Okay okay...I just realized tonight as I was taking my birth control pill that my surgery date (June 1st) falls on the 3rd-ish day of my period. Since I am on birth control my period is only about 3-4 days and it is never heavy. I am just wondering if it is alright to undergo surgery while menstruating? I really don't want to postpone the surgery. Was anyone else on their period during your surgery?

I'm not TOO worried about it, but I just would like to know if anyone went through it. Any input would be greatly appreciated of course!

Lori

1069, Can't you just switch the pills around so you have your period before going into surgery so that your over it before surgery? If not - I don't think it is that much of a problem but me, I would want it over with since I always have a hard flow and bloating.

Was not a problem for my friend who had surgery. Call your surgeon and see what they advise.

I asked the nurse at the hospital at my pre-op appointment about this because my periods were so irregular before surgery, she said it didn't matter for the surgery...but I think it would have been a pain to have to deal with the first couple of days post-op?? BUT I don't really know what a non-crampy, non-bloated period feels like, maybe it's not too bad. Can you change around your pills or automatically start the next pack to hold it off for a while?

I started my period right around my revision. I was on my 2nd or 3rd day the day of surgery. I advised the OR nurse, and orderlies that were going to wheel me back and help me move over to the OR bed. I was super embarrassed, and the nurses made me comfortable, and told me "honey you aren't the first and won't be the last woman that we have seen go through this". They were really awesome, and didn't make a big deal out of it. I had to be naked under the gown. The OR nurse gave me this industrial size monsterous maxi pad, she told me to slap it between my legs and tuck it under my toosh. I did just that, and when I woke up and went to the bathroom, they gave me these kind of cool, super stretchy panty things and I was able to use my own pads. They didn't want me using tampons, and that wasn't a problem because I wasn't having a heavy day.

Thanks so much everyone. I'll just do what Tiffykins did and tell the nurse and orderlies when I'm being checked in. I appreciate everyones input!

My doctor actually asks patients to go off birth control pills for at least 2 weeks prior to surgery due to an increased risk in blood clots. My surgery is next monday, and I decided to go off of them the whole month of May. I will probably be on my period around the time of surgery too, and I told the nurse at my dr appointment, and she said it would be fine! they would help me make sure everything was taken care of.

Firstly, my surgeon said you should be off birth control for 4 weeks prior to surgery! As well as 6 weeks after. Has to do with risk of blood clots. Have you asked him about that? If you do need to go off of it, it might fix the prob for you. When I went off mine, I have my period 3-4 days later like I always do when I stop my pill even though it was a week and a half earlier than I would have done so normally. So if you stopped it now maybe you'd be all done with your period before surgery.

My surgeon's office advised that they preferred if you didn't have your period simply because the first few days after surgery can be pretty intense for some people so their premise was the less to deal with, the better. Knowing what I know now, I am glad I didn't have mine.

I was on it, not a problem. Dont cancel just because of it. Its fine :-)

I just had my surgery four days ago and I was menstruating. It did not cause any issues whatsoever.

I started the morning of surgery! I have to say it was a bit heavier than normal due to the blood thinners. I was given postpartum panties-- like tiffy said the stretchy ones-- and had 'em going in but not coming out. they cath you so i was left all sorts of naked with a cot under me (one of those huge blue and white absorbent bed protectors). I was so anxious about it but the nurses do make you feel comfortable. The only one I told was the pre-op check-in nurse. The others had a pleasant surprise in the OR I guess! I have an IUD so no pills for me to manipulate.

I see your surgery has already come and gone....but I'll comment for others who are interested who haven't had the surgery yet.

I started my period the day of surgery. It was no issue. Just a little embarrassing.

But, we're all women.

Joining this late but hoping someone might have an idea. I got my period 3 days after my surgery which was really early. 13 days later I'm still dealing with "heavy spotting" and I'm not sure if it's because of the blood thinners or some other issue. Normally my period lasts about 4 days. I'm going to call my doc but I thought I'd start here.

Thanks!

OMG! I'm SOOOO HAPPY someone asked this question hahaha! I usually start every 28 days on the dot! But this month out of ALL months I started 2 days late!!!! And that means I will be at the tail end of my period on the day of my surgery and I was freaking out lol! I love this site! SO helpful! Thanks to ALL!

I think lots of things affect your period post-surgery including meds, anaesthesia, blood thinners and 'most' likely the radical changes your diet has undergone recently. Mine are still erratic at times and it could be pre-menopause for me (I'm 44) but I do know that lots of people on here report changes post-op so I wouldn't worry too much about it.