Question:
What happens if you're on your period during surgery?

I know that's probably a stupid question but, I'm going to be on mine during my surgery. That's going to be awfully embarassing! Can you take care of things yourself?    — [Anonymous] (posted on March 3, 2002)

March 3, 2002
Hi. My period was due the day before my surgery. I kept hoping that it would be late, so at least I could get through the surgery itself without having the hassle. But no... it came, right on time. Sheesh! I wore a pad to the hospital, and when I was given a gown to change into before getting on the gurney for preop stuff (IV, nursing assessment, etc.) I told the nurse my situation. She gave me a big, fat pad (the kind that goes with a belt... I call 'em surfboards) and said to put it between my legs. (No panties allowed once you're in your gown and on the gurney.) She also put a disposable underpad underneath me so I wouldn't mess the bed. I was really afraid of making a yucky mess. But you know what? Everything was just fine. I told anyone who would have to move me that I had my period, and was told over and over again that women get their periods before, during and right after surgery all the time. All of the nurses and other staff are used to dealing with this very thing! Post op, I had my husband bring in my own pads so that I could put them in my panties, and I did just fine. And if you need help, that's what the nurses are there for. (I even had a great male aide who was so cool with the whole thing.) Take care, and don't worry! JK, RN
   — Joya K.

March 3, 2002
I was very concerned about getting my period during or after surgery and was told by the scheduling nurse that most women get so nervous before surgery that their period is late if they have one at all. No such luck ... my period came the day after surgery (as scheduled) while I was still in the hospital. I brought pads with me to the hospital just in case and it really wasn't a big deal. I had OPEN Rny and was amazed that I was able to take care of my personal hygiene myself with no problems. Good luck to you. I am sure it will all work out.
   — Julie K.

March 3, 2002
Remember to take some baby wipes too!
   — Marie A.

March 3, 2002
I am a nurse and I promise we are very used to this happening to our female patients. Just make sure and tell ALL your nurses so they will pay extra special attention and they will help you not have any embarrassing accidents (like reminding you that you have been asleep x amount of hours) Plus the hospital has those post baby delivery size pads that last for hours. Good luck.
   — Ronda L.

March 3, 2002
You know, I gotta get on my soapbox here...what is amazing tto me is that over 50% of the population of this planet is female and yet, we still have this conversation that getting your period is embarassing, as if it is something to be ashamed of. I am pretty sure most men know we bleed (ever heard the misogynistic joke: "How do you trust something that bleeds for 7 days and doesn't die?") Yet, menstruation is a shameful secret. Now I can understand that in some uneducated tribal society where the women are shuffled off to menstrual huts for 7 days, not allowed to touch food (except their own) and attended to by the preteen girls. (Come to think of it, that sounds pretty damn good...bring me some magazines and chocolate!) But it is time we women stop being ashamed of the occasional red spot we leave. I remember on at least 3 occasions of overflowing my pad and letting the world know in a HUGE way that I was not having a baby that month. Maybe it has happened often enough that I am way past being embarrassed about it. Anyway, thank you for listening...sorry about the ranting...I must be PMS-ing.
   — merri B.

March 3, 2002
In all honesty, you lose all inhibitions in the hospital. The nursing staff is there to help you, and they are used to it- won't blink an eye, I'm sure. The truth is that MANY women start their period very soon after the operation- trauma to the body, stress... You won't be alone I'm sure. Don't worry about this, it will be fine! Good luck on your journey!
   — Angela B.

March 3, 2002
I started my period the night before surgery. I informed the nurse and everyone and it was no problem. The day of surgery and the day after I was unable to take care of myself but the third day I was able to take care of my own needs. Honey, believe me, with all of the drugs I was pm racing through my veins the least of my worries was my period! Good luck!
   — Teresa G.