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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not what the GP receptionist to loudly proclaim that I'm overdue for a smear test in the waiting room?

400 replies

nahhh88 · 25/10/2023 12:25

I went into the GP surgery for a completely unrelated manner, and when the GP receptionist pulled up my profile she said I'm overdue for my smear test, and did I want to book in for the smear test. I just said I'll book it another time and tried to get her to stop talking. I've never had a smear test as I'm a virgin and had the HPV vaccines as a teenager, and I have no intention of having one done any time soon.

I felt really embarrassed knowing everyone in the waiting room will have heard (the chairs are all very close to the reception desk, there's no privacy so you end up knowing everyone's private medical details said aloud for everyone to hear. As I walked out this old man made eye contact with me and I just felt really embarrassed by it.

AIBU to think GP receptions need to have more privacy and things handled more quietly and sensitively?

OP posts:
EatYourVegetables · 25/10/2023 12:30

They should not be shouting your medical information out in the waiting room.

But you seem to attach shame to the smear test. Is it because it has to do with the cervix? Would you feel the same if everyone overheard that you were overdue a flu jab?

Augustus40 · 25/10/2023 12:31

One day I was sat waiting in the waiting area and a patient was having to disclose his psychiatric history with the receptionist. Everyone could hear!

Sirzy · 25/10/2023 12:32

shouted it looked up from the screen at told you?

it sounds like this is more about your feelings towards it rather than her having done anything wrong.

Pinkdelight3 · 25/10/2023 12:32

Sorry you were embarrassed. Really no need to be as it's a routine test for every woman and doesn't signify anything about you. Some people are very sensitive about such things though I know so she should be more mindful, but I guess she deals with them daily and might have been on the hoof. It's really nothing up to the indignities of maternity wards, which is no excuse but just an example of how desensitised the whole system can be. Hope you can forget it.

3dogsandarabbit · 25/10/2023 12:34

You still need a smear test if you are a virgin, although your risk of cervical cancer will be lower.

I doubt if anyone in the waiting room was paying attention to what the receptionist said to you, so don't feel embarrassed. People are either on their phones or too busy worrying about their own medical problems

sparklefresh · 25/10/2023 12:35

No one should be shouting anyone else's private medical information, whether it's about a smear test or a flu jab.

Peoplemakemedespair · 25/10/2023 12:38

EatYourVegetables · 25/10/2023 12:30

They should not be shouting your medical information out in the waiting room.

But you seem to attach shame to the smear test. Is it because it has to do with the cervix? Would you feel the same if everyone overheard that you were overdue a flu jab?

How have you decided she’s attached shame as it’s a smear test and not a flu jab? You’re just making stuff up. As it is I WOULD be more embarrassed at the receptionist loudly announcing that I need a fanny appointment. Not that any medical details need to be announced in the waiting room at all!

DappledThings · 25/10/2023 12:40

There's nothing embarrassing about a smear test.

SecondUsername4me · 25/10/2023 12:42

sparklefresh · 25/10/2023 12:35

No one should be shouting anyone else's private medical information, whether it's about a smear test or a flu jab.

Given that all women should be getting smear tests, the only private element of this info was that it was overdue.

It's hardly private that women have/need to have smears.

IDontLoveTheWayYouLie · 25/10/2023 12:42

They shouldn't be shouting any medical information about anyone but a smear test isn't embarrassing.

Sweetpeasaremadeforbees · 25/10/2023 12:42

You still need a smear test if you are a virgin, although your risk of cervical cancer will be lower.

Is that right? The smear test only (initially) tests for the presence of HPV so if the OP hasn't had sexual contact how would she have caught HPV? Plus if she's had the HPV vaccine she'll be largely protected.

TigerRag · 25/10/2023 12:43

EatYourVegetables · 25/10/2023 12:30

They should not be shouting your medical information out in the waiting room.

But you seem to attach shame to the smear test. Is it because it has to do with the cervix? Would you feel the same if everyone overheard that you were overdue a flu jab?

At my surgery the waiting room is in the same room as reception

Pinkdelight3 · 25/10/2023 12:45

How have you decided she’s attached shame as it’s a smear test and not a flu jab? You’re just making stuff up.

I don't think she's making things up at all. It's pretty clear from the OP that the fanny-aspect is what's bothering her. It shouldn't, but it does so receptionist could help by being more discreet. OP has nothing to be embarrassed about tho.

DRS1970 · 25/10/2023 12:45

Our surgery does the exact same thing. You sit there and hear everyone's medical issues, and perhaps worst of all, names, addresses, phone numbers, carers names, and DOBs. A young woman stood cringing the last time I was there while the receptionist graphically explained how to obtain a stool sample!

Prinnny · 25/10/2023 12:46

I don’t see the issue? She told you you’re due for a smear test because you are.

Would you feel like this if it was your flu jab due and she had asked if you want to book your appointment?

Or are you embarrassed because it involves your vagina? Which if that’s the case then you’re being ridiculous!

TallulahBetty · 25/10/2023 12:48

YANBU that she shouted your medical information in general.

However YABU that you're especially furious that it was about a smear. Literally half the population have smears, or should be.

PurpleBugz · 25/10/2023 12:48

I can fully see your point. It's about private stuff being overheard more than what exactly she said. But as others have said smear tests are not something to be embarrassed about xx

SellFridges · 25/10/2023 12:48

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hjytrjulykuyh · 25/10/2023 12:49

In general, receptionists are absolutely shocking when it comes to patient privacy and dignity. It really is awful the way they act.

But... the smear test thing only discloses one thing to people overhearing: that you have a cervix. That's it. So I couldn't really get wound up about that, unless for example you're a trans man who doesn't want to be outed to a room full of strangers. I'd understand then.

It's on the same level of 'you're overdue your med review/flu jab'. It isn't inherently shameful just because it's vagina-adjacent. We've moved past tiptoeing around women's health issues, thank goodness.

Itwasamemo1 · 25/10/2023 12:50

Our local chemist always read out which meds you are collecting!As a nurse with a good knowledge of medication I can generally work out what medical problems other customers have.Am tempted to say something politely, because it is a confidentiality breach.

Pumpkingnome · 25/10/2023 12:51

You're overthinking it op

Nobody in the waiting room would have even given that info a second thought

You should still think about getting a smear though

Pinkdelight3 · 25/10/2023 12:52

There is a good argument for taking away the stigma around these things - embarrassment can stop people getting checked out for all kinds of issues down there and way better to eradicate/get over the embarrassment than to get ill, with fatal consequences. So on reflection I'm all for the receptionist's 'no big deal' attitude to smear tests and being more concerned that it's overdue. But wouldn't want it to make the OP even more reluctant to engage in future.

SophieJo · 25/10/2023 12:53

Is it your sensitivity that thought she was shouting?

EmmaEmerald · 25/10/2023 12:53

OP yes, the lack of discretion in the pharmacy also bugs me

please look into smear tests, they are part of a huge industry now and many women are starting to realise they are not "necessary", it is your choice to have one or not.

I think GPs still get a financial incentive for each one. Meanwhile, no one is hassling men in the same way, although I think that's starting to change.

LizzieBananas · 25/10/2023 12:55

All I would know from that information is that you are over 25. It doesn’t actually tell people much else.