Every woman sooner or later turns to a gynecologist. Some representatives of the weaker sex have complaints and ask for treatment. Others come to the doctor in order to register for pregnancy. Still others do need a routine medical examination to pass the commission. One way or another, a female doctor has to examine her patients and take elementary tests. One of the common tools used by such doctors are speculums. It is about them that will be discussed further. You will find out what types and sizes the devices have. It is also worth mentioning what gynecological mirrors are used for.
Examination at the gynecologist
At the first visit, a female doctor always conducts a survey and diagnostics. According to the patient, the doctor writes down complaints and symptoms of diseases. Thereafterthe specialist asks the woman to sit on a special chair and performs an elementary examination. It is carried out with the help of palpation or with the use of devices called gynecological mirrors. Such an examination allows you to identify the size of the reproductive organ and ovaries and compare them with the day of the menstrual cycle. You can also detect some pathologies of the cervix, for example, erosion. During the examination, the doctor must take a smear, which allows laboratory diagnostics of the state of he alth.
Speculum Speculum
This device has been used for a long time. It helps to identify some pathologies of the cervix, vaginal mucosa and, in some cases, the cervical canal. It is worth noting that gynecological mirrors are selected taking into account all the parameters of a woman and the fact that she gave birth.
Gynecological instrument sizes
Vynecological speculum sizes are different. Physicians choose the device in accordance with the height and weight of the woman. If the device is incorrectly selected, the representative of the weaker sex may feel discomfort or pain during the examination. So, speculum sizes are as follows:
- XS (this view is for children only and measures 14mm x 70mm);
- S (used in nulliparous women) measures 23 x 75 millimeters;
- M (device is used for women who have given birth with a fragile physique) size is 25 by 85 millimeters;
- L(used for large ladies or women with multiple births) is 30 by 90 millimeters.
Using fixture
Disposable speculums are used in antenatal clinics, private gynecologist's offices, maternity hospitals and other medical institutions. Only a doctor can perform an examination with this device. Using disposable speculums on your own is not only pointless, but also dangerous. Inspection using such a tool is carried out in several stages. Consider them.
First step: opening the device
When the woman is seated on the gynecological chair, the doctor puts on sterile gloves and opens the package of the instrument. This must be done as carefully as possible. Once the speculum has been removed from the sterile bag, it should not be placed on any surface, but should be inspected immediately.
Second step: introducing the tool
Holding the device in his right hand, the doctor spreads the patient's labia minora with his free fingers and inserts a mirror. If the size of the device is chosen correctly, then the woman practically does not feel anything. When the doctor does not have a nulliparous speculum and uses a larger speculum, the patient may report discomfort or minor pain.
Third step: correct placement of the device and its fixation
To make a diagnosis, the doctor needs to position the device correctly after conducting the device. Need to do itin the following way. The doctor rotates the mirror 90 degrees with his right hand. After that, the device is expanded and fixed.
Currently, there are various methods of pinning. So, you can find mirrors on sale that have a special clip. In this case, the handles of the device are fixed together with a simple movement of the hand. There are also screw fasteners. With their help, one handle approaches the other with a special screw.
Fourth step: examination and testing
When the mirror is securely fixed, the gynecologist proceeds to the examination. First, the doctor assesses the condition of the walls of the vagina and their features. After that, attention switches to the cervix. This part is given special attention. The doctor evaluates her condition, shape and notes the presence or absence of neoplasms.
After that, the speculum allows you to take a smear. The doctor, if necessary, reduces the device handles a little more and takes material from the cervix.
Fifth step: removing the instrument
When the manipulations are over, the gynecologist releases the latch and moves the walls of the dilator. After that, the doctor turns it in the opposite direction and removes it from the vaginal cavity. The disposable speculum will be disposed of immediately after inspection.
Metal dilators are still used in some medical facilities. Such devices are subject to sterilization immediately after the end of manipulations.
Summing up
So now you know what a speculum is and what it is used for. If you doubt the sterility of your gynecologist's instruments, you can purchase this device yourself. It is sold freely in every pharmacy chain. The average cost of an expander is 100-400 rubles. Also in the package there are devices for taking a smear. When buying, be sure to pay attention to the size and choose the one that is right for you. If necessary, consult with your gynecologist and ask him everything that interests you.
Painless examination and good test results!
