Should You Cancel a Pap Smear if You Have Your Period? Answered

Should You Cancel a Pap Smear if You Have Your Period?

Getting a Pap smear during your menstrual cycle is common, but many women wonder if they should reschedule the test instead. Understanding whether you can get a Pap smear while on your period can help you plan ahead.

What is a Pap Smear?

A Pap smear, also known as a Pap test, is a routine screening procedure for cervical cancer. During a Pap smear, your doctor uses a small brush or spatula to gently scrape some cells from your cervix. These cells are examined under a microscope to check for precancerous or cancerous changes.

Pap smears are recommended every 3-5 years for women aged 21-65. This screening test is the best way to detect cervical cell abnormalities early, when they are most treatable.

Can You Get a Pap Smear During Your Period?

Yes, you can still get a Pap smear while you are on your period. Menstruation does not interfere with the test or make it any less accurate. Many doctors are accustomed to performing Pap tests at any time during a woman's menstrual cycle.

However, some women may wish to reschedule a Pap smear for the following reasons:

• You feel more comfortable getting the test when not on your period
• You are experiencing heavy flow or severe cramps
• The blood flow makes the procedure more difficult for the doctor

Talk to your doctor about whether to keep or reschedule the appointment if your period coincides with your Pap smear. They can advise you on the best course of action.

Does Blood Affect Pap Smear Results?

The presence of blood or menstrual flow does not alter Pap smear results. The cells collected from your cervix during the test are still visible under the microscope for analysis, even if some blood is present.

In fact, many doctors say menstrual blood actually helps collect adequate cells from the cervix. So fear about a bloody Pap smear interfering with results is unwarranted.

A small amount of vaginal bleeding from a Pap smear is normal, too. You may notice some light spotting after the test even if your period has ended. This is only due to the scraping of the delicate cervical tissue and is nothing to worry about.

Getting a Pap Smear While Bleeding Heavily

If you are bleeding very heavily during your period, rescheduling a Pap test is probably wise. Heavy menstrual flow can make it difficult for your doctor to properly collect cervical cells and obtain an adequate sample.

A heavy flow may also increase discomfort during the Pap smear procedure. If you are already dealing with severe menstrual cramps, the scraping of cells from your cervix may further aggravate the pain.

Talk to your gynecologist about the best time to come in if your heavy periods and intense cramping make getting a Pap smear difficult. They can suggest scheduling it just after your period ends instead.

Does Your Period Affect HPV Testing?

HPV testing is often performed along with Pap smears to check for infection with high-risk, cancer-causing strains of human papillomavirus. Catching an HPV infection early is crucial for getting appropriate treatment.

Fortunately, having your period does not alter HPV test results either. The HPV DNA material collected during a Pap smear is still detectable through laboratory analysis regardless of any potential blood contamination.

So you do not need to worry about menstrual blood affecting the accuracy of any HPV testing performed alongside your Pap smear.

Abnormal Pap Smear Causes

While many Pap smear results come back normal, some women do get notified of abnormal cervical cell changes. An abnormal Pap smear does necessitate further testing but does not mean you definitely have cancer.

HPV Infection

One of the most common reasons behind abnormal Pap smears is infection with certain high-risk strains of HPV. Nearly all cases of cervical cancer are tied to HPV.

HPV is extremely common, with most sexually active adults getting it at some point. While 9 out of 10 HPV infections resolve without treatment, lingering infection can trigger cervical cell changes.

Abnormal cells caused by HPV do not necessarily turn cancerous. But precancerous cell changes do warrant continued monitoring and testing until the HPV infection clears.

Cervical Dysplasia

Abnormal changes in the cervix are described as dysplasia. Mild (LSIL) or more severe (HSIL) dysplasia is another frequent cause of abnormal Pap smears.

Dysplasia arises due to HPV infection, irritation, inflammation or hormonal changes. If caught early, removing or destroying the abnormal cervical tissue often helps treat dysplasia before it progresses.

Other Infections and Growths

Less commonly, other infections and growths on the cervix can lead to abnormal Pap smear findings. These include:

• Herpes
• Trichomoniasis
• Yeast infections
• Cervical polyps
• Nabothian cysts

Treatment depends on the specific infection present. While some require antibiotic medications, others like polyps or cysts may call for minor surgery for removal.

Menopause Changes

Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can modify cells on the cervix so they appear abnormal upon Pap smear analysis. This alone does not signify any precancerous condition.

Cell changes related to menopause often resolve on their own. But your doctor will likely order a repeat Pap smear in 6-12 months to confirm that atypical cells return to normal once hormone levels stabilize post-menopause.

Next Steps After an Abnormal Pap Smear

Understandably, many women feel concerned about an abnormal Pap smear result. But try not to panic - early detection means you have the best opportunity for effective treatment.

Depending on the severity of the cellular changes seen, your doctor may recommend:

• Repeating the Pap test in 6-12 months
• HPV testing if not already done
• Colposcopy examination
• Cervical biopsy

Any abnormal cervical cell changes will require close observation with regular Pap smears. More advanced precancer may necessitate outpatient surgery to excise damaged tissue. Together with your doctor, determine an appropriate follow-up plan.

Can You Still Get Pregnant After an Abnormal Pap Smear?

Yes, you can still get pregnant and go on to deliver healthy babies after being diagnosed with abnormal cervical cell changes.

In some cases, doctors may advise delaying pregnancy until completing treatment and seeing proof that any precancerous changes have regressed. But an abnormal Pap rarely prevents a woman from having children in the future via normal conception or procedures like IVF.

Protecting Cervical Health

While some risk factors for cervical cancer cannot be avoided, many healthy habits make a big difference:

• Get vaccinated against HPV
• Quit smoking cigarettes
• Use condoms during sex
• Limit sex partners

Protect yourself by making smart lifestyle choices and keeping up with regular Pap smears. Report any abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain to your women's health doctor promptly. Together you can make sure precancerous changes are caught early and monitored appropriately.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.