To attend gynae appointment while on my period

[INeedAnAero]

I have a long awaited gynae referral appointment in the morning and joy of joys, my period has just started. (Blooming early)

I have waited months for this appointment and I'm worried that if I don't attend I'll be in for another very long wait for a rescheduled appointment or possibly even discharged to start over the whole process again.

Would you go? I know they've 'seen it all before" but I still feel a bit grim about it

Depends what it's for. When I was having treatment on my cervix I was told to let them know because they couldn't do it. Give them a ring to discuss it?

Would it interfere with anything they'll be doing? I'd get on with it tbh - they're used to having to retrieve placentas out of vaginas - they won't care a jot.

Definitely go. They wouldn't be able to see their patients 25% of the time if it was a problem. I'd mention it before any examination. Maybe a tampon/ mooncup would make you feel less self conscious and take out just before examination?

It's never affected any gynae appointment I've ever had in the past four years.

Yes go. They won't care. Just tell them when you go in. This happened to me and they were fine about it, mine was for a full examination and it was not a problem. They are very used to it, honestly.

I was in a similar situation - I rang the doctors and explained what had happened and they said it would be ok

(I just removed tampon immediately prior to examination).

I have several times , depends on what they're doing (think cervical stuff they need you not to be bleeding) but have had scans and internals done during a period , and surgery once too. GP in particular had to examine me once and was very sympathetic even when I managed to again the carpet . I think most doctors would be very used to it , especially gynaecologists!

It isn't nice - it isn't pleasant anyway - but if it avoids you waiting a long time for another appt I'd just go. Maybe take some baby wipes, pads and spare knickers and have a quick freshen up before and after.

I had been bleeding for 8 months continuously, so had no choice, and I think that it made them take me seriously as i was sat bleeding on the bed and then on the consultant and nurse when they did my biopsy. I was just British about it- said sorry a lot and looked at the ceiling.

Its a consultation regarding bladder prolapse repair.

Jesus, I don't envy the poor bloke

In almost 2 decades of having smears, I've always been lucky enough for them not to clash with my cycle, so never given this much thought before.

Thank you all for your positive stories and super advice

I'll just put my big girl pants on (or off) and get on with it!

Feeling much, much better about it now. Thank you!