The vaginal speculum is an instrument used by doctors for pelvic examinations. It is made of metal or plastic, has a hinged joint, and is shaped like a duck bill. The doctor inserts a disposable vaginal speculum into the vagina and gently opens it during the examination.
Sperm comes in different sizes. The doctor will choose the size you need depending on your age and the length and width of your vagina.
How is it Used?
Doctors use a vaginal speculum to open and hold open the vaginal walls during the exam. This makes it easier to see the vagina and cervix. Without the speculum, the doctor cannot perform a complete pelvic exam.
Expectations During a Pelvic Exam
The pelvic exam helps the doctor evaluate the condition of the reproductive system. Pelvic exams are often done along with other medical tests, such as breast exams, abdominal exams, and back exams. Your doctor will perform a pelvic exam in the doctor’s office. It usually takes only a few minutes. You will be asked to put on a gown and given a sheet to wrap around your lower body.
Are there any risks associated with Speculum Surgery?
There are few risks associated with using a vaginal speculum, as long as it is sterile. The biggest risk is discomfort during the abdominal examination. Muscle tension can make the examination uncomfortable. To avoid tension, try to breathe slowly and deeply, relax all the muscles in your body, not just your pelvis, and ask your doctor for explanations during the examination. You may also want to try other relaxation techniques that work for you.
Even if you feel uncomfortable, the speculum doesn’t have to hurt. Tell your doctor if you have pain. He or she may be able to replace the endoscope with a smaller one.
Take it with You
The speculum is uncomfortable, but it is an important tool for your doctor to examine your pelvis carefully. This test is done to rule out the possibility of sexually transmitted infections, including HPV, which is the leading cause of cervical cancer, and other health problems.
During the exam, the doctor will first perform an external examination, looking at the outside of your vagina for signs of problems, such as
- Irritation
- Redness
- Pain
- Swelling
Next, the doctor will use a speculum to perform an internal exam. During this part, the doctor will examine the vagina and cervix. Before the endoscope is inserted, it may be warmed or lightly lubricated to make it more comfortable.
Organs such as the uterus and ovaries are not visible on the outside. This means that the doctor will have to feel them to check if there are any problems. The doctor will insert two gloved and lubricated fingers into the vagina. On the other hand, he or she will press on the lower abdomen to check for tumors or tension in the pelvic organs.
What is a Pap Smear?
The doctor uses a vaginal swab when performing a Pap smear, a test to detect abnormal cells on the cervix. If the abnormal cells are not treated, they can lead to cervical cancer. In a Pap smear, the doctor takes a small sample of cells from the cervix with a cotton swab. It is usually done after the doctor has checked the vagina and cervix and before removing the IUD. The Pap test can be uncomfortable, but it is a quick procedure. It doesn’t have to be painful. If you are between the ages of 21 and 65, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a Pap test every three years.
Pap Test Recommendation
If you are between the ages of 30 and 65, you can substitute an HPV test every five years for the Pap test or have both tests at the same time. If you are over 65, ask your doctor if you still need a Pap test. If your previous tests were normal, you may not need them in the future.
Pap test results are available in about one to three weeks. The results can be normal, abnormal, or inconclusive.
- If the result is normal, it means that the doctor has found no abnormal cells.
- If the Pap test is abnormal, it means that some cells do not look good. This does not necessarily mean that you have cancer. But it does mean that the doctor will probably want to do more tests.
- If the cell changes are minor, the doctor may do another Pap test immediately or within a few months. If the changes are more serious, the doctor may recommend a biopsy.
An inconclusive result means that the tests cannot determine whether the cervical cells are normal or abnormal. In this case, your doctor may ask you to come back in six months or a year for another Pap test or to see if more tests are needed to rule out other problems. For more: JimyMedical.co.uk
