In the rush of everyday life, it’s easy for women to put their own health on the back burner. But there’s one appointment that should never be skipped: the annual visit to the gynecologist. Whether you’re navigating adolescence, planning for a family, or managing menopause, gynecologic care is a vital part of your overall wellness—and Valley Health System in New Jersey is making it easier and more empowering than ever.
From reproductive health and fertility support to menopause management and cancer screenings, Valley Health System provides expert, compassionate care tailored to every phase of a woman’s life. With locations across northern New Jersey, they’re helping women take charge of their health—and making sure no one feels alone on the journey.
Why See a Gynecologist Every Year?
Annual visits to a gynecologist go far beyond Pap smears. These appointments are an essential touchpoint for assessing a wide range of women’s health issues and preventing problems before they start.
Here’s what your gynecologic visit may include:
- Reproductive health concerns – From birth control and egg freezing to fertility challenges
- Menstrual irregularities – Such as heavy, painful, or absent periods
- Menopausal symptoms – Including hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, insomnia, and sexual health issues
- Screenings – For cervical, breast, and even colon cancers
- Prenatal care – Essential for expectant mothers
- Bone health monitoring – Especially as you approach or enter menopause
- Vaccinations – Including those related to age, pregnancy, and HPV
- Mental and sexual health checks – Screening for depression, sexually transmitted diseases, and even intimate partner violence
Women are encouraged to start seeing a gynecologist between ages 13 and 15, or as soon as puberty begins. And while some screenings, like the Pap test, may only be needed every few years, annual check-ins remain crucial for monitoring changes and addressing any new or ongoing concerns.
Valley Health System: Personalized Care for Every Woman
With five OB/GYN locations in Montvale, Ramsey, Paramus, Fair Lawn, and Wayne, plus a dedicated gynecology practice in Ridgewood, Valley Health System is committed to accessible, high-quality women’s health care across Bergen County and beyond.
But it doesn’t stop at routine visits. Valley’s Women’s Health Services also include:
- The Valley Hospital Fertility Center
- Maternal-fetal medicine
- Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery
- Pediatric gynecology
- Gynecologic oncology
- Urogynecology (for bladder and pelvic floor disorders)
For women going through midlife changes, Valley also offers care from Menopause Society Certified Practitioners (MSCP)—specialists trained to address the full spectrum of menopause-related concerns.
“Menopause health is mental, physical, and sexual,” says Dr. Tia Welsh, Chair of Women Services at Valley Medical Group. “Many women cope with their symptoms, but there is treatment and support during this time. You are not alone.”
Valley’s MSCP team takes a whole-person approach, often collaborating with your cardiologist, endocrinologist, nutritionist, or sleep specialist to create a complete and customized care plan.
Empowering Women Through Every Life Stage
Valley Health System’s commitment to women’s health is about more than just treatment—it’s about empowerment. Their providers listen, educate, and advocate for patients, recognizing that no two women experience health the same way.
Whether you’re looking for help with period pain, planning a pregnancy, or simply wanting to stay on top of your health, the care you receive at Valley is designed to meet you where you are—and guide you toward where you want to be.
And if you’re exploring more ways to stay active, healthy, and in tune with your body across New Jersey, check out our Fitness & Health section for wellness tips, local resources, and stories that inspire.
Prioritize Yourself—Because Your Health Matters
Annual gynecologic care isn’t just about your reproductive system. It’s about you—your energy, your confidence, your peace of mind. And thanks to the comprehensive services at Valley Health System, women across New Jersey can feel supported, informed, and cared for at every age.
Your health deserves more than a once-in-a-while check-in. So schedule that appointment, ask the tough questions, and make your wellness a priority.
Because when women are healthy, communities thrive.