Is it OK to have a pelvic exam while on period?
Yes, it’s totally okay to get a pelvic exam when you’re on your period. But most nurses and doctors would rather do your pelvic exam on a non-period day when you’re not bleeding, or at least not bleeding heavily. That’s because menstrual fluid (aka period blood) can affect the results of some lab tests.
Can I have my annual exam if I don’t menstruate?
Even if you’ve taken care to schedule your annual exam for when you aren’t menstruating, we understand that if you have irregular periods, it may be difficult to accurately determine when they will start. If you prefer, we can usually reschedule your appointment for when you are no longer on your period.
Can you get a Pap smear or pelvic exam on your period?
Or, even more important, can you get a Pap smear or pelvic exam on your period? When it’s that time of the month, seeing your gynecologist might be the last thing you want to do. But the truth is, your gyno really doesn’t care if you’re on your period or not, and we'll explain why below.
Is it safe to go to the gynecologist during your period?
"If you're going for your annual exam, yes, 100 percent, it is fine to go during your period," said Leah Millheiser, MD, ob-gyn and director of the Female Sexual Medicine Program at Stanford Health Care. That can even include getting a pap smear done.
Can you get an annual physical while on your period?
The bottom line There is no medical reason to cancel or reschedule your appointment because you're on your period. In fact, if the reason you're going to the doctor is that your menstrual cycle is causing your issues, it's actually an ideal time for you to go.
Can you do a wellness exam on your period?
'Can a gynecologist check you on your period? ' Yes, they will still be able to perform the examination. Rest assured that some normal vaginal bleeding will not interfere with a regular pelvic exam. If needed, a large, leak proof pad will be placed underneath you.
What to do if you have an exam on your period?
Cramping won't affect the exam in most cases, so the only concern is if the woman is too uncomfortable. In this situation, I'd recommend she take an over-the-counter painkiller like ibuprofen before her appointment to minimize discomfort.
Does period affect exam?
Periods bring with it symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, severe pain, food cravings, headache and other bodily changes. Amidst all these changes, it becomes difficult for one to concentrate and study for the exam. PMS symptoms can put a lot of stress along with the pressure of exams.
Is it okay to get a Pap smear while on period?
Technically, you can get a Pap smear while on your period, but it may be better to reschedule to a time when you aren't menstruating. Depending on how heavy your flow is, it may affect the results of your screening. If your flow is lighter, it may not be an issue.
Do I cancel my Pap smear while on period?
Wondering if you can still come to your gynecology appointment when you're on your period? Most of the time, yes. If it's for your annual exam, sometimes the Pap Smear Test can be inconclusive if you're bleeding heavily, but if it's one of the lighter days of your period, you should be fine.
Can menstrual blood be used for blood tests?
Scientists are now demonstrating that they can use menstrual blood to monitor health conditions like diabetes and thyroid disease as well as to help diagnose disorders such as endometriosis, recurrent miscarriage, and cancer.
Can menstruation affect white blood count?
Menstruation may influence the complete blood count because of its blood loss. Since ovulation is an inflammatory-like phenomenon, white blood cell count may change during ovulation.
What is not included in a wellness visit?
Your insurance for your annual wellness visit does not cover any discussion, treatment or prescription of medications for chronic illnesses or conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes.
What can I expect from a women's wellness exam?
Well-woman exams usually include three things: a pap smear, a pelvic exam, and a breast exam. These exams are essential as they can catch early signs of cancer or other health problems before they get out of hand. At the time of the appointment, you may also speak with your doctor about other health concerns you have.
What does a women's wellness exam consist of?
A women's wellness exam includes a full physical exam, including a clinical breast and pelvic exam as well as health screenings, blood tests, vaccinations, and education or counseling so you can make informed health care decisions. Even If you feel fine, you should make your annual women's wellness exam a priority.
What does a wellness exam consist of?
Your doctor will ask questions about your weight, height, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and discuss your health choices and current lifestyle. The visit may also include different types of screening depending on your gender, risk, and age.
What to do if you are not sure if you have your period?
And, ultimately, if you’re having any concerns about your sexual or reproductive health, you should see your ob/gyn whether you have your period or not.
Why do you need a Pap more often?
You might need to have a Pap more frequently if you get an abnormal Pap result or have risk factors like a history of cervical cancer.
What is a Pap smear?
A Pap smear, also known as a Pap test, involves collecting cells from your cervix to detect cervical cancer and to look for cellular changes that suggest this kind of cancer may develop in the future, per the Mayo Clinic.
What is pelvic exam?
A pelvic exam is usually performed as part of your annual well-woman visit, although you may need one outside of that if you’re experiencing symptoms like unusual vaginal discharge or pelvic pain. During the exam, your doctor will check your vulva, vagina, cervix, ovaries, uterus, rectum, and pelvis for any abnormalities, the Mayo Clinic says. ...
How to perform a Pap?
To perform a Pap, a medical professional will insert a speculum into your vagina, then take samples of your cervical cells using a soft brush and a flat device called a spatula, the Mayo Clinic explains . Not exactly the kind you cook with, but the same basic idea.
Can you get a Pap during a pelvic exam?
You can get a Pap during a pelvic exam, but it’s unlikely you’ll have one during every pelvic exam.
Can you get a Pap on your heaviest flow day?
The world won’t end if you decide to get a Pap even on your heaviest flow day. “The worst that will happen is you’ll have to go back to get retested,” Lauren Streicher, M.D., a professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, tells SELF.
How many women have irregular periods?
About 30% of women have irregular periods, and all of them need to get regular pap tests. It would make no sense to have almost a third of the female population put off going to their gynecologist because they are experiencing one of the very things OB-GYN are experts about.
Do OB-GYNs work with vaginas?
Think about this for a moment. OB-GYNs work with vaginas all day, every day. They know that vaginas bleed on a monthly basis. They went to med school. They perform surgeries and deliver babies. A patient who’s on her period is not going to freak her or him out.
Can you have a pap test while on your period?
While it may be possible to have inconclusive pap results while you’re on your period , it’s also very likely that they would come out without any issues.
Can You Go to the Gynecologist on Your Period?
How do you feel when you’re on your period? For some women, not much changes, other than having to put in tampons and the occasional bloating. For others, the symptoms can range anywhere from becoming moody and emotional to having awful cramps and headaches.
You Can Get The Birth Control Pill Without Having An Internal Exam
It is not necessary to undergo a vaginal examination to start hormonal contraception. A directed abdominal-pelvic exam can be considered it does not require a genital exam and it will provide a great deal of important information, says Dr. Pizarro.
When Should I Talk To My Ob
Since each womans body is unique, it can be difficult to tell whether the cramps youve grown used to are actually chronic. Use these common symptoms of chronic, severe menstrual cramps as a guideline to decide if its time to talk to an OB-GYN about your cramps.
Wondering If You Can Still Come To Your Gynecology Appointment When Youre On Your Period
Most of the time, yes. If its for your annual exam, sometimes the Pap Smear Test can be inconclusive if youre bleeding heavily, but if its one of the lighter days of your period, you should be fine. We have patients apologize all the time for needing to be examined when theyre on their period.
How Are Severe Menstrual Cramps Treated
When the usual home remedies to relieve period cramps are no match for your cramps, an OB-GYN can help you find relief from the pain. The most common treatments for severe menstrual cramps are:
Can You Get An Annual Exam While On Your Period
While it may be possible to have inconclusive pap results while youre on your period, its also very likely that they would come out without any issues.
Should You Remove Pubic Hair Before A Pelvic Exam
Everyone is free to make their own choices about how their pubic area looks, and this doesnt affect the procedure of a pelvic exam itself.
Things You Should Always Discuss With Your Gynecologist
When it comes to sexual and reproductive health, it can be hard to know what’s “normal” and what may be a sign of a potential health problem. Even if you feel embarrassed about certain issues, your gynecologist has seen and heard it all and is there to help you, not to pass judgment.
What to do if you have more questions about gynecology?
If you have more questions — or need a little extra reassurance — give your gynecologist’s office a ring before going!
Is it bad to sweat when you're bleeding?
There’s no reason to sweat — the fact that you’re bleeding will N-O-T interfere with any of the common reasons someone is at the gynecologist.
Can a gynecologist interfere with your cycle?
Your gynecologist appointment typically won’t interfere with your cycle. It shouldn’t speed up the flow, change its consistency, or change the overall length.
Can a gynecologist be upset?
Your gynecologist won’t be frustrated, grossed out, upset, or whatever other emotion you’re worried about confronting. (For the record: If you ever go to the doctor and they meet you with that kind of negativity, it’s within your right to leave immediately.)
Do you need a pelvic exam for a Pap smear?
If you’re there for a Pap smear, site-specific STI testing, yeast infection testing, or fertility consult or treatment, you will likely need a pelvic exam.
What to do if your Pap smear is abnormal?
Or if your abnormal Pap result showed signs of precancerous cells, your doctor may recommend a procedure like a colposcopy (cervical biopsy) to learn more. Here’s everything you need to know about an abnormal Pap smear and what comes next. 6. Your menstrual cycle has changed.
Why does my Pap smear come back abnormal?
Abnormal Pap smears are usually caused by human papillomavirus. Also known as HPV, it's the most common sexually transmitted infection.
Can you tell your doctor you are having issues with birth control?
The point in telling your doctor you're having issues with your pills (or any other type of birth control) isn't so they can reprimand you, but so they can help you determine if it's really the best method for you. For example, if you're forgetting to take the progestin-only birth control pill (also called the minipill) within the same three-hour window every day, you're really messing with its level of protection. Talking that over with your doctor can help you decide if another type of contraception will be easier to incorporate into your life. Remember, there's nothing to be ashamed of. Gynecologists truly have seen all of this before!
Is it normal for a woman to be dry?
"Women often think they should be completely dry except for before or during sexual relations," says Dr. Dweck. "But many women have discharge —some have it more than others—and that's completely normal."
Can you skip a Pap smear?
Just be aware that in some cases, having a Pap smear on your period may make it harder to get a clear test result, but that doesn't mean you should skip your appointment. "If you're having a Pap smear on your period, I'll try to swipe away the blood and do the Pap," says Dr. Nathan. "If it comes back inconclusive, you may have to come back.
