Can you have smear test during period

If your periods are irregular, this can make booking an appointment really tricky — especially when you factor in taking time off work. So why, exactly, can't you have a smear test while you're on your period? There is a good reason as to why you shouldn't be on your period when you have your smear test, explains Better2Know 's Dr Shamim Byrne, a gynaecologist with 25 years' experience in women's sexual health: "The reason pap smears are best done when a woman is not on her period is that clinical studies have shown that excessive amounts of blood may compromise the test and possibly lead to an unsatisfactory result.

Sometimes it is possible to take a good sample if your period is light, but please contact your doctor and ask them. It is also important to avoid having sex , using any vaginal creams, foams, or jellies and douching for two days before attending for your test. This is because these materials and products can interfere with the microscopic examination of the cervical cells and lead to a false negative test result.

The last thing you want is to go through the whole process of the smear test only to find that the result is inconclusive , so it's best to book outside of your period where possible; however, your GP can advise if you have irregular periods.

Smear tests are often much quicker and less uncomfortable than we imagine they will be, but that doesn't make them any less daunting. Talk to your GP and let them know if you're nervous, and if you ask specifically for a female doctor or nurse to carry out the procedure, they'll provide one. The tests are much easier if the patient is relaxed, so they'll do what they can to put you at ease. Period Health Periods Health. Clitoris pain can be caused by many things. Learn more about how it's diagnosed, the treatment options available, and more.

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Risks include fat necrosis, reabsorption, infection, and more. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Carolyn Kay, M. Can you get a Pap smear while on your period? What is a Pap smear? How is a Pap smear done if you are on your period? The takeaway. Read this next. The short answer is yes. Let's make one thing clear: the test should not be painful. If you feel any pain or discomfort during the test, there are things that may help, such as asking the nurse or doctor performing the test for a smaller speculum that's the nifty medical device they'll use to gently open your vagina.

Tell your nurse too, as they may be able to suggest ways to make it more comfortable. You can say stop at any time. Remember, you are in control. Your whole visit should not take longer than about 15 minutes. The most common symptom of cervical cancer is vaginal bleeding , but other symptoms include a change to your discharge, pain or discomfort during sex and unexplained lower back or pelvic pain.

If you already have symptoms, you don't need a smear test. Instead, tell your doctor and ask for a pelvic exam. Smear tests don't diagnose cancer, so you won't be told you have it during your appointment. What they do is prevent cancer by identifying a virus called high-risk HPV that can cause cervical cell changes sometimes called abnormal cells. That's why it's so important not to ignore those all-important smear test letters - they could pick up something which might save your life.