Can You Go to the Gyno on Your Period?

For some people, the days during their period aren’t much different from any other, and they don’t experience any pain. They put in tampons or use other period products, and that’s it. At most, they might have an occasional craving. For others, their period might come with a whole range of symptoms like unbearable cramps, headaches, and a general feeling of being uncomfortable. 

All people are different, and the same is true for menstrual cycles and reproductive health. That’s why visiting the gynecologist is so important. 

Many people want to know if it’s okay to go to the gynecologist during your period. 

Going to the gyno during your period is generally okay, especially if it’s about period-related issues. In fact, canceling the appointment if it falls during a period is probably not necessary. 

Some people might feel uncomfortable and would prefer to reschedule, but there’s no need to otherwise.

There are even cases when it’s better to go to a gynecologist during your period.

Why going to the gynecologist is important

Can a gynecologist check you during your period? Yes, they can, and they will. Understanding fully what a gynecologist does might help explain how they help with reproductive health. 

A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in female reproductive health. It’s best to seek a gynecologist’s opinion as soon as possible in cases of pain, uncontrolled bleeding, or other signs of discomfort in the vagina or reproductive system. You can still go to the gyno during your period. Here are a few reasons why it’s important to see a gynecologist regularly:

• The gynecologist will conduct a pelvic exam, Pap smear, and possibly other tests if necessary. It’s important even for healthy and fit people to see the gynecologist. There are several reproductive health issues that don’t show any signs or symptoms, especially in the first few months or years. 
• Getting regular checkups with a gynecologist is important for everyone, whether they are sexually active or not. Regular visits can detect any problems in the reproductive system before they get worse. Among the most common problems are cysts, endometriosis, infertility, fibroids, and polycystic ovary syndrome. 
• In some cases, it’s a good idea to go to the gyno during your period. For problems related to menstruation, this would be the ideal time for a health care provider to see what’s happening in the body. 
• For people who are sexually active, regular gynecologist checkups are very important. Sexual and reproductive health are critical parts of overall wellbeing.
• For people who want to get pregnant or have already conceived, regular visits to the OB-GYN will ensure optimum health for mother and baby. 
• A gynecologist is also the doctor to see for questions about contraceptives. A gynecologist can explain the options available and provide advice about the most appropriate birth control options for each person.

Gynecological exam during a period: When to do it

Can you go to the gynecologist during your period? It’s up to each person, and it’s usually possible to cancel the appointment at any time. However, there are cases when it’s best to see a gynecologist during a period: 

• Intense period pain 
• Irregular periods
• Heavy periods that last for a week or more 
• Getting an intrauterine device (IUD) inserted — Some gynecologists suggest that their patients come in for an IUD insertion appointment during their period because the cervix is more open, making the process easier. 

Is a gynecological exam during your period any different?

Gynecologists are used to and experienced with seeing patients during their periods. 

If possible, Pap smears — typically performed during a routine pelvic exam — should be scheduled when you’re not menstruating. It’s possible to get inconclusive Pap results during a period, but it’s also very likely it wouldn’t be an issue.

That being said, if a period comes early, it’s usually not necessary to cancel an appointment that was made weeks ago, especially if any symptoms need medical attention.