Updated December 27, 2018.
If your menstrual flow is heavy, it’s best to wait until after your period has ended to get a Pap test. Menstrual blood can obscure the visibility of the cervical cells collected in the sample, which can lead to inaccurate results.
But if you’re only spotting, “It’s probably fine to have your Pap,” according to One Medical provider Bernadette Donovan, NP. “There’s a chance the test may need to be redone but it’s a small one, so it’s ultimately up to your comfort level.”
If you’re considering rescheduling your Pap, there’s one more consideration: The Pap test guidelines have changed and you may not actually be due for your next test. According to the 2012 guidelines released by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), women between 21 and 65 who have never had an abnormal Pap should receive a Pap test only once every three to five years.
In other words, you may be able to skip the Pap altogether. If you have questions specific to your personal history, we’re happy to help. Please call our office and we’ll connect you with a member of our medical team.
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Any general advice posted on our blog, website, or app is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace or substitute for any medical or other advice. 1Life Healthcare, Inc. and the One Medical entities make no representations or warranties and expressly disclaim any and all liability concerning any treatment, action by, or effect on any person following the general information offered or provided within or through the blog, website, or app. If you have specific concerns or a situation arises in which you require medical advice, you should consult with an appropriately trained and qualified medical services provider.