Topic: Pap Smears and Periods: Should I Wait to Get One if I am Menstruating?
When it comes to pap smears and periods, some women are unsure if they are able to get one while menstruating. While this is a personal decision that is left up to each individual’s discretion and comfort level, there are a few things you may want to consider before making that final judgment call.
Pap Smear Results During Periods
While it is probably ideal to schedule pap smears around your period, it is not necessary. However, there are certain things to consider. The first is that pap smears that are performed around periods allow medical professionals to receive ample cervical cell samples. For example, for some women who have heavy periods, the cell samples taken can actually be from blood.
However, since cervical testing analysis is sensitive and has been refined, menstruation will not necessarily trigger a result that is not accurate. Medical professionals are not daunted by bodily fluids and will put forth their best effort to collect the cervical cells needed. If not enough cervical cells were collected, the test will show this inadequacy and patients may need to schedule another pap smear. Many times, this may be covered under insurance, but there are times where it may not be, depending on the health coverage plan and benefits of the patient’s insurance company. Therefore, it is important to keep this in mind.
Pap Smear Procedure During Menstruation
One of the biggest influences of whether or not to reschedule your appointment is your comfort level. For those wondering what a pap smear is like while menstruating, it is not incredibly different. The medical professional will place a speculum in the vagina in order to examine the cervix. If the blood flow is heavy, the doctor may use cotton swabs to absorb some of the blood, making it easier for them to perform the examination.
Key Takeaway
Many women may choose to reschedule their pap smear, ensuring that the doctor may collect enough cervical cells the first time and that they do not have to come back for an additional pap smear. However, it is a highly individual choice, and many medical professionals are not bothered either way. While it may be a tad more convenient to work around your period, the choice is yours. The larger concern is not whether to get a pap smear while menstruating, but rather to receive regular pap smears and wellness checks.
Discussed Topic: Pap Smears and Periods: Should I Wait to Get One if I am Menstruating?
