What is a vaginal speculum used for?
A vaginal speculum is a medical instrument used primarily in gynecology to open the vaginal walls for examination. Its main purposes include:
Gynecological Exams: To allow healthcare providers to inspect the vagina and cervix visually for signs of abnormalities, infections, or diseases.
Pap Smears: To facilitate the collection of cells from the cervix for cervical cancer screening.
Procedures and Treatments: To assist in various medical procedures, such as the insertion of intrauterine devices (IUDs), taking biopsies, or performing surgical procedures on the cervix and vagina.
Diagnosis: To help diagnose conditions like infections, structural abnormalities, or trauma.
The speculum gently spreads the vaginal walls apart, providing better visibility and access to the internal structures. It is usually made of metal or plastic and comes in different sizes to accommodate different patients.
