Regularly seeing the OB-GYN for well woman examinations is a vital part of the reproductive health of a woman. However, not 
understanding why these appointments are important or how they work can cause some women to skip them altogether. Luckily, Dr. Eric Bentolila in Ridgewood, NJ can help answer your frequently asked questions and better understand your reproductive health.
What does an OB-GYN do?
An OB-GYN, short for obstetrician-gynecologist, specializes in general women’s reproductive health and focuses on caring for women during their pregnancies and just after giving birth. Doctors can also be either an obstetrician or a gynecologist, though some choose to combine the two specializations. OB-GYNs also specialize in family planning, prenatal care, sexually transmitted diseases, Pap testing, and preventative care.
What does a well woman examination include?
Women should begin seeing their OB-GYN once a year after their first menstruation cycle. Regular visits to your OB-GYN help assess your reproductive health and allows you and your doctor to catch and treat conditions early at their most treatable stages. These yearly examinations, often referred to as well woman exams, include several important steps, including a pelvic examination, a breast examination, and a Pap test.
What is a Pap test?
A Pap test is an examination performed by your OB-GYN. The test screens for the presence of cancerous or pre-cancerous cervical cells. The test is general and abnormal results require more specific follow-up testing. The examination itself is short, lasting only a few minutes. It involves inserting a speculum into the vagina to give easier access to the cervix and swabbing or scraping cells from the cervix. The cells are then examined under a microscope to determine if they contain abnormalities.
For more information on women’s health and what your OB-GYN can do for you, please contact Dr. Bentolila in Ridgewood, NJ. Call (201) 447-1700 to schedule your consultation or appointment with Dr. Bentolila today!