Can gynecological examinations be performed three days before menstruation?

Generally, gynecological examinations are not recommended during the three days preceding menstruation. A detailed explanation follows:

Prior to menstruation, the female pelvis is in a state of congestion; the cervical os becomes slightly relaxed and dilated; and the endometrium begins preparing for shedding, resulting in a marked decline in uterine cavity resistance. Under these conditions, gynecological examinations may easily irritate the fragile endometrial tissue via medical instruments, triggering abnormal uterine contractions. This can lead to increased menstrual bleeding volume, prolonged menstrual duration, and exacerbated dysmenorrhea. Additionally, vaginal secretions increase premenstrually, compromising the stability of the vaginal microbiota; thus, invasive procedures risk introducing external pathogens, potentially causing vaginitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or other gynecological infections. Moreover, the thickened endometrium present premenstrually may obscure subtle intrauterine lesions, interfering with clinical assessment and significantly increasing the risk of missed or incorrect diagnoses—rendering the examination clinically uninformative.

Routinely, gynecological examinations should be scheduled between days 3 and 7 after the cessation of menstruation, when the uterine environment is most stable and examination results are most accurate. During the premenstrual phase, maintain proper genital hygiene: cleanse the external genitalia daily with warm water, keep the area dry and clean, and frequently change into breathable, cotton underwear. Also, avoid cold, raw, or spicy foods; prevent staying up late or excessive fatigue; and maintain overall physical stability to minimize menstrual discomfort and reduce the risk of gynecological disorders.