Should You Abstain from Having Sex Before a Pelvic Exam?

225 2 0
                                    

A pelvic exam will, perhaps, be the last thing on your mind when you are about to make love.
However, prior to a gynecologist appointment, you should remember that sexual intercourse can affect test results.
That is because the sperm's alkaline pH affects the vaginal acidic pH and flora, distorting the results of smear tests, including the Pap smear. It is better to postpone having sex with a condom since friction can slightly traumatize the mucosa or cause inflammation, which sometimes leads to diagnostic errors.
Using a lubricant is also not recommended. If sex did take place, let your gynecologist know about it. This will help him or her adequately interpret your smear test results.
When planning a pelvic exam, the best option is to refrain from having sex 24-48 hours before the appointment.

Girl To GirlWhere stories live. Discover now