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  |  Experts  |  Ask the Doctor  |  Smear procedures
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Smear procedures

by Dr Sarah Brewer

question
What are the procedures for a cervical smear? Can a female doctor perform this without the presence of a nurse? This is really important as I have just had one and feel as though it was not done properly. I ended up in tears at home and am very sore.

answer
It is quite normal for a female doctor or nurse to perform a cervical smear without a chaperone, although some do prefer to have someone else present. It is not normal practice for a male doctor to intimately examine or carry out a smear on a female patient without a chaperone, however. Sometimes a smear can be uncomfortable if the cervix is high up and difficult to reach. If you are concerned, you can either ask to speak to the doctor and explain how distressing you found the experience, or seek advice from NHS Direct on 0845 4647.
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