Is it okay to do routine physical examination during menstruation?

There is no need to change your physical examination appointment during your menstrual period. Most routine items can be done normally. Only a few items related to urology and reproduction will be affected and can be postponed for check-ups.

Last week, I just went to the physical examination center with my best friend who had an annual physical examination. When she got up that morning, she found that her aunt was here. She had planned to call customer service to reschedule. I advised her to go and see what she could do first, so as not to take time to make another trip. When she arrived at the scene, she mentioned to the guidance desk that she was on her period, and the guidance counselor directly marked her for elective re-examination of gynecological examination, TCT/HPV sampling, and urine routine. The rest of the blood drawing, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, abdominal color ultrasound, and medical and surgical palpation were all completed smoothly. It only took more than an hour, and there was no need to pay extra for subsequent re-examinations, which was very convenient.

Speaking of which, I have been in a similar trap before. I did a urine test the year before last without noticing that I was still on my period. When I got the report, I was almost frightened to death when I saw the sign indicating 3+ occult blood in urine. I called a nephrology specialist. After the doctor asked me if I was on my period, he waved me away and asked me to wait a week for a follow-up check. The result was that there was nothing wrong with the check-up. Not to mention I wasted dozens of dollars in registration fees, and I was worried for several days. This is why many people suggest that it is best to avoid physical examinations during menstruation. This does not mean that it cannot be done at all. The main reason is that they are afraid of abnormal results caused by menstrual blood contamination of specimens, which will add unnecessary psychological burden and require more trips for re-examination.

If your physical examination does not include gynecological items, but is just an ordinary employment or entrance screening, you can go with peace of mind. Mention to the nurse at the urine test window that you are menstruating in advance, and they will also mark it on the report to avoid misjudgment by the doctor. Of course, many gynecologists will suggest that if you are doing a comprehensive health screening, especially if you need to evaluate your gynecological health status, it is best to wait for 3-7 days after menstruation. Firstly, the thickness of the endometrium during this period is most suitable for observing whether there are polyps, hyperplasia and other problems. Secondly, there is no menstrual blood interference, sampling and diagnosis are more accurate, and it can also avoid the risk of external bacteria entering the uterine cavity along the open cervix during the examination and causing infection.

Of course, there are exceptions. If you have abnormal vaginal bleeding this time and you can't tell whether it is normal menstruation, you don't have to wait until it is clean before going. Seeing a doctor with blood can allow doctors to more accurately determine the cause of bleeding, and there is no need to apply routine physical examination recommendations.

If you are really not sure, it is much more useful to call the scheduled physical examination center in advance to explain your situation and physical examination items clearly than to worry about it at home.