No sheet to cover myself for smear test

[HugsAreMyDrugs]

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?

Sorry Hugs , just read that you went a few weeks ago too , I was joking about budgets, maybe it depends on the nurse or doctor you get too. I really have to build myself up to these things and even not getting the sheet puts you off doesn't it.

Logically I know it makes no difference; reality is I’d feel very exposed without it. It’s always just a bit of the paper towel roll thing but it’d be weird without it!

Hmm my initial thought was, why would it matter? But actually in that situation I probably would feel a bit bare without a sheet, despite what’s going on anyway. I understand what you mean OP. Who knows, maybe they ran out of sheets? I don’t think it’s normal, no.

I always wear a big skirt so I feel more covered. Feels a bit less exposed even though the nurse is going to see everything anyway. Maybe because I can't see if doesn't feel as exposing?

I would ask for one too. I had to have an ultrasound scan on my legs because of suspected DVT. Was asked to remove all bottom half clothing. The scanner said she wouldn't bother giving me a sheet as "you're pregnant and have probably lost all dignity anyway"
I said No, in fact I haven't. And demanded a sheet. All this was done in front of the porter who had wheeled me down from the ward in a wheelchair who clearly wash not going to leave. And didn't look like he was going to be asked to either. Until again, I had to ask for some privacy.
To be treated with dignity isn't much to ask, surely.

Wasn't not wash

I would love peck something to cover me up, just preserves some dignity. I’m a midwife and always give a sheet for women to cover pre examinations

It's not a necessary thing and for some women it doesn't matter but for others it matters a lot. It's a little kindness and recognition that we're all individuals.

I've had a piece of the bed roll used but usually I'll wear a long skirt so I'm more covered and I also do the tucking my underwear in my jacket.

Are you sure you didn't sit on it? The nurse puts it on the couch at my surgery, in my hurry I hop up and then realise I've sat on the bit that should be on top!

Always get one - no curtain so anyone walking past could see in when I've stripped off and Dr comes in or goes out

I've had smears with and without a 'cover'. Frankly, I don't see the point of covering up your tummy when you're spread open for all to see. But some doctors/nurses insist on covers, so I just go with the flow.

Had my smear a couple of weeks ago and wasn't offered a cover. Didn't bother me in the slightest.

Did you get weighed? I went yesterday and was a bit put off, I was nervous anyway but then to have to get on the scales.
I did get a piece of tissue to cover my bits, I remembered the sheet?!

It should be offered. And if cost is an issue (laundering etc) some paper bed roll stuff. As others have said it’s about dignity and respect.

I think it would be good if they'd offer.

However, I know a lot of people find them quite insulting and humiliating, and maybe they're responding to that? I've never been offered a sheet for smears, but when I was doing fertility treatment I was given a piece of fabric to drape neatly over myself, and it made me feel as if I was being told my naked body was something shameful. Really not nice!

Maybe another time, if you know you will feel awkward, wear something like a flowing skirt you can just pull up? Then you're not any more exposed than if you'd had the sheet.

ConorMcGregorsChin that shocking. They were treating you like a piece of meat. Complain.

I'm with you OP, always been given a sheet and always very grateful of it.

Just wear a maxi skirt or dress, whip off the knickers and have the hem of the dress/skirt just above the area of interest.

I've only ever been offered a sheet of that giant blue loo roll. I try to remember to wear a loose skirt when I go for anything gynae related.

I've always had a bit of paper roll, definitely makes me feel less exposed

Always had sheets for colposcopy, biopsies and LLETZ - never been given one for a smear.

I’m quite “gung ho” about this stuff, but I do find the sheet oddly comforting for more invasive procedures- hasn’t realised until now.

I've never had a sheet. Mind you the only person who can do mine is my GP and that's lying on my side with my elbow hooked round my knee. It would take more than a sheet to restore my dignity!

One of the things I liked when I went for mine is that the nurse says “right - we’ll just lock the door” and then she shows me it is locked. And then we still have the curtain and that is across so she can’t see me getting undressed and then she still does the smear behind the curtain. (In case someone smashes the door open!)

On one hand I’m not that bothered - I’ve had two kids - but on the other hand it makes me feel like she has really thought about it and has a system that means maximum dignity for patients.

I always make sure I wear a dress or skirt so always have something to cover myself with, makes me feel less exposed.

Uk - always given a sheet/paper roll
Denmark - never offered anything. So I wesr a dress.