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.

How long is a speculum?

Speculae up to 4 cm wide and 12–16 cm long are appropriate when redundant vaginal walls prolapse between the bills and obscure the view of the cervix; this occurs most commonly in obese and multiparous women.

How big 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. Shirazian.

What are the different sizes of speculum?

This vaginal speculum is commonly available in multiple sizes: small, medium and large. The bills of the Graves speculum, which resemble a duck's mouth, are wider than the bills of the Pederson speculum, and the sides are also curved.

How long is a plastic speculum?

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Does it hurt to have a speculum inserted?

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.

Does Pap smear hurt?

The Pap smear shouldn't hurt, but it might be uncomfortable. The good news is, it's over quickly.

How do I choose the right speculum size?

A leading factor contributing to the size of the speculum used during a patient's exam is her age. Typically, the younger the patient is, the smaller the size of the speculum must be. Alternatively, patients that are entering an older stage of life might need a smaller size that responds well to a delicate pelvic area.

Can I ask for a smaller speculum?

Ask for a smaller speculum

"If you can tolerate sex or a sex toy, most people will be able to tolerate a speculum," explains Dr Kaye. But if it is painful, then your doctor or nurse can use a smaller one.

How do you make a speculum less painful?

Can gynecologist know if you virgin?

A pelvic exam or a vaginal exam cannot reveal with absolute certainty that a woman is a virgin or has been sexually active. A gynecologist can't tell if you are a virgin by doing a physical exam because of the variation in different hymens and the absence of a hymen isn't an indicator of sexual activity.

Why do Pap smears hurt so much?

When Pap smears are uncomfortable, it's often because there's a sensation of pressure in the pelvic region. Urinating beforehand can relieve some of this pressure. In some cases, your doctor might request a urine sample, so be sure to ask if it's OK to use the restroom beforehand.

Is it normal to bleed after a speculum exam?

However, bleeding usually happens due to the cervix being irritated by the test, rather than an indicator that something is wrong. A small amount of blood (also known as spotting), is normal.

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.

Do virgins need a Pap test?

Do virgins need Pap smears? Answer From Tatnai Burnett, M.D. Yes. Doctors recommend routine cervical cancer screening, regardless of your sexual history.

How do you insert a speculum?

To insert a plastic speculum, spread the inner lips of the clitoris with two fingers of one hand, hold the bills of the speculum tightly together with the thumb and index finger of the other and guide it into the vaginal canal. You can use a water-soluble jelly or just plain water to make insertion smoother.

How do I relax for a smear test?

When should a girl have her first pelvic exam?

What is the right age to take this step? The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that girls first see a gynecologist when they're between the ages of 13 and 15. Most girls will not need a pelvic exam during this first visit, though.

At what age should a woman stop seeing a gynecologist?

Typically, women ages 66 and older no longer need a routine Pap exam each year, as long as their previous three tests have come back clear. The benefits of a yearly gynecologist visit can extend far beyond a pap smear, though.

At what age can you stop having pelvic exams?

Women over age 65 can stop getting screened if they've had at least three consecutive negative Pap tests or at least two negative HPV tests within the previous 10 years, according to the guidelines. But women who have a history of a more advanced precancer diagnosis should continue to be screened for at least 20 years.

How long do you bleed after a Pap smear?

If bleeding after a Pap smear is from normal causes, such as a cervical scratch, the bleeding should stop within a few hours. Spotting may last up to two days, but the bleeding will become lighter. Avoid sex and don't use a tampon in the two to three days following a Pap smear if you're experiencing bleeding.

Can you be sedated for a Pap smear?

The short answer to this question is, yes, you can be sedated to get a pelvic exam and Pap smear. This is not common practice however, and usually only done when there is suspected clinical concern and a routine exam is not possible.

Are you knocked out for a colposcopy?

You typically don't need to fast, nor do you require sedation for a colposcopy. Preparation for a colposcopy involves taking steps to ensure that we can get a clear view of your cervix. This requires scheduling your colposcopy at a time when you're not having your period.

How do you relax for a pelvic exam?

Practice slow, deep breathing. Try to relax your shoulders, your stomach muscles and the muscles between your legs. Your provider should already be describing each step of the exam, but you can ask for more explanation or for them to go more slowly.

Do I cancel my Pap smear while on period?

It's also OK if you want to keep the appointment

Being on your menstrual cycle isn't going to have an effect on your visit or results. Thanks to new tech, the findings of your Pap smear, STI tests, and pelvic exam will most likely be the same as they would if you weren't bleeding!