Period FAQs

can you go to gyno on period

by Anne Gerlach Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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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.Jun 29, 2020

Should you visit your gynecologist during your period?

“You can go to the gynecologist while on your period,” says Felice Gersh, MD, author of “ PCOS SOS: A Gynecologist’s Lifeline to Naturally Restore Your Rhythms, Hormones and Happiness .” “It shouldn’t impact the appointment very much at all,” she says.

Can you be examined by a gyn during your period?

You can still go to the gyno during your period. Here are a few reasons why it’s important to see a gynecologist regularly: The gynecologist will conduct a pelvic exam, Pap smear, and possibly other tests if necessary. It’s important even for healthy and fit people to see the gynecologist.

Can you visit the OBGYN while having your period?

That said, if the symptoms are uncomfortable or difficult to deal with, Dr. Millheiser advised seeing your doctor sooner rather than later, even if you're still on your period. If you are going to the ob-gyn on your period, Dr. Millheiser said you can leave your tampon or menstrual cup in until right before the exam.

Can you go to your gynecologist on your period?

You can still go to the gyno during your period. Here are a few reasons why it’s important to see a gynecologist regularly: The gynecologist will conduct a pelvic exam, Pap smear, and possibly other tests if necessary. It’s important even for healthy and fit people to see the gynecologist.

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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.

What do gynecologists say about NBD?

Here are 10 things gynecologists say are totally NBD when you come in for an exam: 1. You're on your period during the exam . When you book your gyno appointment months in advance, you can't necessarily control whether your period will land ...

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!

Can you miss birth control pills?

You sometimes miss a few birth control pills. If you’re taking birth control pills, chances are good that your doc will ask about how consistent you are about taking them. (Or how consistent you are with swapping out other forms of contraception when you should, like the vaginal ring .) Be honest!

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.

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.

What do gynecologists say about NBD?

Here are 10 things gynecologists say are totally NBD when you come in for an exam: 1. You're on your period during the exam . When you book your gyno appointment months in advance, you can't necessarily control whether your period will land ...

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 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.

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!

Can you miss birth control pills?

You sometimes miss a few birth control pills. If you’re taking birth control pills, chances are good that your doc will ask about how consistent you are about taking them. (Or how consistent you are with swapping out other forms of contraception when you should, like the vaginal ring .) Be honest!

Is it normal for a woman to have a gasp discharge?

You have (gasp) discharge. "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.".

Why is it important to see a gynecologist?

Getting regular checkups with a gynecologist is important for everyone, whether they are sexually active or not. Regular visits can detect any problems in the reproductive system before they get worse. Among the most common problems are cysts, endometriosis, infertility, fibroids, and polycystic ovary syndrome .

Why is it important to have a regular gynecologist checkup?

For problems related to menstruation, this would be the ideal time for a health care provider to see what’s happening in the body. For people who are sexually active, regular gynecologist checkups are very important. Sexual and reproductive health are critical parts of overall wellbeing.

What is a gynecologist?

A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in female reproductive health. It’s best to seek a gynecologist’s opinion as soon as possible in cases of pain, uncontrolled bleeding, or other signs of discomfort in the vagina or reproductive system. ...

Do you need to go to the OB-GYN if you are pregnant?

For people who want to get pregnant or have already conceived, regular visits to the OB-GYN will ensure optimum health for mother and baby.

Do menstrual cycles have pain?

To answer this, let’s first understand how all menstrual cycles are different. For some people, the days during their period aren’t much different from any other, and they don’t experience any pain. They put in tampons or use other period products, and that’s it. At most, they might have an occasional craving.

Is a gynecological exam during your period any different?

Gynecologists are used to and experienced with seeing patients during their periods.

Who stays with you during a doctor's visit?

As your doctor performs the rest of the examination, a second staff member, usually a female nurse, will stay in the room with you and your doctor for the remainder of the visit, especially if that makes you more comfortable

Is it normal to be apprehensive before a gynecologist appointment?

You may wonder, ‘Is it ok to go to the gynecologist while on your period?’ You may also wonder what happens at a gynecology appointment. If you are like many women, you are especially concerned when you notice that your appointment happens to fall on a day when you are having your menstrual cycle. We often hear this question from our patients, ‘Can I go to the gynecologist on my period?’

Can you reschedule a second Pap smear?

If your pap smear interpretation is inconclusive, you may need to reschedule a second Pap smear test. Make sure and reach out to us with any questions you have about getting a Pap smear, especially if your period is heavy.

Can You Get A Pap Smear On Your Period?

Can you get a Pap smear at an OBGYN appointment during your period? Yes, you can. It is ideal, however, to schedule your Pap smear test, short for Papanicolaou test, about 5 days after your period, according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology. You can read more about this at www.ASCO.org.

When To Call Your Gynecologist

With pelvic pain and skipped periods, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Your body could be trying to tell you something.

If You Have More Than One Period A Month

Sometimes the problem isn’t no period, it’s having too many.

Tend To Some Intimate Hygiene And Avoid Douching

Its normal to want to feel confident and comfortable when visiting a health care provider such as a gynecologist.

Swelling Bumps Or Growths Down There

Noticing a growth in your vagina or around your labia can seem worrisome. Is it an ingrown hair, a pimple, a cut from shaving or possibly something more concerning? Bumps are often benign, but it’s important to have your doctor perform an examination when you feel something.

Using Feminine Hygiene Products To Smell Good Down There

Dont even bother grabbing that vaginal wash that promises to make your nether regions smell like daisies and wildflowers. Gynecologists do not recommend douching or using feminine deodorant sprays as they can destroy your vaginas natural bacterial flora and increase your risk for infections.

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.

What Can I Expect At My Obgyn Appointment During A Very Heavy Period

But what if my period is very heavy? What if I am soaking through an entire pad in an hour or less? Can I go to the gynecologist on my period? Yes, it is still recommended to keep your appointment, because heavy bleeding can be a symptom of more serious health issues.

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