Pap?

[Brandy]

I plan on calling my doctor's office first thing tomorrow (they open at 8, my appointment is at 8:15) to ask this but just wanted to see if I could get an answer before hand!

I have an appointment for a pap tomorrow but, ugh, I think I've started my period 3 days early. I know you shouldn't have a pap while on your period but I am not full out bleeding yet (TMI- but it is just like brown tinted discharge, not enough for a pad or tampon). Do you think I can still have it, the pap that is? Normally I would be all willing to reschedule but, this appointment was a reschedule (because the idiot receiptionist messed up my appointment time, so I was there a half an hour late last week and they wouldn't see me!!! Ugh- that is a whole seperate vent!) and tomorrow is the last day of my health insurance (It is $30 v. $150 per appointment, plus lab fees and I've been out of work for two weeks).

[ejs]

I think they would want you to reschedule. My dr likes me to have mine about 10 days after my last period started.

eta: From webmd.com: Schedule the test for a time when you are not having your menstrual period, because the presence of blood cells may interfere with test results. The best time to schedule the test is during the early part of your menstrual cycle, 8 to 12 days from the start of your last menstrual period.

[tlew12778]

If it's the last day of your health insurance and you are not sure when you will have new coverage, I would go and hope for the best. The blood cells can mess up the results, but that will only be an issue if you get irregular results. IMO, it's worth it to take the risk with irregular results, vs not going for an extended amount of time.

[southhavenjen]

My OB will do a pap if it's just spotting or very light flow. If you're in the heavy days of your period, she prefers not to do it. Apparently they have a new pap test where they spin the sample and all the debris is eliminated. I think you should be fine. Be sure to explain the situation with your insurance.

[Brandy]

Thanks for the info :) They did it anyway and were really nice about it!