What not to do before a well woman exam?

A well woman exam is an important checkup for your reproductive, hormonal, and overall health. To get accurate results and make the most of your visit, it’s important to avoid certain activities beforehand.

🔹 1. Don’t Have Intercourse 24–48 Hours Before a Pap Smear

  • Sexual activity can affect Pap smear results, making it harder to detect cervical changes.

  • Avoiding intercourse ensures a clean sample for accurate testing.

🔹 2. Don’t Use Vaginal Products Before Your Exam

  • Avoid douching, vaginal creams, spermicides, or tampons 24–48 hours before the visit.

  • These can interfere with Pap smear or culture tests and give inaccurate results.

🔹 3. Don’t Schedule During Your Period (If Possible)

  • While some exams can be done during menstruation, it’s best to schedule your well woman exam a few days after your period for clearer results, especially for Pap smears.

🔹 4. Don’t Ignore Your Medications or Supplements

  • Bring a list of medications and supplements you take.

  • Certain meds can affect hormone levels, blood pressure, or lab results.

🔹 5. Don’t Skip Bathroom Prep

  • Some urine or bladder tests may require an empty or full bladder.

  • Follow your doctor’s instructions for urine samples or pelvic exams.

🔹 6. Don’t Forget to Note Symptoms or Questions

  • Jot down menstrual irregularities, pain, or sexual health concerns.

  • Being prepared helps you get the most out of your visit.

✅ Summary

Before a well woman exam, avoid:

  • Sexual activity 24–48 hours before

  • Vaginal products or douching

  • Scheduling during heavy menstruation (if possible)

  • Ignoring medications or supplements

  • Forgetting to track symptoms or questions

💡 Tip: Preparation ensures accurate results and a smooth, productive exam — a true act of self-care and self-love.

Back to blog