Does your period alter a pap smear?

Question

My period goes almost non-stop. How can they get a proper sample if your period alters the pap smear?

Answer 1

You *can* have pap smears while on your period... it simply isn't recommended, for the very reasons you discuss. The way the pap works basically involves the technician making a thin sample of your cervical cells, and then looking at them under a light microscope.

In your case, the technician would see some cells that would be worrisome in a nonmenstruating woman but are fine for someone who is bleeding: blood and endometrial tissue. Thus any diagnoses related to seeing those won't apply in your case, so you're missing out on some of the screening ability of the Pap. But if you have cancerous or precancerous cells, those have a distinct appearance, and the tech will still be able to find them.

This is something you should talk about with with your doctor. They'll be able to decide if they want to do a pap smear or do other tests first to see if your continuous menstrual bleeding has a serious cause.

Answer 2

Yes, it can. Traditional pap smears are done on a glass slide. They are stained and read by a cytotechnologist. But inflammation and high numbers of red blood cells can mask the cervical cells and heavy bleeding may make them unreadable.
Ask for a liquid based pap smear. It will help. The cells are placed into a liquid based medium and then processed to yield a single layer slide for exam. It is easier to read.
Do not wait though. Talk to your dr. If you are having non-stop bleeding, you need to get checked out now. There are other things they can do too. I had this problem as well. They may want to do an endometrial biopsy. Don't worry - it's kind of like a pap with a pinch. It really is not bad. But you need to get this checked! Soon!

Answer 3

A pap smear done, while you're menstruating, is never recommended. The blood cells present can obscure an accurate reading. If you're truly having a problem with excessive bleeding, then it would be best to have an initial visit to diagnose the cause of it and treat you for it. You will also need to be checked for anemia. Once that's resolved, then you can schedule a pap. The immediate concern, to me, is the almost "non-stop" periods.

I noticed the other response from someone who works in the same field that I do. We will never perform a pap on someone who is menstruating for the reason as described above. Different physicians have differing views apparently.

Answer 4

The cells are taken from your cervix, so they can do it while on your period, but usually they like it either the first day, or at almost the end. If you are having problems with your period though, a pap may show why. Maybe not, but at least it will rule out certain things. Don't worry about it. It doesn't alter it enough to cause a problem, or they wouldn't do it.

Answer 5

specific! medical doctors do, however the outcomes is easily not totally precise! medical doctors would prefer to have you ever blood loose to pap you! purely wait whilst it rather is over. except you havin some form of subject between your section, then you would desire to bypass Get checked!