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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:
HopHoppityHop · 31/07/2019 18:04

Ive never had a sheet either. But couldn't you wear a skirt or dress?

U2HasTheEdge · 31/07/2019 18:04

OP shouldn't have to ask either. There will be patients who won't ask for a variety of reasons.

cookieoclock · 31/07/2019 18:04

Ive always had a bit of couch roll to cover myself.

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Original poster
HugsAreMyDrugs · 31/07/2019 18:05

I literally attempted to have a smear three weeks ago at the same surgery (but different nurse) and had a sheet then Confused.

OP posts:
Original poster
HugsAreMyDrugs · 31/07/2019 18:06

Paper roll, sheet, whatever. You cover yourself with it Smile.

OP posts:
InTheHeatofLisbon · 31/07/2019 18:07

I've always had a bit of the roll to cover myself, never had to ask.

It's all very well some women being ok with it, but for some smears can be really traumatic and they shouldn't have to bloody ask!

Rape/abuse survivors for example. There are other reasons too.

None are silly or stupid and neither should they be dismissed as such.

goingforth · 31/07/2019 18:10

I’m with you op. I like the sheet too. Just because the nurse does it day in day out doesn’t mean you need to feel so relaxed about it!

I always wear a long skirt I can simply hike up just in case but generally have been offered a sheet.

Flower777 · 31/07/2019 18:10

I had mine recently. There was a sheet. I sort of said oh it doesn’t matter. But the doctor said no it does matter and I like to do things properly and actually it did help me feel less exposed and I appreciated her thoughtfulness around it.

timeforakinderworld · 31/07/2019 18:10

I've never had one. I also had another dr come in for a chat mid-smear!!

tisonlymeagain · 31/07/2019 18:10

Can't actually remember if I normally do or not to be honest. I'm thinking not as she normally asks me to put my feet together and drop my knees so I can't see how that would really work with a sheet.

Pipandmum · 31/07/2019 18:11

Had one last month and no sheet, I don’t remember if I’ve ever had one but it doesn’t bother me. I usually wear a skirt so I guess that gives me some coverage.
I guess one should be available and it’s up to the patient if they want to use it.

MiniMum97 · 31/07/2019 18:14

Always had a bit of paper roll. I think they should provide one. Makes you feel less exposed.

CitadelsofScience · 31/07/2019 18:14

I've had some with a sheet and others without.

I'd get more het up if they didn't pull the curtain around like the last one didn't, I was panic stricken in case someone came in but apparently my voice box was frozen.

I've only got a partial cervix but I still hate the damn things but thank, I need to book mine.

NoSauce · 31/07/2019 18:15

I’ve sometimes been offered some roll and other times not. I usually wear a dress so I can hitch it up and don’t feel as exposed.

Next time before you go it be mentally prepared to ask for some paper Flowers

Passthecherrycoke · 31/07/2019 18:16

I’ve always had paper

I’ve just had a baby and the midwives always covered me when examining me, if they can do it I don’t see why everyone can’t

Juells · 31/07/2019 18:19

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

It's about not feeling vulnerable. If you have a sheet you feel that if the door suddenly bursts open you can cover yourself.

jennymanara · 31/07/2019 18:42

In the past I was always given a sheet or bit of roll to cover myself, but not at my last smear.

BarbedBloom · 31/07/2019 18:47

My last one was rubbish. No sheet to cover and there was no door or curtain on the bit where I had to get changed which made me really uncomfortable to be honest. I know she sees it all anyway but I felt more awkward with her seeing me take my knickers on and off for some reason

Crochetymum · 31/07/2019 18:48

I said this to my friend a few months ago, I've only had three or four smear tests I think and the first few I was given an extra pice of the white roll for my dignity, if there is any when that's going on!🤔 But this last time I didn't get any given to me, suppose I could have asked but as you say they're seeing it all anyway and you feel a bit daft asking. Did make me feel more vulnerable though so I know where you're coming from

Crochetymum · 31/07/2019 18:49

Budget cuts!

Original poster
HugsAreMyDrugs · 31/07/2019 18:53

Budget cuts!

In the space of three weeks? Bloody hell! Shock

OP posts:
Reallybadidea · 31/07/2019 18:57

But it's not just your lower stomach is it? It's also your mons pubis which is also an intimate area. A key principal of maintaining patient dignity is to only expose those areas which need to be exposed and only for as long as needed.

BlackCatFan · 31/07/2019 18:58

I've always had a sheet and wouldn't want to go ahead without one, I don't want to be able to see what's going on ..

BringMeTea · 31/07/2019 18:59

Never had a sheet. And I have been smeared around the world. As twere.

KnifeAngel · 31/07/2019 19:05

Never had a sheet. Usually just a bit of paper roll.

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