Reasons You Should Visit Your Gynecologist (What is an OBGYN and what do they do?)

With the myriad of options regarding healthcare specialties and providers, figuring out what type of doctor to seek help from and when can sometimes be confusing. For women specifically, one of the most common questions that come up when choosing which provider to go to is “when should I visit a gynecologist?" Essentially, gynecologists offer an accurate diagnosis, preventive services, and proper treatments for various female reproductive system conditions and disorders.

At our practices in Bayonne and Ridgewood, NJ, OBGYN specialists, Dr. Eric Bentolila and Dr. Jacqueline Saitta, offer various women’s health services to ensure optimal reproductive health. With this in mind, here are common reasons to seek help from a gynecologist:

  • For concerns or queries about female reproductive health, including the breast, ovaries, vulva, and uterus. This could likewise include related and certain gastrointestinal and urological concerns.
  • For questions or concerns about fertility, pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause.
  • For sexual health issues or questions such as pain, contraception, libido, safety, and abuse.
  • For preventive exams, tests, and checkups.

The Appropriate Age to Visit a Gynecologist

Females between 11 and 18 years old can visit a gynecologist, family doctor, or pediatrician. Pediatricians or family doctors address most healthcare needs during these ages. On the other hand, there are certain instances where a female in this age range should see their gynecologist in Ridgewood and Bayonne, NJ. These include:

  • Concerns or questions about sexual health
  • Painful menstrual cycles, especially if symptoms are so severe that a patient misses school
  • Delayed puberty or menstruation
  • Inability to use tampons

A Vital Note on Pap Smears and the HPV Vaccine

It's important to understand that the recommendations for Pap smears have been modified time and time again over the past couple of years. This has resulted in parents remaining uncertain about when their daughters must start their Pap smear screenings. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the current Pap smear recommendation is to start screenings by 21 years old, regardless of birth control needs or sexual activity.

If you’re still uncertain, it’s best to consult our OBGYN in our Ridgewood or Bayonne, NJ, office for specific recommendations. Likewise, there may be instances where a pelvic examination is needed, but this doesn’t necessarily apply to Pap smear testing purposes. Further, the HPV or human papillomavirus vaccine is typically recommended during the teen years for cervical cancer prevention. You can ask your gynecologist about this if you need more details.

Any Concerns or Questions About Reproductive Health, Call Us.

Schedule your consultation with one of our OBGYN specialists, Dr. Eric Bentolila or Dr. Jacqueline Saitta, in our Ridgewood, NJ, office by dialing (201) 447-1700 or our Bayonne, NJ, office by calling (201) 447-0467.

Contact Us

Dr. Eric Bentolila's Office Hours

Monday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-3:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Dr. Jacqueline Saitta's Office Hours

Monday:

9:00 AM - 4:30 PM, BAYONNE

Tuesday:

9:00 AM - 4:30 PM, BAYONNE

Wednesday:

9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, RIDGEWOOD

Thursday:

9:00 AM - 4:30 PM, BAYONNE

Friday:

9:00 AM - 11:45 PM, RIDGEWOOD

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed