Stirrups (not the horse kind)

[slemslempike]

When you go for a smear test (or similar), are there stirrups?

I've usually heard Americans talking about stirrups for such incidents, while I'm under the impression that I've only heard British women refer to them for ante-natal use. When I go, I just have to do that frogs' legs thing (which is awkward if the table is against the wall on one side).

I was watching Jo Brand on Live at the Apollo, and she talked about stirrups as if they would of course be used for a smear. Have I just always had lo-tech medical care? I don't feel like I have had a particularly sheltered outlook, at least four medical professionals have investigated my nethers.

Comments

[coughingbear]

No stirrups for me either, and I've had smear tests in several different surgeries. But I have never been complimented on my cervix or anything :( - in fact, last time it really hurt, which I had not known before, and I let out a little squeak, and the nurse said it was just my fault for getting older. (OK, she didn't actually say it was my fault, but it was there in the tone of her voice.)

[slemslempike.livejournal.com]

I don't have much pain, just ick at the feeling of the scrape of the cotton wool but. Ugh.