Smear tests - can you have one if you have got your period?

[Ceebee74]

I am due to go for one on Friday and my period is due sometime in the next few days (I am not very regular).

If it comes before Friday, do I need to cancel and rearrange my test?

Yes, cancel and rearrange - you should ideally have your smear in the middle of your cycle. They can't do it during your period, and I think the results are less clear just after and just before. The clinic should have told you that really. Well done for organising it though

If you're not having periods, you wouldn't be having a cycle though would you? If you're not having periods, the lining of the uterus isn't coming away and eggs aren't being released............or so i always thought

The results are often sent back as "inadequate" with clinical reason being "obscured by blood" which means it will likely have to be done again.

Not pleasant for the nurse either!