How can you check your cervix without a speculum?

Insert the index or middle finger (or both) on your dominant hand into your vagina. Note the way your skin changes texture as you move closer toward your cervix. The vaginal canal usually has a softer, spongy-type feel. The cervix is usually firmer and may feel more smooth.

What can I use instead of a speculum?

The Callascope has the potential to offer an alternative to the standard duckbill speculum for clinical exams, which like the self-breast exam, will allow individuals with cervices to perform basic cervical exams in their own homes.

Can you do a pelvic exam without a speculum?

Doctors use vaginal speculums to spread and hold open your vaginal walls during an exam. This allows them to see your vagina and cervix more easily. Without the speculum, your doctor won't be able to do a comprehensive pelvic exam.

Can you self examine your cervix?

Use one hand to separate your labia and your dominant hand to insert one finger into the vagina. Your middle finger or pointer finger are typically the best fingers to check your cervix with, according to Dr. Evans. “You can use water-based lubricant or coconut oil if needed,” she adds.

How do you check your cervix with your fingers?

Your body position should allow you to easily reach your cervix. That may be sitting on the toilet, putting one leg up on the edge of the bathtub, or squatting. Reach your finger inside of your vagina. Use the index or middle finger and slowly slide your finger in as far as you can reach, in sort of an upward motion.

How to Find and Measure Your Cervix

How do I know if my cervix is high or low?

You can tell if your cervix is high or low by inserting one or two fingers into the vagina and feeling for the cervix. If you can reach the cervix by your first knuckle, your cervix is low. If you can reach it by or beyond the second knuckle of your finger, your cervix is average height or high.

How can you tell if your cervix is open or closed?

Feel in the middle of your cervix for a slight dent or opening. Doctors call this the cervical os. Note your cervical texture and if your cervix feels slightly open or closed. These changes can indicate where you are in your menstrual cycle.

Does your cervix feel like a lump?

Most people will find at the tip of their finger what feels like a bump of tissue protruding into the vagina. It may not be exactly where you expect it. Gently explore around the “top” and sides of the vaginal canal until you find some firmer tissue (it will feel like puckered lips or the cartilage of the nose).

Why does the speculum hurt so much?

Sometimes a pap test is excruciatingly painful not because the speculum is the wrong size, but because your vaginal issue is thin and dry or the muscles that surround the vagina are tense and painful.

Can you see cervix dilation with mirror?

It's present in most women, and the length of the line correlates with cervical dilation. Due to its placement and the intensity of labor, it might be difficult for women to assess their own purple line, even with the help of a mirror. Your care provider can see it easily, though, and determine the stage you're in.

How many fingers does a gynecologist use?

The doctor or nurse will put lubricant on two fingers (still wearing the gloves) and slide them inside your vagina. Using the other hand, he or she will press on the outside of your lower abdomen (the area between your vagina and your stomach). You may feel a little pressure or discomfort.

How do you know your cervix is hard?

Sometimes the cervix is not readily apparent when the speculum is first opened. When the cervix is not easily visualized, we recommend a bimanual examination to determine cervical location. If the cervix is deep in the vaginal vault and almost beyond reach of the examiner's fingers, a longer speculum will be needed.

How do you palpate your cervix?

Why do gynecologists finger you?

The rectovaginal exam — Your doctor or nurse may also put a gloved finger into your rectum. This checks the muscles between your vagina and your anus. This also checks for tumors behind your uterus, on the lower wall of your vagina, or in your rectum.

Can a speculum cut you?

Complications related to speculum use

The speculum might feel like it's stretching out your vagina, but it only opens up the vaginal canal temporarily. It won't widen or loosen your vagina. A speculum shouldn't cause damage or injury when used by a trained doctor.

Is a speculum painful?

THE SPECULUM EXAM SHOULDN'T HURT!

It's a common misconception that the speculum exam is supposed to hurt. Gynecologists are expertly trained to place a speculum, with as little discomfort as possible. Now I'm not saying you should ENJOY this part of the exam, but it really shouldn't HURT.

How can I make my cervical exam less painful?

Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol an hour before the exam to reduce discomfort. Deep breathing can help you stay calm and relax your pelvic muscles. If you feel pain, tell your doctor.

How far does a speculum open?

Despite how exposed you may feel with your legs in the stirrups, you might be surprised to learn that no matter which speculum you get, it is not holding your vagina open several inches wide. In fact, the opening is only about 2 centimeters wide during a Pap, says Dr.

How many inches is a speculum?

LARGE SIZE SPECULUM: The gynecological instrument measures 4-inch by 1-inch used by doctors to open the walls of the vagina and examine the vagina and cervix.

Can cervix be touched with finger?

How to check your cervix. It's possible to check the position and firmness of your cervix at home. You can do this by inserting a finger into your vagina to feel for the cervix. Your middle finger may be the most effective finger to use because it's the longest, but use whichever finger is easiest for you.

Why can I feel my cervix with my finger?

The tip of the cervix can be seen from inside of the vagina during exams and can be reached and felt by a fingertip. During menstruation, the cervix opens a small amount to allow the shedding of the endometrium (mucous membrane lining the uterus) to pass through – menstrual flow.

Is the cervix smooth or bumpy?

Depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle, your cervical fluid may range from pasty-white to a clear and stretchy egg-white texture. The cervix itself may be pink and smooth, or it might be uneven, rough or splotchy. All of these are normal.

Can you self check dilation at home?

Check for dilation.

Try to insert the tips of your fingers into your cervix. If one fingertip fits through your cervix, you're considered one centimeter dilated. If two fit, you're two centimeters dilated. If there's additional space in the opening, try to estimate how many fingertips would fit to determine dilation.

How does it feel when your cervix is opening?

It may be round or shaped like a horizontal dimple. It may have a slight opening or be tightly shut. The opening itself may feel smooth or have a more jagged-edged feel. If you feel around with your fingertips, the external portion of the cervix, called the ectocervix, bulges out into the top of the vagina.

Why can't I touch my cervix?

A: It is often completely normal if you cannot reach or feel the cervix. It probably means that it has moved to a high position and you should consider yourself at your most fertile. If you often have difficulty reaching your cervix, you may be able to reach it using a different position.