Irregular Periods and Your Annual Exam: Can You Have Your Annual Checkup While on Your Period?
Irregular periods can interfere with a scheduled annual exam or Pap smear. Ideally, your annual exam and Pap smear should be conducted when you are not on your period. While heavy menses may possibly interfere with Pap smear interpretation, we generally can see someone when they are on their period, including a pelvic exam and successfully collect their Pap. Understandably, many patients are more comfortable to be examined when they are not on their period, and we are happy to reschedule if they request. Continue reading to learn about the causes of an irregular period and how to treat it.