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.
Can I have a Pap smear 2 days before my period?
Avoid intercourse, douching, or using any vaginal medicines or spermicidal foams, creams or jellies for two days before having a Pap smear, as these may wash away or obscure abnormal cells.
Try not to schedule a Pap smear during your menstrual period
. It’s best to avoid this time of your cycle, if possible.
At what point in your cycle should you have a smear test?
You can have a smear test on any day that you’re not having your period.
Aim for the second half of your cycle (the 2 weeks before your next period is due)
if you can. Don’t worry if you can’t get an appointment at the “ideal” time, the smear can still be taken, if you are not bleeding.
What should you not do before a smear test?
Don’t
use any creams, medication or lubricants in your vagina
before your smear. Jess advises: “These things can also get into the sample and make it difficult to see. “It doesn’t actually effect the result but it can make it hard for the person who’s looking at the sample to see what it is.”
Can you get a Pap smear during ovulation?
According to experts on cervical cancer,
the ideal time to have a Pap smear done is at least five days following the last day of your menstrual period
. Even though OB-GYN physicians can conduct this test when you are on your period, it is still better to reschedule for another date.
Can your period cause abnormal Pap smear?
Having recently menstruated or being close to the start of your period can also cause cervix changes
. Using tampons and even taking a bath prior to your test can affect the results too. When I was pregnant with my daughter, my obstetrician performed a Pap smear as part of the routine prenatal exam.
How long do Pap smear results take?
Pap smear results. The test results usually take
1–3 weeks
to come back. Most test results are negative, but they can sometimes be positive.
What can cause an abnormal Pap smear?
The main cause of abnormal Pap test results is
infection with human papillomavirus (HPV)
. There are many types of HPV. Some types have been linked to cancer of the cervix, vulva, and vagina. Other types have been linked to genital warts.
Can you shower before a smear test?
Should I have a shower before I get a smear test? Up to you! You don’t have to, there is no medical reason that you should.
Showering or not showering will not affect the test in any way
.
Can you get a pelvic exam during your 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 you go to Gyno on your period?
Going to the gyno during your period is generally okay, especially if it’s about period-related issues
. In fact, canceling the appointment if it falls during a period is probably not necessary. Some people might feel uncomfortable and would prefer to reschedule, but there’s no need to otherwise.
Is it safe to get a Pap smear while trying to conceive?
You may have heard that a Pap smear can cause a miscarriage or some other problem with your pregnancy. Don’t worry:
It’s perfectly safe to have a Pap smear while you’re pregnant and it doesn’t increase your risk of miscarriage
.
Can a Pap smear detect STD?
A Pap smear can’t detect STDs
. To test for diseases like chlamydia or gonorrhea, your healthcare provider takes a sample of fluid from the cervix. Fluid isn’t the same as cervical cells. Blood tests can also identify certain STDs.
How often should you get Pap smears?
Women should start Pap smear screening at age 21. Between the ages of 21-29, women whose Pap smears are normal only need it repeated
every three years
. Women ages 30 and over should have testing for the human papillomavirus (HPV) with their Pap smear. HPV is the cause of cervical cancer.
What are symptoms of HPV in females?
- bleeding after sex.
- unusual discharge.
- a lump in the vagina.
- pain while having sex.
Can a yeast infection cause an abnormal Pap smear?
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and even yeast infections can cause a slightly abnormal pap smear
. Your doctor will recommend the best course of action based on the results of your test. This can range from scheduling another Pap in three to six months, to getting a colposcopy.
Should I be worried if my Pap smear came back abnormal?
Most abnormal Pap smear results are nothing to worry about
Most women will have at least one abnormal Pap smear result in their lifetime, with an overall average of 5% of all Pap tests coming back as “abnormal.” In most cases, the abnormal result is nothing to worry about, but it’s important to follow up to make sure.
What does it mean if your Pap is normal but HPV is positive?
Positive. A positive HPV test means
you do have an HPV type that may be linked to cervical cancer
. This does not mean you have cervical cancer now. But it could be a warning.
