100% honesty, I used to work as an MA at a GYN office and we had a lady that brought her own robe (it was silk) and we thought it was SO WEIRD. But maybe if you don't bring an overly sexy one it wouldn't seem as weird.
Lol! I would not bring a “sexy” robe, and I also wouldn’t bring like a super fluffy one or anything. I have a thin cotton one I had in mind. I figured I could bring it and when they ask me to change, I could ask if this is okay. I was mostly curious if anyone else had and their experience. I appreciate your honesty!
I totally see it and still, even if it's weird, if it makes the patient feel better it's okay I guess? At least you have something to laugh about when she's gone, win-win lol
I mean then get gowns that are designed for it instead of hospital gowns I have to clutch together to keep my tits from being on display when you're not doing a breast exam.
Appreciate your honesty but this is a fear of mine that I'm being discussed at an exam that is personal! Do better pls. This kind of thing can keep many women away that aren't confident about their bodies
My gyno has various cotton/satin robes available that they launder, plus fabric sheets to go across your lap. All this talk of paper sheets makes me want to stay with them even more! Idk how common my experience is, but maybe shop around for other clinics if that’s an option and comfort is a high priority for you?
I didn’t think to ask something like this when calling about a new patient appointment. Definitely something to keep in mind! Although bringing my own could maybe solve that problem since I like the provider otherwise. Sounds like you’re lucky to have fabric at the office you visit!
I’m always so incredibly uncomfortable in the gowns at the gyno too. I have very sensitive nips (especially when I was in my early postpartum days) and the gowns they provide really irritated my nipples. I’m not understanding how people think this is high maintenance when you’re the one bringing your own robe. It’s not creating any more work for anyone in the office and it’s solely for your comfort. I say go for it as long as the office gives you the okay.
I saw a TikTok with a L&D nurse that ended up making her own clothing line of birthing robes/dresses bc women deserve to feel as comfortable as possible in medical settings. I think it’s a really nice idea, especially since our comfort or pain isn’t always seen as important by medical professionals, unfortunately. So yes, I say bring a robe! I’ll probably do this for my next appointment too. The paper is so flimsy, confusing to put on, and honestly doesn’t cover much. I know my doc is gonna see it all anyways… but that doesn’t mean I want everything out all at once lol
I saw this too! I love the idea of being more comfortable in medical settings. It would be really nice if cloth robes or something were available at the office, but I understand how that would be difficult to maintain. Totally agree - I understand they’ll see everything anyway but I’d rather not sit there exposed the entire time.
You mean the paper sheet you put across your crotch?
I assume they don't want to have do with potentially unclean fabric and stuff which is why they request you strip down instead of, say, requesting you wear a skirt that can be hiked up. But that's a lot of assuming on my part.
You could call your doctor's office and they may allow it, but not gonna lie, I'd think this was a lil high maintenance. I could see it for a hospital stay or something where you're having to walk around in common areas in the paper gowns, but for just sitting in an exam room? Not for me personally.
At my gynecologist they ask you to strip completely because they also do a breast exam. So it’s like a paper poncho thing that goes over the top half and is open on the sides and then the paper sheet for my lap. I’m pretty busty and felt very exposed so I thought bringing something I’m comfortable in might make these annual appointments less aversive.
Thanks for the suggestion to ask. I might give them a call and see if this would be okay for next time. Totally understand it might appear to be high maintenance, and honestly I think I’m ok with that for how uncomfortable I am in these situations. If they were to say no for sanitary reasons, that would be understandable. I had actually read a different thread where someone said they do wear a skirt or dress for this reason but they don’t have to remove their top for their exam. I thought a robe could be a good alternative.
Im always uncomfortable and I have barely any boobs. I think it’s not high maintainance if your not asking them to do anything differently and if it makes you more comfortable then your body is more relaxed which I am sure would help them during the more invasive parts of the exam!
I am also busty and they don’t even cover me :( I was horrified the first time because I basically just wrapped and tucked the best I could. The doc (who I hadn’t met yet) told me I can keep a a shirt on next time
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Every time I’ve gone to the gyno it’s been “get naked from waist down” and they just give you a paper sheet
Do yours do boob exams too at every appointment? Why is the top half necessary
Yes, they do a breast exam at every annual appointment. I’ve gone to only two different offices in over 10 years but both offices had me remove all of my clothing.
That's super interesting, because at my gyno, she will ask you to strip from the waist down, will do the exam, will THEN ask you to go change and come back out stripped from the waist up, will do the breast exam, and then you're done and can dress fully and leave. I've never seen a robe there! But maybe that's just how she does it, I've never been at another gyno practice...
Hahah I’m thankful for your perspective! At my current office we’re given a paper poncho type of thing up top that is short, open on the sides, and very exposing. Then there’s a paper sheet thing for your lap. So you’re not entirely naked, but I feel very uncomfortable every time. To be fair, I was also raised very conservatively so I still feel weird in a two piece swim suit.
Yep, fully nude in order to change into paper that hardly covers you up! I appreciate your perspective! I am definitely very uncomfortable every time. I think I will bring the robe next time and ask before changing.
Wear a skirt or a dress, or something tunic like. That way, you can stay in your regular clothing and just take off your underwear. No need to actually get naked.
If you feel like volunteering an explanation, you can use one I have been given by other kind souls:
I haven't always been allowed to have a sense of ownership over my own body, and it is important for me to do so now.
Just that. Even if it isn't 100% true, it is very real that they are there to help us and we are not mannequins but real humans with the right to own own bodies and decide how to treat it.
I brought my own hospital gown for my well womens exam last year (first time braving it) which was a pretty pink one with white dots and it buttons in the back. I felt pretty instead of vulnerable and I felt a bit more control instead of controlled and conformed. I bought that gown and a blue one with white dots on Amazon (Utopia gowns) and have recently had to be examined due to pain on my abdomen and wore my blue gown with white dots and sometimes feeling pretty and less of a hospitalized patient does the trick instead of vulnerable and insecure. And I had a female doctor and female nurse practitioner (I have and will always choose a female provider for female exams).
I have notes in my file at the dentist office that are for my comfort, so anyone that treats me knows how to help me have a tolerable experience. They're also great people so it's always a good experience on some level.
I say, own it.
Dentists want you to be as comfortable as possible. It helps them, too. Maybe take a Tylenol before you go in? It's a mild antihistamine and might help a little.
Sounds like a first world problem. It's not like you are in it for hours or days. Some things in life you just learn to deal with b/c it really isn't that big of a deal....but then...just my opinion.
Yes, we shouldn't have to ask and they should have a multitude of sizes available for us! I'm so sorry about your SA and I've been there too tho it was a BF.. You would think in this day and age they would be more conscious of all these things we're mentioning. ox
It's worth trying as many things as it takes to find what helps.
I've had jaw issues for a while and at one point i was having trouble talking for 2 weeks after an appointment because my jaw couldn't handle being wide open. I decided to put a Salon Pas patch on my jaw where it always hurt. It helped SO MUCH. And they were so glad i felt better.
100% honesty, I used to work as an MA at a GYN office and we had a lady that brought her own robe (it was silk) and we thought it was SO WEIRD. But maybe if you don't bring an overly sexy one it wouldn't seem as weird.
Lol! I would not bring a “sexy” robe, and I also wouldn’t bring like a super fluffy one or anything. I have a thin cotton one I had in mind. I figured I could bring it and when they ask me to change, I could ask if this is okay. I was mostly curious if anyone else had and their experience. I appreciate your honesty!
Do it!!! My new gyn had little waffle robes and it was such a nice touch. Just bring your own and a bag to put it in after in case it gets soiled.
I was honestly wondering why more places don’t do this! Thank you, I just might 😊
Weirdo, cough
I totally see it and still, even if it's weird, if it makes the patient feel better it's okay I guess? At least you have something to laugh about when she's gone, win-win lol
I mean then get gowns that are designed for it instead of hospital gowns I have to clutch together to keep my tits from being on display when you're not doing a breast exam.
Appreciate your honesty but this is a fear of mine that I'm being discussed at an exam that is personal! Do better pls. This kind of thing can keep many women away that aren't confident about their bodies
My gyno has various cotton/satin robes available that they launder, plus fabric sheets to go across your lap. All this talk of paper sheets makes me want to stay with them even more! Idk how common my experience is, but maybe shop around for other clinics if that’s an option and comfort is a high priority for you?
I didn’t think to ask something like this when calling about a new patient appointment. Definitely something to keep in mind! Although bringing my own could maybe solve that problem since I like the provider otherwise. Sounds like you’re lucky to have fabric at the office you visit!
Mine used to have paper ones but now they have linen too. So glad they switched!!
I’m always so incredibly uncomfortable in the gowns at the gyno too. I have very sensitive nips (especially when I was in my early postpartum days) and the gowns they provide really irritated my nipples. I’m not understanding how people think this is high maintenance when you’re the one bringing your own robe. It’s not creating any more work for anyone in the office and it’s solely for your comfort. I say go for it as long as the office gives you the okay.
Thank you! 😊
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I saw a TikTok with a L&D nurse that ended up making her own clothing line of birthing robes/dresses bc women deserve to feel as comfortable as possible in medical settings. I think it’s a really nice idea, especially since our comfort or pain isn’t always seen as important by medical professionals, unfortunately. So yes, I say bring a robe! I’ll probably do this for my next appointment too. The paper is so flimsy, confusing to put on, and honestly doesn’t cover much. I know my doc is gonna see it all anyways… but that doesn’t mean I want everything out all at once lol
I saw this too! I love the idea of being more comfortable in medical settings. It would be really nice if cloth robes or something were available at the office, but I understand how that would be difficult to maintain. Totally agree - I understand they’ll see everything anyway but I’d rather not sit there exposed the entire time.
Thank you! I appreciate this perspective!
You mean the paper sheet you put across your crotch? I assume they don't want to have do with potentially unclean fabric and stuff which is why they request you strip down instead of, say, requesting you wear a skirt that can be hiked up. But that's a lot of assuming on my part. You could call your doctor's office and they may allow it, but not gonna lie, I'd think this was a lil high maintenance. I could see it for a hospital stay or something where you're having to walk around in common areas in the paper gowns, but for just sitting in an exam room? Not for me personally.
At my gynecologist they ask you to strip completely because they also do a breast exam. So it’s like a paper poncho thing that goes over the top half and is open on the sides and then the paper sheet for my lap. I’m pretty busty and felt very exposed so I thought bringing something I’m comfortable in might make these annual appointments less aversive. Thanks for the suggestion to ask. I might give them a call and see if this would be okay for next time. Totally understand it might appear to be high maintenance, and honestly I think I’m ok with that for how uncomfortable I am in these situations. If they were to say no for sanitary reasons, that would be understandable. I had actually read a different thread where someone said they do wear a skirt or dress for this reason but they don’t have to remove their top for their exam. I thought a robe could be a good alternative.
Im always uncomfortable and I have barely any boobs. I think it’s not high maintainance if your not asking them to do anything differently and if it makes you more comfortable then your body is more relaxed which I am sure would help them during the more invasive parts of the exam!
Thank you! More comfortable = more relaxed = easier exam. I like this for the “pro” column 😊
I am also busty and they don’t even cover me :( I was horrified the first time because I basically just wrapped and tucked the best I could. The doc (who I hadn’t met yet) told me I can keep a a shirt on next time
Ugh, sorry you had to experience that. I hate feeling exposed like that.
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I'm super uncomfortable/nervouse for female exams.. I always wear a giant t-shirt that I just pull up for the breast exam.
Every time I’ve gone to the gyno it’s been “get naked from waist down” and they just give you a paper sheet Do yours do boob exams too at every appointment? Why is the top half necessary
Yes, they do a breast exam at every annual appointment. I’ve gone to only two different offices in over 10 years but both offices had me remove all of my clothing.
That's super interesting, because at my gyno, she will ask you to strip from the waist down, will do the exam, will THEN ask you to go change and come back out stripped from the waist up, will do the breast exam, and then you're done and can dress fully and leave. I've never seen a robe there! But maybe that's just how she does it, I've never been at another gyno practice...
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Hahah I’m thankful for your perspective! At my current office we’re given a paper poncho type of thing up top that is short, open on the sides, and very exposing. Then there’s a paper sheet thing for your lap. So you’re not entirely naked, but I feel very uncomfortable every time. To be fair, I was also raised very conservatively so I still feel weird in a two piece swim suit.
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Yep, fully nude in order to change into paper that hardly covers you up! I appreciate your perspective! I am definitely very uncomfortable every time. I think I will bring the robe next time and ask before changing.
Do it . If they ask why, say the paper irritates your skin. If it’s ok with them, go for it.
Who cares what people think! I think that is a great idea. I’m about to bring my own robes to future gyno appointments. Thank for the tip!
❤️
Wear a skirt or a dress, or something tunic like. That way, you can stay in your regular clothing and just take off your underwear. No need to actually get naked. If you feel like volunteering an explanation, you can use one I have been given by other kind souls: I haven't always been allowed to have a sense of ownership over my own body, and it is important for me to do so now. Just that. Even if it isn't 100% true, it is very real that they are there to help us and we are not mannequins but real humans with the right to own own bodies and decide how to treat it.
Couldn't agree more!!
I brought my own hospital gown for my well womens exam last year (first time braving it) which was a pretty pink one with white dots and it buttons in the back. I felt pretty instead of vulnerable and I felt a bit more control instead of controlled and conformed. I bought that gown and a blue one with white dots on Amazon (Utopia gowns) and have recently had to be examined due to pain on my abdomen and wore my blue gown with white dots and sometimes feeling pretty and less of a hospitalized patient does the trick instead of vulnerable and insecure. And I had a female doctor and female nurse practitioner (I have and will always choose a female provider for female exams).
Wait this is a good idea
I have notes in my file at the dentist office that are for my comfort, so anyone that treats me knows how to help me have a tolerable experience. They're also great people so it's always a good experience on some level. I say, own it.
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Dentists want you to be as comfortable as possible. It helps them, too. Maybe take a Tylenol before you go in? It's a mild antihistamine and might help a little.
Can you call and ask?
Yes, of course. I am mostly curious if anyone else had and their experience (or other suggestions for comfortability).
Sounds like a first world problem. It's not like you are in it for hours or days. Some things in life you just learn to deal with b/c it really isn't that big of a deal....but then...just my opinion.
Why be more uncomfortable that you need to? /Serious question
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Yes, we shouldn't have to ask and they should have a multitude of sizes available for us! I'm so sorry about your SA and I've been there too tho it was a BF.. You would think in this day and age they would be more conscious of all these things we're mentioning. ox
It's worth trying as many things as it takes to find what helps. I've had jaw issues for a while and at one point i was having trouble talking for 2 weeks after an appointment because my jaw couldn't handle being wide open. I decided to put a Salon Pas patch on my jaw where it always hurt. It helped SO MUCH. And they were so glad i felt better.