in clinics when sick.	Trusted relationship with a PCP who knows your history and tracks your health over time.
Wellness Habits	Inconsistent or unhealthy habits that can worsen over time.	Establishment of strong, healthy habits that last a lifetime.

Establishing Healthy Habits for Lifelong Wellness

Your doctor is not just a resource for when you are sick but a partner in building healthy habits. They can provide tailored advice on nutrition, physical activity, and sleep hygiene. These positive behaviors, if established now, can significantly reduce your risk of future illness. This is the time to build a strong foundation for your health, not just react to problems as they arise. Your primary care provider can offer guidance on fitness routines that fit your lifestyle and how to manage stress effectively as you navigate your career and personal life.

The Takeaway

Making regular doctor visits a priority in your 20s is an investment in your future. By focusing on preventative care, you can address potential issues before they become major problems, establish healthy habits, and build a lasting relationship with a trusted healthcare professional. This proactive approach will empower you to live a healthier and longer life.

For more detailed guidance on what to discuss with your doctor during your 20s, consult reliable health information. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides recommendations on important screenings and health information at all life stages [https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/age/young-adults/index.html].

Frequently Asked Questions

For healthy individuals, visiting a primary care provider every couple of years is often recommended, though annual check-ups can be beneficial for accountability and maintaining a consistent health record. Specific screenings, like Pap smears, follow their own schedule.

While it's common, with studies suggesting nearly half of 20-somethings lack a PCP, it's not ideal for long-term health. Establishing a relationship with a doctor during this time is highly beneficial for preventative care and future wellness.

Common screenings include those for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. For sexually active individuals, STI and HIV screenings are important. Women should also start cervical cancer screening at age 21.

Many chronic conditions develop silently. A doctor can perform screenings to catch these problems early, when they are easiest to manage or reverse with lifestyle changes, preventing major health issues later.

You can start by checking with your health insurance provider for a list of in-network PCPs. If you had a pediatrician, they may be able to offer recommendations. Online portals and local health system websites can also be helpful.

Explore community health centers, student health services if you're in college, and health department clinics. Many offer sliding-scale fees based on income. Additionally, understanding your insurance coverage is key to minimizing costs.

Yes. Your family health history is an important factor in risk assessment. Discussing this with a doctor can lead to proactive screening and preventive strategies for inherited conditions like heart disease or certain cancers.