Going to the Gyno, why should I?

I’m about to turn 19 and often in media with women I hear a lot about going to the gynecologist. I’ve never gone, my family never talked about periods or any of it. Is this something I should start doing, or is it something I should wait a few years for? I want to stay on top of my health and take care of myself, but I’m worried that this might just be an unnecessary bill to add to my ever growing collection of adulthood responsibilities.