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!

Good for you OP

I remember when I went for mine a few months ago and I had the same thought process with the socks before keeping them on

I've always been uncomfortable with this sort of thing, I didn't have one vaginal examination during my entire pregnancy, never mind a sweep (bork)

I'm going to share my advice even though you didn't ask for it

First thing, if you feel scared or nervous, tell the nurse and ask them to be super gentle.

Second, relax! If you tense when they're doing it it will be uncomfortable

I've had two and it's not hurt either time. Best of luck! It's over quickly x

Thanks everyone! Had it and it was as bad as I was expecting. Apparently I have an unusual shape so it hurt and bled. But she was lovely
And hopefully it’s done now!

(Socks off by the way)

Hurrah, you managed it @SmearFear well done! I've been told I have a "bend" down there which means they sometimes can't see the cervix
so it can sometimes be a bit like theyre doing the washing up down there. The best one I've had was actually from a supervised student - so gentle that the supervisor had to make sure she had taken the sample properly

@EatSleepRantRepeat thanks! I wonder if that’s it? Either way, it’s done!

@SmearFear

Thanks everyone! Had it and it was as bad as I was expecting. Apparently I have an unusual shape so it hurt and bled. But she was lovely And hopefully it’s done now!

(Socks off by the way)

Congrats on going! Sometimes I bleed, sometimes I don't so don't assume that will always happen. One thing a nurse told me to do which does help a lot...but I have to remember when I am on the table and not driving home afterwords lol

Put your hands under your bum and swivel your pelvic area slightly upwards without leaving a gap between you and the table. It helps to get you in the right position.

They really don't give a gnats arse what you're wearing or how clean shaven your legs are as long youve had a wash. Go for comfort. Wear socks.