First smear today, socks on or off?

[SmearFear]

So today, at the ripe old age of thirty something, I’m going for my first smear. Long story short, I had a bad experience with a pelvic exam in my teens, have never been back. I’ve had two appointments for smears and cancelled. But today I’m putting on my big girl pants (not literally!) and going. So the question is- do I keep socks on or off? I’m not sure what the protocol for this is, and my brain has decided to focus on socks, I’m assuming to control my fears about this.

YABU- keep your socks on, she’s looking at your fanny not your feet!

YANBU- take them off, it’s just bloody weird otherwise!

I leave my socks on if I'm wearing them and o don't put them on if I'm not

Just relax. It'll be absolutely fine. Over with in a jiffy and could save your life

Definitely on!

You're overthinking it. The nurse/doctor won't care. As my nurse once joked about people worrying about whether they shaved down there "its not a date!"

Wear a long skirt and just whip off your tights/ pants. I feel less exposed that way.

Another vote for on!

I also like to wear a long skirt rather than trousers so I still feel “clothed” as possible.

It will be fine, I promise. x

@HollysBush

Wear a long skirt and just whip off your tights/ pants. I feel less exposed that way.

I do similar, but I deliberately don’t wear tights and instead socks and boots. I find it easier not having to take tights off and on.

But whatever you choose, definitely socks on!

I hate feet! The poor nurse has enough to deal with. Don't make her face your feet also!!

I leave mine on.. I also forgot to shave my legs this time! We had a giggle about it which lightens the mood as it were

The person carrying out ur smear will not care or even notice ! I keep mine on coz my feet r always frozen. Pretty sure wen I was pregnant in summer I had an examination with my shoes still on 😂 I was wearing a dress and sand shoes ! I never really thought much of it

Socks on. She's going for your fanny not your feet 😂

Take deep breaths and relax through it. It's not my favourite thing to do in the world but it's easier if you aren't tensed up like a clam that doesn't want to give its pearl yo!

I didn’t even think about wearing a skirt! Not sure I’ll have time to pop home and change before I go, so sticking with the trousers and will keep socks on if that’s the consensus! I know I’m overthinking it, but I’m so anxious about it, and this is what I’ve focussed on. Socks 🤦🏼‍♀️

On. Well, whichever you prefer. I keep mine on as my feet get cold/ nervous sweaty!!

Why would you take them off? You're not having your feet examined. If you're worried about it looking odd, don't be. You're not there to look sexy, it's a medical examination.

I always tell my ladies they can keep their socks on! I don't want them stressing about whether they should or not, so I mention. Also provide an extra paper blanket, to cover the lap area, but it's even better if they're wearing a dress/skirt as they don't feel as exposed.
I also offer for them to remove their mask during the procedure if they feel more comfortable without it.

We had this last week and I still think it's a bizarre thing to even wonder about! You're not going for a shag!

I'm sure this exact same question was asked last week

You cannot be serious we had this thread about a week ago. It's like removing your shoes for an optical appointment, of course you keep them on!

Good luck though!

I see a male gynae (things are a bit different here), and I have to strip off completely as he does the whole breast exam, sonar etc as well.

I always wear my socks as my feet are always freezing.

So basically, I am naked under the gown, except for socks.

He does pull them down to check my ankles.... but he nor I have ever mentioned taking them off....

It is a bit weird now I think about it.........

So I am in the socks on team.

The last time I had a smear I wore a midi dress and DM's.
It was just a matter of knickers off and dress up. Boots and socks stayed on.

I had a smear last week and the nurse told me not to bother taking my shoes off, never mind socks. I was wearing a dress and trainers and literally just removed my underwear.

I ended up discussing this with the nurse last time I had a smear.
My brain went into auto pilot as soon as I took off my shoes knowing I was about to take my trousers off and I took my socks off. Half way through taking the second one off, my brain semi-kicked it and I exclaimed that I didn't need to have taken them off.
She laughed and said it's a complete mix with some people doing exactly what I'd done and commenting on it & others leaving them on and then commenting on that half way through the procedure. She said one woman got in muddle and had one on & one off.
I ended up putting mine back on as I always feel more comfortable in socks

On

Hope all goes well for you! I always turn up in jeans, whip them off behind the curtain and they give you a papery cover thing to put over your legs and groin before they come in. They explain anything you need to know like the leg positioning, then you just find something to look at on the ceiling for a minute or so!

Ignore any online scare stories, they have much better equipment these days like different sized plastic speculums that don't feel as cold, etc. It's always a bit uncomfortable for me as I'm an anxious one, but explain to the nurse about what would make it easier for you and they're likely to go at your pace, explain what they're doing, etc. They want to make sure they get you a good result too!

Thanks @EatSleepRantRepeat that sounds good. I’m hoping I get someone nice and patient and not grumpy!