At a certain age, pap smear tests should become a regular part of your routine check-ups. Especially as it’s vital to the early detection and treatment of conditions such as cervical cancer, it’s best to schedule these pap tests as frequently as advised by your OBGYN.
But while scheduling can be as easy as picking a date, it is important to consider your menstrual cycle when doing so. Ideally, you wouldn’t be on your period during this event, but it can be hard to predict and schedule routine tests if your periods are irregular. In the instance that your period suddenly comes on the day of your test, you might wonder if it would affect the results.
We will answer these in this guide so you know what to do next time your period arrives on the day of a pap smear test.
Understanding Pap Smears
A pap smear, also known as a pap test, is a simple and routine procedure during which a healthcare provider collects cells to use for cervical cancer screening. It is quickly completed in a few minutes, and though it may cause some discomfort, it is painless for most women.
If the results are normal, pap smears must be done every three years, starting at the age of 21. After the age of 30, women can opt to have the test every five years if combined with an HPV test that checks for human papillomavirus.
Pap Smears on Your Period — Can it be Done?
It is generally not advisable to push through with your pap test while on your period for several important reasons. You might consider rescheduling your test at another time for the following reasons:
Potential Impact on Results
Samples gathered from your cervix while on your period can end up skewing the results, as menstrual blood and tissue can obscure the cervical cells that need to be examined. This is especially true if you typically have heavy flows during your period.
While you can proceed with the test on your period, a reschedule for when you don’t have your period is typically encouraged so results don’t come back inconclusive and a need to repeat the test is avoided.
Increased Discomfort
Apart from blood obscuring the sample cells, getting a pap test on your period can also be quite uncomfortable as your cervix is lower and more sensitive during this time.
If you are prone to menstrual cramping, a pap smear procedure can become an uncomfortable experience. Personal hygiene concerns are also common and valid when getting the test done during your period.
Considering these, you will often be asked to reschedule your pap smear test for when you don’t have your period or when your flow is lighter. However, there are instances when your OB-GYN will still recommend you to push through with it even while on your period.
When it’s Okay to Get Your Pap Smear Test on Your Period
If your period starts unexpectedly or you have urgent medical needs, your OB-GYN might make the call to proceed with the test, provided some conditions are met. These conditions include:
Light Menstrual Flow
If your period is light, the amount of menstrual blood is minimal and less likely to interfere with the sample collection. Additionally, menstrual cramps also subside near the end of your period.
Overall, a lighter flow and fewer cramps are ideal for more accurate results and comfortable pap test experiences. In this case, your OB-GYN can decide to proceed with the pap smear.
Urgent Medical Needs
Sometimes, getting a Pap smear done as soon as possible is crucial, regardless of your menstrual cycle. Suppose you have urgent medical concerns, such as symptoms of cervical cancer or other reproductive health issues. In that case, your healthcare provider may decide that the benefits of conducting the test immediately outweigh the potential drawbacks of menstruation.
Convenience and Scheduling Conflicts
For some women, rescheduling a pap smear due to a period might be impractical due to work, personal commitments, or limited availability of appointments. If you and your healthcare provider agree that proceeding despite your period is more convenient, especially if the flow is light, it may be the best option.
If you’re consistent with your regular Pap smear schedule and have never had any issues with results or sample collection during your period, you can continue with the test as planned. Your familiarity with your body and previous experiences can guide your decision.
Final Thoughts
Timing your pap smear test around your menstrual cycle can be tricky, especially if you don’t get it regularly. But skipping it can leave you vulnerable to conditions that must be detected and treated early on.
Ensuring that you get regular tests and accurate results is paramount to this, and while scheduling can be challenging, close collaboration with your OB-GYN can help significantly. In doing so, remember that:
- Timing matters for accuracy. In this regard, it’s essential to work with a specialist who deeply understands your period patterns. This level of understanding is especially critical if you have irregular menstrual cycles. Seek to pin down an ideal pap smear test schedule with a specialist with whom you have a long working history.
- Your comfort is a priority, too. Your comfort is just as important as the accuracy of the results. Indeed, it is one of the top priorities of your OB-GYN and a significant factor they consider when advising you to reschedule. Your doctor will always be willing to work with you to find a better schedule at a time that is most comfortable for you.
- There is always space for compromise. There are situations where having a Pap smear during your period is acceptable, such as during light flow, for urgent medical needs, or when rescheduling is impractical. Always communicate with your healthcare provider to make the best decision based on your unique circumstances.
Your health and comfort should always come first. If you have any concerns or need more personalized advice about scheduling your pap smear, don’t hesitate to contact Roswell Ob/Gyn Specialists. Our team is here to provide the guidance and support you need for all your reproductive health care needs.
