A Disposable Vaginal Speculum is a medical device that allows your doctor to see more clearly inside hollow portions of your body, such as your vagina. Your doctor can examine your vagina and cervix by opening up your vaginal walls using a vaginal speculum. Although it is used in many different gynecological procedures, it is most commonly used in pelvic examinations and Pap testing.
What is a Disposable Vaginal Speculum?
A Disposable Vaginal Speculum is used by a medical expert to examine inside hollow bodily cavities such as your vagina, anus, ears, or nose. The most well-known type of speculum is the vaginal speculum, which is used for pelvic examinations. The opening between your vagina and your uterus is known as the cervix. Your doctor can use a speculum to check atypical growths, take fluid samples for examination, and even perform procedures through your vagina.
What Does a Disposable Vaginal Speculum Look Like?
Disposable Vaginal Speculums come in a range of shapes and sizes based on their intended usage. The speculum you’ll most likely see at a gynecologist appointment has two arms that connect at a hinge. The arms resemble a duck’s beak. These are the parts of the speculum that penetrate your vagina. Your vaginal opening is similar to that of your arms. After the close, the size of your vagina returns to normal. Plastic or stainless steel speculums are available. Some plastic speculums feature built-in lights that allow your doctor to better see your vagina and cervix.
What types of Disposable Vaginal Speculum are available?
Speculum sizes vary, as do vaginal sizes. The size of your vagina and the stretchiness or flexibility of your vaginal walls is determined by some factors, including genetics, age, health, and sexual activity. To enhance your comfort, your healthcare practitioner should select a speculum that is appropriate for your vagina. During the examination, your doctor will use the smallest speculum possible to examine your cervix and vagina. Some of the most common types of vaginal speculums are as follows.
1. A speculum for a child:
A pediatric speculum is the smallest. Some speculums are significantly longer and wider than this one. Pediatric speculums, despite their misleading name, are rarely used on children. Instead, if you’ve never had sexual relations, your provider could use it. Pediatric speculums are regularly used on postmenopausal women. Because of changes to your vaginal walls after menopause, it may be difficult to tolerate a bigger speculum.
2. Huffman speculum:
The Huffman speculum is larger than a pediatric speculum but smaller than the commonly used Pederson speculum. It is also intended for folks who have never had intimate encounters.
3. The Pederson Speculum:
The Pederson speculum is one of the most often used speculums. Your doctor may use this speculum if you have had sexual contact or are sexually active but have not given birth.
4. Graves Speculum:
The Graves speculum is also frequently used. It is a better choice than the Pederson speculum if you have a longer vaginal canal or more elastic vaginal walls. If you delivered vaginally, your doctor may have used a Graves speculum. This type of speculum is also commonly used for procedures such as colposcopy and biopsies. The diameters of grave speculums vary as well.
What is the function of a vaginal speculum?
During a pelvic exam or Pap smear, a disposable vaginal speculum will very probably be utilized. During a pelvic exam, your doctor gently inserts the duck-billed portion of the speculum into your vagina to widen your vaginal walls. Your cervix may now be more visible, making it easier to detect any abnormal growths or other irregularities. During a Pap smear, your doctor will collect cells from your cervix, which will subsequently be evaluated for cervical cancer symptoms.
Getting acclimated to a vaginal speculum during normal examinations may prepare you for future operations that may also require speculums. ,,,, ,,,,,,
- Biopsy.
- Colposcopy.
- dilatation and treatment (D&C).
- Endometrial ablation is the removal of the endometrium.
- artificial fertilization (IVF).
- Implantation of an IUD.
- Electrosurgical excision loop technique (LEEP).
- Hysterectomy by vaginal incision.
During operations (such as a D&C or hysterectomy), you will be asleep while the speculum is in place for an extended time.
Is a Speculum Safe?
Yes, Many disposable vaginal speculum Designs have been used since ancient times to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of gynecological problems. Your healthcare professional will sanitize the speculum beforehand to ensure that no bacteria enter your body when it is inserted. There is no reason to be concerned about your vagina becoming looser with time. During the surgery, temporary widening may occur. Following your examination, your vagina will resize to its natural size.
