PART 3: Managing Your Period During & Around Surgery

What If Your Period Falls ON Your Surgery Date?

This is a common concern. Here's what you need to know:

Having your period on surgery day is safe and happens all the time. Your surgical team is prepared for it. Here's what to expect and how to manage it:

Pre-op Considerations:

1. Tell your anaesthetist. During your pre-operative assessment, mention: "I'll have my period on surgery day." They need to know because:

   • They'll adjust anaesthetic choices if needed

   • They'll account for potential increased nausea risk (some anaesthetics interact differently with hormones during menstruation)

   • They can plan for additional anti-nausea medication if appropriate

2. Tell your surgical team. The surgeon needs to know for:

   • Positioning during surgery (they may need to account for menstrual comfort/dignity)

   • Fluid management (you may be slightly more dehydrated during your period)

   • Planning for recovery setup

3. Menstrual management in hospital:

   • Hospital staff are experienced with this. You'll be provided with pads during your hospital stay.

   • If you use tampons normally, you can request them, though some hospitals prefer pads due to infection risk. Discuss this pre-operatively.

   • You'll have access to bathrooms and assistance if needed.

   • Heavy bleeding during menstruation combined with anaesthesia can leave you slightly more dehydrated, so IV fluids are standard and will support you.

Post-op Considerations:

4. Pain perception may be higher. If your surgery coincides with your period, you're likely in (or just entering) the luteal phase, when pain perception is highest. Expect to need more pain management. This is normal.

5. Blood loss. Your body is losing blood from menstruation and from the surgical site. This is generally not a problem because:

   • Your surgical team has accounted for expected blood loss

   • You're on IV fluids

   • Hospital staff monitor your haemoglobin levels if concerned

6. Sanitation in early recovery: Hospital staff will help with menstrual management during the immediate post-operative period. You won't be managing this yourself—they'll help you change pads and maintain hygiene.

Sarla, Gurmeet. (2025). Menstruation: Is it advisable to undergo elective surgery during periods?

What If Your Period Is Expected During Your Recovery Period?

This is different. Your surgery is scheduled for a time when you won't be menstruating, but your period is likely to arrive during your recovery at home.

This is actually fine. Things to plan for:

1. Stock up on menstrual products beforehand. Have pads, tampons (or whatever you use) readily available before surgery so you or your support person don't have to go to the shop while you're recovering.

2. Arrange extra support. If your period arrives during recovery (especially during the first 2 weeks when you're most restricted), you may have less energy and need more help with household tasks.

3. Don't use tampons immediately post-op if your surgery involved abdominal or pelvic work. Wait until your surgeon gives the all-clear. Use pads instead.

4. Stay hydrated. Period-related fluid loss plus post-operative fluid loss means dehydration risk is higher. Drink more water than you think you need.

5. Pain may worsen during your period. This is normal. Your pain perception naturally increases during menstruation. If you're already in the post-operative pain phase, add menstrual pain on top of that—you may need more analgesia during this time.