What happens if I have my period on surgery day?

Question

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

At the Mommy Makeover Institute of Hawaii, we do 9-15 procedures per week, and I have performed over 20,000 procedures (separate surgeries) in my career.  I have never concerned myself with whether a patient was having her period or not on the day of surgery, and I have not seen any increased bleeding or other problems related to the proximity of one's menstrual period with surgery.From a technical point of view, we recommend our patients place a tampon in their vagina before surgery, the nurse removes the tampon at the end of surgery, and replaces it with a pad.  This prevents embarrassing leakage, and the removal of the tampon at the end of surgery decreases the chance of the well documented complications associated with forgotten tampons left in after surgery.  Each patient has to make her decision in consultation with her Board Certified plastic surgeon with reference as to what to do if one's period falls on the day of surgery.  Personally, I see no problem technically or medically.

Hayley Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a very commonly asked question. It seems that many women do have their period on surgery day. Sometimes stress can change the menstrual cycle, and for many women it seems like everything just happens when you don't want it to. Regardless, it has no effect on the surgery. If a woman usually uses a tampon, I have them use the restroom right before the procedure and they can change it again after surgery.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It shouldn't be a problem that you have your period. Just make sure to wear a pad rather than a tampon. You may feel a little more "out of it" after surgery just because most people tend to be a little more sensitive while they're on their period.However, please let your surgeon know.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

It should be okay to proceed with your surgery, however you should ask your surgeon for their advice. Your recovery may be a little more troublesome.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Having your period on surgery day should not cause any problems whatsoever. Best wishes with your upcoming procedures.

Vivek Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. This is not a big issue unless you are having vaginal surgery.  Otherwise, just inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist, and they will decide if it is an issue. I hope this helps!

What happens if I have my period on surgery day?

Answers (10)

Answer: Should be okay

Answer: Should be okay

Answer: What happens if I have my period on surgery day?

Answer: What happens if I have my period on surgery day?

Answer: Menstrual Period on Surgery Day

Answer: Menstrual Period on Surgery Day

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What happens if I have my period on surgery day?

Answers (10)

Answer: Should be okay

Answer: Should be okay

Answer: What happens if I have my period on surgery day?

Answer: What happens if I have my period on surgery day?

Answer: Menstrual Period on Surgery Day

Answer: Menstrual Period on Surgery Day

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mommy Makeover

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.