HealthcareWhat to Expect When You Visit the Gynecologist During Your Periods

You scheduled your gynecologist appointment months in advance, and now it’s approaching, and you’re about to start your period.

What should a menstruator do?

If you don’t want to, there’s nothing you can do! You are free to go to your appointment as scheduled.

Dr. Himali Mania, one of the leading gynecologists in Bopal, Ahmedabad, who currently consults at Nisha Women’s Hospital, says, “You can go to the gynecologist while on your period.”

“It shouldn’t have much of an impact on the appointment,” she says.

There are even times when going to the gynecologist during your period is preferable.

All of your questions about visiting the gyno while on your period are answered below:

 If you are in the waiting room, and you are bleeding!

There’s no need to panic — the fact that you’re bleeding will have no bearing on any of the most common reasons for a visit to the gynecologist.

Including:

• Pap smear, depending on how heavy your period is
• (Most) fertility treatments
• Discussions about birth control
• STI testing
• Breast exam
• Maternal healthcare

You are not the first or last person to walk into a gynecologist’s office bleeding, and you won’t be the last.

Your gynecologist will not be annoyed, disgusted, upset, or any other emotion you’re afraid to express.

It’s also okay if you want to keep the appointment.

It’s all about your comfort! So, if you need to reschedule for a time when you won’t be menstruating, go ahead and do it.

There is one major exception: if you’re going to the gynecologist because your period is heavier than usual, you shouldn’t reschedule.

“It’s critical not to delay treatment if something unusual is going on with your cycle,” says Dr. Himali Maniar.

If you want to reschedule the appointment, that’s also fine.

There is *no* medical cause for the rescheduling.

Your visit or results will not be affected if you are on your menstrual cycle, to be precise.

The results of your STI examinations, Pap smear, and pelvic exam will most possibly be the same as they will be if you were not bleeding, thanks to the new technology!

To tell or not to tell, that is the question.

To tell the truth!

“It should be known if you have your period,” says Dr. Himali Maniar.

Does every gynecologist appointment start with a medical assistant asking questions like:

• What brought you in?
• When did your most recent period begin?
• Do you have a period right now?
• When was the last time you had a mammogram?

“By the time the doctor enters the patient’s room, the intake form should have provided that information,” she says.

If the assistant does not inquire about your last menstrual cycle for whatever reason, you may say one of the following to any of the medical personnel with whom you interact:

• “So that you know, I’m on my period right now!”
• “Before I put the gown on, I’d like to clarify.”
• “I’m on my period’s heaviest day… Is it necessary for me to keep my pad on? Off?”
• “Will there be a pelvic exam today, by the way?” If that’s the case, I’d like to inform you that I’m on my period.”

During the exam, what to expect.

Depending on why you’ve come to see a gynecologist, what happens will differ.

You’ll almost certainly need a pelvic exam if you’re getting a Pap smear, site-specific STI testing, yeast infection testing, or a fertility consultation or treatment.

Do you want to know how a pelvic exam feels like when you’re on your period?

“The gynecologist will send you to the lavatory to remove whatever menstrual merchandise you are using before the pelvic exam,” says Dr. Himali Mania. To put it another way, you’ll take out your tampon, your disc, or your cup.

If you’re in the middle of your cycle, the doctor will probably use a large Q-tip to remove any blood that’s still in the vaginal canal. She explains, “Blood can obscure the cervix and viewing.”

The appointment will then proceed as if you had not yet had your period.

Dr. Himali Maniar states, “There would be no other changes.” “Because the patient is currently menstruating, they will not be subjected to any additional pains or procedures.”

What impact will this have on the rest of your period?

It shouldn’t make a difference!

Your gynecologist appointment is unlikely to disrupt your cycle. It shouldn’t change the overall length, speed up the flow, or change the consistency of the flow.

“The only time going to the gynecologist could affect the rest of your cycle is if you have a procedure or implantation,” Dr. Himali Maniar says. An IUD, a rod, or tubal ligation are just a few examples.

If you have more questions

Before you go, call your gynecologist’s office if you have any additional questions or need reassurance.

Here’s an example of what you could say:

• “I’m calling because I have an appointment tomorrow, and I’ll be on my period at that time.”
• Could you please check with my doctor to ensure that my flow won’t interfere with any of our plans for tomorrow?”
• “I just wanted to let you know that I’m going to be on my period before I come in.” Is that all right?”

Asking these questions will allow you to get confirmation directly from the doctor that everything is fine!

Last but not least

Because you’re on your period, there’s no medical reason to cancel or reschedule your appointment.

If you’re going to the doctor because your menstrual cycle is causing you problems, now is the best time to go.

If it’s a routine checkup, however, and you’d feel more at ease coming the following week, go ahead and reschedule. After all, your well-being is crucial.

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