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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:
fedup21 · 31/07/2019 20:19

I don’t ever remember having a sheet. Why didn’t you ask if she had one if you wanted one?

MustardScreams · 31/07/2019 20:20

Definitely ask next time! Don’t let it put you off having a smear. I frigging hate them and always book my appointment so I can have a double gin half an hour before going. The nurse probably thinks I’m a raging alcoholic, but I wouldn’t do it otherwise and I’d rather not die from cancer if I can help it.

SouthernComforts · 31/07/2019 20:21

I didn't have a sheet at my smear and I get you OP, I felt very exposed. I logically know that it's only a psychological blanket, and the nurse has a full view, but it would have helped me relax a bit.

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azulmariposa · 31/07/2019 20:21

I've never been given a sheet! But then I usually wear a dress, perhaps that's why?

Almostfifty · 31/07/2019 20:29

I've always worn a dress or skirt.

CathyorClaire · 31/07/2019 20:47

This used to happen years back and I'm quite surprised it's still the case. I've been offered paper roll for donkey's now. Far preferable. It's about maintaining patient dignity and shouldn't have to be asked for.

Livpool · 31/07/2019 20:53

I've never had - or been offered anything. It doesn't bother me.

But it obviously and bothers you, and other women so I think doctors and nurses need to be more sensitive.

My friend is training to be a GP and currently going her gynae rotation - she said she feels bad being invasive as she knows how it feels

Femodene · 31/07/2019 21:06

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cushioncovers · 31/07/2019 21:10

Had paper towels no sheet.

ShirleyPhallus · 31/07/2019 21:11

Calling women who have said it’s normal practice not to be given a sheet “scumbags”. Nice Hmm

Passthecherrycoke · 31/07/2019 21:14

Femodene I agree that women should be given something but the paper roll (which is the width of the bed) is standard as easily changed between patients. Sheets wouldn’t be hygienic

KnifeAngel · 31/07/2019 21:15

@Femodene the only person embarrassing themselves is you with your attitude. The OP asked for people's experiences.

janj2301 · 31/07/2019 21:19

Went with my daughter recently. no pillow, she has scoliosis, so uncomfortable she had to reschedule and take her own pillow.

Original poster
HugsAreMyDrugs · 31/07/2019 21:20

Probablly a bit too late for this but when I said sheet i meant paper towel. I just meant they have always given me something to cover myself that's all Blush.

OP posts:
Original poster
HugsAreMyDrugs · 31/07/2019 21:21

*probably.

OP posts:
Tiredmum100 · 31/07/2019 21:31

I'm guessing she just forgot? It's not good and I understand why you would want to cover yourself. Its about maintaining your dignity and making you feel comfortable. I'm a community nurse, I always cover patients. For example when catheterizing we have a pack that includes a paper towel to maintain dignity. Yes we might be about to carry out a procedure but doesnt mean we need to be looking at it the whole time. Please don't be afraid to speak up next time. The nurse would probably feel awful if she thinks you were uncomfortable. I know I would be if I made someone feel uncomfortable/upset.

SagelyNodding · 31/07/2019 21:41

Where I live smear tests are done by a gynecologist and you have to be fully naked! I just assumed this was normal as they do a breast check at the same time Shock Sometimes I keep my socks if it's cold...

Elementalillusions · 31/07/2019 21:47

I’ve never had a smear but I can definitely see why you would be unhappy about not being offers a sheet, it seems logical to offer you doming to cover yourself with before and after the procedure rather than just sitting there exposed unnecessarily.

DryHeave · 31/07/2019 21:49

I always wear a skirt or dress and I’m comfortable and don’t feel exposed. I think I would if I’d taken trousers off.

tisonlymeagain · 31/07/2019 21:53

@SagelyNodding where do you live 😱

Alconleigh · 31/07/2019 21:59

Pillow for hips or head Janj? I have scoliosis and am not sure what the issue is with a smear. Appreciate all curvatures are different though of course.

Alconleigh · 31/07/2019 22:04

And in Terms of being bothered, once you've gone for loop diathermy treatment after a colposcopy, and the (marvellous, don't get me wrong) specialist nurse sings Ground Control to Major Tom up your foof before commencing, a bit of paper towel is truly neither here nor there.
Cheeky mare Grin

goldrush2 · 31/07/2019 22:09

Good practice is to ensure the patient's dignity is maintained throughout any procedure, particularly those where a person feels vulnerable or exposed.

You can ask for one next time, but you shouldn't have to, it should be offered.

Rachelover40 · 31/07/2019 22:10

I'm pretty sure I've never had a sheet.

megletthesecond · 31/07/2019 22:15

I've always been offered something to cover myself during a gynea /anal exam (thanks IBS). I'd feel vulnerable without it. I don't have any skirts or dresses.

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