Was Bleeding Caused by PAP?
Question
I’m 39 years old. I had a pelvic exam and a pap smear yesterday. The doctor told me there might be a little spotting. I have had pap smears in the past and have never experienced what I am now. It started like spotting, but it soon became as heavy as a period. My cycle is only 23/24 days. This started on the 15th day of my cycle. For the last two cycles, It only lasted 4 days instead of 6. Could this have been caused by the exam, or definitely not? My daughter also just started her period two months ago. Would this have anything to do with my irregular cycle?
Answer
Last Updated: July 24, 2013
It would seem highly unlikely that either the heavy bleeding you described, or the shortened periods you experienced over the last two cycles would result from a pelvic exam or PAP smear. While women living in the same household often notice that their periods coincide, I know of no evidence that suggests a link to irregularity in the menstrual cycle. At age 39, the irregularity of your menstrual cycle is more likely related to the changes that occur as you approach the menopausal stage of life. However, if the unusual bleeding persists, I would recommend scheduling an appointment with your OB/GYN to rule out an organic cause.
Nancy Matteoli, CFCP
Nancy Matteoli, CFCP
Answered By:
Nancy Matteoli, CFCP
Nancy Matteoli, taught the Creighton Model FertilityCare System in the Sacramento region until her retirement. She and her husband Rick live in the Sacramento region.
