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Typically, you can keep your appointment, let your gynecologist know and let your worries go
It can be a lot to keep up with all of your various medical appointments. But regularly seeing a gynecologist is an important part of your healthcare routine.But what happens when your appointment with your gynecologist lines up with when you have your period?
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It happens — and for the most part, it’s totally OK. There are only a couple of exceptions, but as long as you’re speaking with your healthcare provider, there’s no need to reschedule your appointment if your time of the month overlaps.
Ob/Gyn Ashley Brant, DO, MPH, clears up the confusion of whether it’s OK to visit your provider if your monthly visitor has arrived at an inopportune time.
Seeing your gynecologist is important for many reasons. A gynecologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the female reproductive system, and visiting them regularly can help you maintain good reproductive and vaginal health, as well as catch any issues early on.
Here are just some of the reasons why seeing your gynecologist annually is important:
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Seeing your gynecologist regularly is an important part of maintaining good reproductive health and overall wellness. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends having your first gynecological appointment between the ages of 13 and 15 (though, Pap tests usually begin at age 21).
Let’s face it, that “time of the month” can be a delicate one for many people.So, you may be understandably anxious to go to your gyno appointment when your period starts.
“I always remind people that your provider is used to examining people who are bleeding or who have complaints of discharge,” Dr. Brant notes. “Things that you think are embarrassing are not embarrassing to your provider. Since it can be sometimes challenging to reschedule, I usually encourage them to keep the appointment.”
And, in fact, there are times when being on your period is a good thing. For example, it’s ideal to insert an IUD if you’re menstruating — though it’s not necessary. And if you want to start a prescription birth control method or get a birth control injection for the first time, it’s best to do that at the beginning of your menstrual cycle, as you know you aren’t pregnant.
Of course, there are always exceptions.
If you’re having very heavy bleeding (that is, soaking through a pad or tampon every hour) or passing clots, this might be the time when Dr. Brant recommends rescheduling.
“That degree of bleeding could make it challenging to do an effective exam,” she says. However, she also recommends that you should speak to your gynecologist if you have that much bleeding.
“Cramping won’t affect the exam in most cases, so the only concern is if you’re too uncomfortable,” she adds. “In this situation, I’d recommend taking an over-the-counter painkiller like ibuprofen before your appointment to minimize discomfort.”
Interestingly enough, the process for Pap smears and pelvic exams has changed over the years.
“Gynecologists often told women to reschedule their pelvic exams because of the way Pap tests work,” says Dr. Brant. “Before now, the presence of blood could make it harder to interpret the pap results.”
Luckily, technology has improved the process so much that it’s rarely a concern anymore. And it’s a good thing, too, as Pap smears are such an important part of your reproductive health.
“Because of the sophisticated tests we have, I rarely recommend someone skips this lifesaving appointment,” Dr. Brant stresses. “We use your yearly exam to screen for health problems and perform recommended tests.”
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If you’re already at the appointment and feeling symptoms of your period, be sure to be open about it. “When the nurse or medical assistant brings you into the room, I’d recommend you let them know you’re menstruating,” suggests Dr. Brant.
That way they can put something on the exam table to absorb the blood, if needed. You can also either ask to use the restroom to remove a tampon or take it out and dispose of it when you’re undressing and putting on a gown.
Seeing your gynecologist can be a vulnerable experience at times, but as Dr. Brant points out, it’s a crucial way to stay on top of your health. And it’s normal to feel a little extra wary when you’re on your period. But your healthcare provider and their team are there to make you as comfortable as possible during your appointment and to help you understand your body better. That means it’s OK to see them when you’re menstruating — and it’s also OK to let them know if you feel uncomfortable or uneasy for any reason.
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