Should I reschedule my once a year gynecology exam?

[Rapunzel43]

Hello, I am supposed to go to my once a year gynecology exam tomorrow but I really do not want to go.  I am 44yrs. old, I am not sexually active and I have never been pregnant.  In addition, that time of the month should be starting really soon.  A woman cannot be examined by her OBGYN while she is menstruating.  By the way I have been feeling, muscle soreness in my legs, headaches.  Moodiness, loss of interest and my stomach not to mention the date.  My menstruation cycles have been starting a little earlier each month in my life for quite some time.  In June of this year, it started at the last part of the month.  Then last month in July, it first set in on Wednesday the 25th and then it really kicked in even more the next day on the 26th, Thursday.  So by my calculations it should be starting, kicking in anywhere between the 22nd. To possibly the 24th.  I have noticed each month it will start 2 to 3 days or so earlier than the month before.  It is very hard, difficult for me to get myself up and ready to go somewhere.  I run late, I have myself back into counseling since the last part of the year, '17.  My counselor is very kind, supportive, patient and understanding.  She is there for me and I am glad, I go to see her every two or three weeks.  There have been times I have missed the bus and I end up having to call a cab.  Once I had to reschedule my appointment with her for the next day.  I cannot keep up with anything on a regular basis and she understands that I have these problems and that they are real.  My next appointment with my counselor is next week; I need some time at home because there are things that need to be done here.  In addition, there is never enough time; doctors do advise that patients call to cancel/reschedule their appointments in a 24-hour notice.  My OBGYN appt. is set for 3:30p.m. Tomorrow so 3:30p.m. Today until the same time tomorrow would be 24 hours.  Therefore, I have a little bit of time yet to decide.  I would need to call as soon as possible today to cancel and reschedule or at least cancel it today and call to reschedule later.  I feel that if my body is already preparing for my menstrual cycle that it probably would not be a good idea to attend my gynecology appointment.  Because the Pap smear test, results would probably not be correct.  I have had problems in the long past where my Pap smear results came back abnormal and I was worried.  I had to make another appointment have it done all over again only because my menstrual cycle had either ended before my appointment or started not too long after my exam.  I would greatly appreciate anyone's advice here as quickly and as soon as possible.  Thank you so very much for your time, blessings.

[noreenwawuda]

In order to maintain good reproductive and sexual health, females should visit a gynecologist- a doctor who specializes in females’ reproductive health- for an exam about once per year. Generally, females should begin seeing a gynecologist at the age of 21, but begin earlier if they become sexually active. After their first visit, females ages 21 to 29 should visit their gynecologist annually to get a Pap smear. Females between the ages of 30 to 64 should generally visit every other year.1 Other reasons to visit a gynecologist include seeking treatment for irregular periods, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and vaginal infections. Females who are sexually active or are considering becoming sexually active can visit a gynecologist to learn more about contraceptive methods. This is according to what my gynecologist at Bio tex suggested to me. During each exam, the gynecologist typically asks about the female's sexual history and menstrual cycle. The gynecologist also physically examines the female's breasts and genitals. Understandably, a visit of this nature can cause some females discomfort. However, periodic gynecological exams are crucial to sexual and reproductive health and should not be skipped. The patient’s anxiety can be significantly decreased if she knows what to expect from the visit. Prepared with the knowledge of what actually occurs during an annual exam, females often find that it can be a straightforward and rewarding experience.

[Rapunzel43]

Hello noreenwawuda, thank you so very much for your answer.  I went on ahead and cancelled my appointment.  I will call back to reschedule at my convenience, it was a good thing that I did.  Because on the very day of my gynecology appointment, which was yesterday, 22 August guess what started?  My menstrual cycle, I was right on the money by my calculations.  As I said in my post, a woman cannot be examined by her OBGYN while she is menstruating.  In addition, since I am 44 years old maybe it would be something to think about what you have advised for women between the ages of 30 to 64.  That they should be examined every other year.  I was examined by my OBGYN last year, August '17.  In addition, the year before that and so on and so on.  My pap smear test results have come back normal.  I appreciate your input and your advice. you are very thorough and you sound very knowledgeable.  Once again thank you for helping me, have a good night.