Groin hernia surgery - due on period, advice please

[WhereIsMyPhone]

Hello,

I have a date to for femoral hernia surgery repair very soon, however I will be on my period (couple of days in - so lovely and heavy and crampy!) 😣.. I have spoken to a nurse who said the surgery is fine to go ahead just to wear a tampon and make sure I let them know on the day.

A few things are bothering me.. for one, I’m in my early thirties and haven’t ever used a tampon before, tried once years ago and found them uncomfortable so of course I’m fretting about not doing that right and being embarrassed by any ‘issues’!

Also, I am wondering whether there are any people on here who have had a similar hernia repair surgery in their groin (femoral or inguinal) and ask the question - where you completely undressed for the surgery, as in no underwear?

I have been working myself up about this operation for twelve months and now it coincides with my period it is just the icing on the cake for me!

Appreciate any feedback, thank you 😊

If you don’t normally use tampons then don’t specially for this. Wear underwear, or ask for some disposable ‘netty-knickers’ and a pad (and pack spares because NHS pads are like small mattresses). Underwear does have to be pulled down to do the operation but that can be done asleep. If there’s any ‘leakage’ it’ll be managed discreetly - it’s just normal physiology and that’s kind of what we deal with in theatres. Skin prep stains fabrics so don’t wear your fanciest pants in case they get wrecked! If you’re lucky though the stress of the build up to surgery might knock your hormones out a bit and delay the start of your cycle anyway!

Bit drastic, but you could go on the pill to delay it if you are really worried.

Are you having keyhole or open surgery?
I had open surgery and the incision scar is where my bikini line is and slightly over to the side above the top of my right leg.

I think I was given paper pants to wear under my gown.

I am also having open surgery. Paper pants will be very welcomed!

Some very good advice here, thank you!

I had an inguinal hernia and I am afraid you wear a hospital gown so that it opens at the front and no underwear I was semi-conscious (spinal anaesthetic) and they put a screen up so I couldn’t see the surgeons. Let’s face it, they have seen it all before.

Phone them and talk to them about how to do it. Say “I don’t use tampons”. Periods are normal but the mess could be annoying if you’re stiff so ask them what works. One in 4 women you meet will be menstruating.

No you won't be able to use a tampon during surgery..... why did she give you that advice

1 in 4?

Speak to your GP and get this to delay your period

this

I have had three lower body surgeries and been on mY period for two of them…they
specifically said no tampons, pads only. I was given paper pants to wear prior to surgery which I put the pad into, when I woke up it had been swapped out for a big soft nhs one and nurses provided more the 48 hrs I was in hospital. Don’t worry about it, 1 in 4 women operated on will be on their periods, the surgery team have seen it all before

I thought that, but with it being an outpatient procedure, I should be up and about within in a time frame to safely use one.

Of those who menstruate. I’m sure you know that but do tell me about the menopausal and people with pcos, those who’ve had hysterectomies or those who are pregnant…..

Thanks for all the replies, have appreciated all the different experiences… It will all go smoothly I’m sure. Thanks again 😊

You can get period delaying hormone tablets- norethistone is one, I think- available to buy from online pharmacy. Could just buy yourself a few days reprieve !

Ask for tablets from the doctor to delay the period

They sound amazing! Will have a look thank you so much!

Anaesthetist. dont faff with hormones to delay periods we see it all the time it really doesnt matter. Just wear a pair of pants u dont mind going in the bin (surgeons are v liberal with skin cleaning so they'll get stained brown or orange/pink) and a pad. Change it before you go down. Just mention it discretely to your anaesthetist so they don't tell you to take your pants off (they'll just be slid down to your public bone and slid up again after it's done) - it's no big deal occurs all the time

Feeling much better and reassured reading this. Will most certainly walk in there more confident and will take it in my stride, whatever state I’m in on the day! Cheers!

I used a tampon when I was having surgery, no issues

@Bonfire23 bad idea.

@WhereIsMyPhone the pills to
Delay the period can make women quite hormonal

Why? They were aware I was using one

They also increase your clotting risk so I wouldn't take them pre surgery.

I take norethisterone all the time and they refused to let me take it Pre and post para stomal hernia surgery due to clotting issues. I would be surprised if they agree to it.

Also I had to take my underwear off... I wore it down to the theatre and the surgeon laughed at me and put my knickers in a bag. Haven't seen them since!