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?

A midwife basically forced me to cover myself up today for a sweep, wasn't going to bother as didn't for the last one I had. I thought it was a bit prudish of her considering she was about to get her finger up my fanjo.

I do think it should be offered if it makes women more comfortable with the whole thing, I can't remember if I was given anything at my smear test.

Normal and expected to provide patient with a cover up. It's just about maintaining their dignity when healthcare makes it hard for them to do so for their self.

I had to have dressings changed recently for my upper back at my GPs (been registered there over 20 years). Male trainee nurse. Had met him previously a few weeks before. No issue. I walked into the nurses room - realised I had worn something rather silly - a dress - that meant I would need to remove the whole garment, rather than just a top. I asked for a sheet/blanket etc to just wrap around my lower half. None available - they have all been withdrawn for hygiene reasons. Both somewhat taken aback - in the end senior female nurse took over. I am in my 50's - I am not prudish. I offered to strip down to bra and pants but even he was embarrassed by that. It was awkward.

Most of us like to retain some dignity and this removal of any covering at all seems to prevent that. I work with women from diverse religions and my experience would not be acceptable to them at all.

@tisonlymeagain France !

i have always had something to cover myself. thought it was a thing.

Never had a sheet for a smear

Normally I wear a longish top but am offered a piece of paper sheet too.

Never had a sheet, always had a piece of blue roll though. Never just been lying there will full muff out.

I had one recently. I don’t really have any suitable skirts or dresses so took a large cotton scarf I could use if necessary. But was given some paper instead.

I get the “she looking up fanjo” point but dignity is important and healthcare professionals should proactively want to protect patient dignity and privacy. They’re a poor professional if they don’t.

TBH the nurses who have not offered me something to cover up tend to be the less caring ones who act as if they were filling supermarket shelves.

I've had one every time I've had a smear, bar one time. Even though the gp/nurse is going to see everything, its still a vulnerable feeling laying on the bed with everything exposed, as opposed to being covered waiting for them to get their equipment together and then doing the smear.
The one time I didn't have a cover, the gp was very brusque, said the smear might not have enough cells as she could see polyps, was meant to refer me for the polyps to be looked at but didn't. All in all a general feeling of unhappiness with that appointment. I did email the practise manager about it and I can only guess there were other issues as she no longer works there.

Every time. When I get my insulin injection sites checked (arms and stomach) they do exactly the same too, even though it is even less necessary.

I know how you feel op. I've only had 1 smear because of my age but I wasn't given a sheet (or roll ect) and felt very exposed. It didn't help that the bed wasn't flat so I was half sitting up and the doctor was messing about with the lamp for ages while I was laying there with my legs open and kept making eye contact with me. Of course I will go for my next one as soon as I get the letter through but I will be dreading it.