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Original poster

No sheet to cover myself for smear test

114 replies

HugsAreMyDrugs · 31/07/2019 17:42

Attempted to have a smear yesterday and the nurse didn't give me a sheet to cover myself with like they normally do. So I ended up lying there with my bottom half completely exposed.

I realise she's going to see my fanjo regardless but every other nurse has always provided a sheet.

Is this normal?

OP posts:
YorkieTheRabbit · 31/07/2019 17:45

I do t think I’ve ever been offered a sheet, I need to book my smear, thanks for resume. Smile

IHaveBrilloHair · 31/07/2019 17:46

I've always been given a sheet

IceCreamAndCandyfloss · 31/07/2019 17:46

Never had a sheet either. Surely the nurse or doctor will see the same thing with or without the sheet anyway?

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SadieContrary · 31/07/2019 17:47

It wouldn't bother me tbh. I usually lie there thinking they're totally pointless when s/he can see the whole lady garden anyway.

Why didn't you ask for one?

Original poster
HugsAreMyDrugs · 31/07/2019 17:47

You're welcome I guess Smile

I've never been offered a sheet before, it's always been there ready at the bottom of the table and they normally tell me to cover myself with it.

OP posts:
DobbyTheHouseElk · 31/07/2019 17:48

Never had a sheet. A bit of couch roll maybe. TBH, the last one was so fast it was fine. She’s going to see everything anyway.

TheFairyCaravan · 31/07/2019 17:48

Last time I went they gave me a bit of that blue roll that covers the bed to cover my bits with. Tbh I can't remember the last time I was given a sheet.

YorkieTheRabbit · 31/07/2019 17:48

Resume?? Should be reminding Blush

Original poster
HugsAreMyDrugs · 31/07/2019 17:49

Because I was already very nervous.

OP posts:
ShirleyPhallus · 31/07/2019 17:50

Never had a sheet

Bit odd to be happy to have your fanny on display but want the few inches of your lower stomach covered

Original poster
HugsAreMyDrugs · 31/07/2019 17:50

Ok so it looks like I am in the minority then.

OP posts:
BruceAndNosh · 31/07/2019 17:51

She's going to be shining a torch up your chuff, an uncovered belly button is nothing

snapple21 · 31/07/2019 17:51

Why didn't you ask?

IHaveBrilloHair · 31/07/2019 17:51

I need the sheet.
It may be ridiculous in theory but it makes me feel much more comfortable.
I also wear my best knickers, then hide them in my coat pocket, because god forbid the nurse who is about to stare up my fanjo might see my knickersConfused

threeboysandus · 31/07/2019 17:53

That's terrible. You feel so much more exposed without a sheet. I'm a midwife and would never examine a woman without a sheet over her.

ittakes2 · 31/07/2019 17:53

Our's usually gives us a something and I also feel better about it. Makes it easier to pretend its not happening if you can't see anything!

SweetMelodies · 31/07/2019 17:55

I would ask for one.

I totally get it though. It certainly feels that bit more dignified and less exposed.

Flamingjo · 31/07/2019 17:55

I have never been for a smear/internal examination or scan without there being a sheet at the foot of the bed to cover myself with.

idril · 31/07/2019 17:57

I've always been given something to cover myself with. Usually the blue paper stuff but I agree that you do feel more exposed without it.

Dec2019mumtobe · 31/07/2019 17:59

I've never had a full on sheet but every time I've had doctors/nurses look "down there" for smears and a few other procedures, they've provided me with a large piece of paper roll (I think) to cover myself with. I must admit, I do feel far less exposed.

The first time, I remember I was so nervous and VERY very relieved to have had the cover.

U2HasTheEdge · 31/07/2019 18:00

There should be a sheet or blue roll to cover up with and then more blue roll to clean up.

Smears aren't dignified but that is no reason not to offer you something to cover up what can be covered. I have no nervousness when it comes to HCPs seeing my body but it still should be offered.

Dec2019mumtobe · 31/07/2019 18:00

The paper roll is the same one they put down before you lie on the bed

Sorryisntgoodenough · 31/07/2019 18:01

They got rid of the sheets years ago due to infection control. Most nurses do rip an extra length of the bedroll off these days for you to cover yourself with. I’ve only had one where I wasn’t offered anything and I did feel a bit exposed.

TheDuchessofDukeStreet · 31/07/2019 18:01

Hi op. You are right, a sheet makes a huge difference. I am a nurse and always make sure my patients have one for intimate examinations. Smears can be scary and unpleasant. I had a very bung ho insensitive nurse for my first one and have never forgotten it. In contrast I have had a very kind Gp who used a sheet for an intimate exam when I was in my late teens and it made all the difference. Could you email your Gp practice manager about it? Also next time you go, take a towel or the like with you to make absolutely sure. Don’t let anyone, on here or at the surgery minimise what you are feeling/wanting. You are not asking for anything unreasonable. All the best to you.x

Feelingwalkedover · 31/07/2019 18:03

Same here .no curtain to get changed behind .no pillow for my head .no sheet to cover myself with.
I have just had to move to a different doctors,as my old one closed down.i was clearly spoilt at the old practice,with curtain ,sheet and pillow .

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