How to Protect Your Modesty in a Medical Setting

So if you are like I am and care about maintaining your modesty, how do you do so while still getting the medical care that you need? Here are some practical ideas to try.

Communication
First off: communicate your desires clearly, firmly and in advance. Whenever a medical test or procedure is suggested or planned, ask your medical practitioner to clearly explain exactly what will be done, who will do it and what you will be wearing. That may sound over-the-top, but medical professionals seem to err on the side of take-it-all-off for even some of the simplest tests and procedures. Always ask for details. Even for "simple" procedures. Don't settle for the generalities they usually give you or you will most likely be unpleasantly surprised.  If you aren't happy with the answers, ask them to explain why certain aspects of the procedure are medically necessary and then discuss ways to provide the medical necessities while still maintaining your dignity and comfort.

For example, often patients are told that they must remove all their underwear before a test or procedure. When asked why, we had a nurse explain it was because certain synthetic fibers can cause problems.  The follow-up to that explanation would be: "So what material can I wear that would not cause any problems?" I'd much rather go buy some new underwear than to be stripped bear.  Another example, sometimes people are told they can't wear anything but a skimpy hospital gown into an MRI.  In truth, they just need to make sure you don't have anything metal-- no rivets, zippers, etc.--and it is faster and easier for them to make you take it all off than to sort out what would be problematic. A t-shirt and yoga paints (and underwear, too) go through an MRI just fine. I know. I've done it.

Talk to your doctor in advance about what is actually needed versus what is standard practice. These type of discussions are much more likely to yield results when you aren't already on the clock in the very expensive surgery center, MRI, etc.

Have your doctor include your wishes in their orders:
Nurses, technicians and surgery preps are very concerned with doing what the doctor wants--much, much more than they are worried about doing what you want. So as you have these discussions with your doctor, insist they write the modesty plans you make into the official medical orders. You will probably still have to point them out to the health care workers you encounter (they often don't seem to read all that paperwork) but once you point it out to them, they are unlikely to fight both you AND the doctor.

Play the religion card:
If you get push back on your requests for more modesty, choose your wording carefully. If you just say "it makes me uncomfortable" people are likely to treat you as a scared child who they need to convince there is no reason to be afraid. They will try to convince you that your desires are unnecessary and/or irrational rather than looking for alternatives that will work for you. However, they have been trained (or should be anyway) to be respectful and accommodating of people's religious beliefs. For example, if someone came in saying they needed kosher food, the health care worker would be in big trouble with all kinds of people if they tried to convince them that such belief was stupid and unnecessary. So make sure to clearly frame your desires for modesty as a religious belief. Example: "My religious belief is that it is wrong to let any man besides my husband see my naked body. How will your medical facility work to respect that belief?"

Hold your ground:
Don't let people bully and push you into doing something that makes you uncomfortable or that you will greatly regret later. There is nearly always additional options, even if they would rather not admit it. If you aren't happy with the situation, make it stop until a resolution is found that makes you happy. They have a schedule to keep.  That tends to make health care workers try to railroad you through whatever is quickest and easiest for them. But, if you hold your ground and absolutely refuse to move forward, it becomes quicker and easier for them to find a way to meet your modesty needs.

Blame Aunt Flow:
Ladies have one more option. If you really want to keep your underwear but aren't very good at being firm or making a scene, go ahead and lie and say you are having your period. They'll have no choice but to at least give you some lovely disposable underwear to wear.

Why it matters:
For background info on why patient modesty is important, read our other patient modest post.