pap and period

[oopsees.livejournal.com]

Hello. Sorry if this is a duplicate question, but I appreciate any help. I have an annual exam (pap smear) tomorrow. Since I had to schedule it pretty far in advance, it happened to fall sort of during my period. I called today and asked the scheduling person if it was ok to come if I'm still spotting. She said, yes, if it is the end, not the beginning of your period.

Ok, great. Except now I'd say I'm a little more than spotting, and definitely after the 24hr cancellation window. (heaviness of "spotting" I'd say is nothing a panty liner couldn't handle) A little googling shows pap smear+period=bad news. So, if there's some spotting/blood what's going to happen tomorrow? The pap sort of matters, but since I just started having sex in the past year, it's not a huge concern (in that, as I understand it, three years is the incubation period for discernable problems), BUT I am concerned about a possible BV infection. Would the blood interfere with that?

I'm just a little confused. I don't want to make a mess tomorrow, but I also don't want to pay a cancellation fee out of pocket. Thanks very much for any assistance.

Comments

[mooncrab.livejournal.com]

I'm pretty sure I've had a pap done while I was menstruating...

[jennifer0246.livejournal.com]

If you're under 21 and haven't been sexually active for 3 years or more, the powers-that-be (ACOG) state that you don't necessarily need a pap smear. That said, some providers will do it anyway. Most providers can do a pap with a light period (they'd be able to swab the blood away and take a sample of cervical cells. If you're bleeding heavily, that can be a problem, though it sounds as if it's fairly light.

[oopsees.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the info! The site I saw said 10-20days post period is best, during period not so good, but didn't explain why. So this helps. cool.

[angel1895.livejournal.com]

in november I had got to the GYN to stop a 2 month period (HELL!) and whilst I was there and open.. and had missed my annual exam (no ins)... she asked if I wanted to do it.. and so she did...
basically, they will do it while you are menstruating.. they just dont *like* to... understandably so I guess :)
good luck to you!

[oopsees.livejournal.com]

thanks for the info! Good to know it is possible to do the test while menstruating.