Dumb question about pap smears...

byrne15

So can you get them done during AF?

My guess would be no, but do you then just call the dr and reschedule?  I still want to go in anyway, since I just switched to a new practice and this is cycle #18 for me.

So what's the answer from TTGP??

XXXXX222

Better to reschedule.  They can skew the results.  Some doctors will do them if you are spotting or very light bleeding, but in general most will not do them during your period.

alison2379

I've never heard of being able to get a pap while AF is in town. Sorry.

And I'm sorry about Cycle 18.

youngin12

I've had one done towards the end of AF but I don't know about right in the middle or the heaviest part.

 

heathlyn9

Well...I started AF last cycle on the day of my annual & I still went to my appt. anyways. Lucky for me I was only spotting at that point, but they still did the testing anyways.

MrsT0522

if it's a heavy flow, they probably won't do it, but if it's a light one they can. (This is what my nurse told me when I had the same situation)

If you are still going to go in, just explain that to them, and let the doctor decide! 

nursemama2be

I've had it done before. I wasn't happy about it but you have to schedule an appt. 6 mos in advance to get in so I had to do it then. My Gyn said it was fine as long as I wasn't bleeding to heavily. Sorry about cycle 18

nursemama2be

I've had it done before. I wasn't happy about it but you have to schedule an appt. 6 mos in advance to get in so I had to do it then. My Gyn said it was fine as long as I wasn't bleeding to heavily.

ProcrastinatingBride

byrne15:

So can you get them down during AF?

My guess would be no, but do you then just call the dr and reschedule?  I still want to go in anyway, since I just switched to a new practice and this is cycle #18 for me.

So what's the answer from TTGP??

I was just about to reschedule mine this past CD3, but it turned out that my spotting was down to almost nothing, and they were able to do it no problem.  If there's a chance you'll have actual flow, I'd reschedule.  You could take your chances, but if your results come back wonky, you'll be worrying about them unnecessarily.  GL!

byrne15

i guess i'll go in and let them decide what to do.  my apt is friday and i am expecting AF today or tomorrow.

MuseumMaven

I would call and explain the situation.  Different doctors have different policies/preferences.  Mine chooses to reschedule.

KaraG2B

sulfababy:

Better to reschedule.  They can skew the results.  Some doctors will do them if you are spotting or very light bleeding, but in general most will not do them during your period.

This. We don't do paps on our patients if they have AF. Sorry :-/

brookelynpaisley

Okay, this is my honest reaction. Even if a doctor would do it? Why would you want to do it then?

I would reschedule. Just tell them you thought you'd planned your appointment accordingly, but got a surprise. Or don't tell them anything, I guess. Just that you need to reschedule.

twocents6708

I scheduled mine today and thought, oh great, with the unpredictability of my AF lately, it will be my luck that I start. And it takes 2 months to get in to my dr. I would still probably reschedule because I can't imagine have one done while on my period. Sorry about cycle 18, maybe if you explain the situation, they might squeeze you in another day or call when there is a cancellation?