Speculum Sizes: “One Size Does Not Fit All,” Says Your Friendly Neighborhood Gynecologist

By Gyneco-bLogic on May 8, 2017 • ( 21 Comments )

In this post you will learn about the various sizes of the speculum, the instrument gynecologists use to perform pap test.

On our Facebook page I recently shared a post about what percentage of women do not see their gynecologist every year. The startling number out of 1000 women was over 300. For some, the reason is misinformation about how often one should go to the gynecologist.

Annual check ups are still recommended, even if the Pap test is not required. Also an annual Pap test is still covered by most insurance plans, so if you are someone who wants a yearly pap despite present guidelines, that is acceptable.

I am guessing that more than confusion about frequency of exams, more women don’t see their Lady Doctor regularly because the exams are uncomfortable, even often painful. Discomfort I expect. Pain, I don’t.

Your pap test shouldn’t hurt. If it does, the problem may be the speculum size.

I have been told countless times over the years that my Pap tests don’t hurt. Women often marvel at how much better tolerated my exams are than with previous doctors. I don’t know why that is. I have never compared my technique to other physicians. I do want to use this moment, however, to highlight a difference in speculum sizes and types used.

At my practice, we are fortunate to have speculums from all around the world. Just kidding. We actually have multiple types of speculums for different types of women. I believe this plays a role in the tolerability of a Pap or other speculum exam.

What is a Speculum?

Let’s back up for a moment to answer, “what is a speculum?”. The speculum is a metal or plastic device that is used to open the vagina enough to see inside. A physician can evaluate the walls of the vagina, the cervix, perform STD testing, examine discharge quality and quantity, and even perform procedures and surgeries with the aid of visualization provided by the speculum. The are very helpful in the field of gynecology as a whole. What they are not is one-size-fits all.

Enter Bubba Gump:

You have your metal speculum, your plastic speculum, your pediatric speculum, your Graves speculum, your Pederson speculum, your disposable speculum, your reusable speculum, your bivalve speculum, your weighted speculum, your… okay enough.

Here are is a picture that highlights the differences:

Multiple speculums on table including pediatric, large and small Pederson, large and small Graves, and the extra-large Pederson. — Pictured here are pediatric, large and small Pederson, large and small Graves, and the extra-large Pederson. What can I say? Women come in all shapes and sizes

Dr. Wendy’s book is available! Check out the sidebar for more about It Smells Just Like Popcorn!

cactus plants on table of doctor's office — Don’t Laugh. I included this pic because you may need a quick pic to pan to if anyone walks behind your phone or computer. How do you explain looking at an assortment of speculums? These Succulents I purchased as a set on Amazon, though.

Speculum sizes differ for every woman and stage of life.

The Pederson speculums are designed for women with more narrow vaginas. I prefer these for my ladies who have never had children before.

The Graves are particularly useful in women who have delivered babies vaginally. The curvature allows for better visualization of the cervix.

The pediatric speculum is excellent for my patients who have not been sexually active. The population, however, that gets the most benefit from pediatric speculums is ironically the elderly and postmenopausal women.

I could get into more speculum history, but you’re not interested in those details. Much more fun are my many Gyne’s Angels pics taken in the office last week:

Gyne’s Angels Pediatric Freeze

Don’t Mess With The Spec

Gyne’s Angels

Thanks Arshi for capturing the essence of the pediatric, small Pederson, and extra-large Pederson specs in perfect light! It’s not just awesome recipes and food photography with you! Check out Arshi’s Instagram page for more.

If you don’t like visiting your gynecologist because of the sheer weirdness of the whole experience, I can accept that sentiment. Make an appointment anyway. If you avoid this vital screening primarily because of pain, you may need a more customized evaluation. Just a thought. Oh, and one final public service announcement for complete clarification:

Every speculum exam is NOT a Pap smear.

An exam with the formerly (until now) dreaded speculum can be performed to visualize the cervix, do STD testing, check for abnormal bleeding etc. The Pap smear is specifically screening for cervical cancer.