Speculum

A speculum typically consists of two blades and a handle. The blades are designed to open, allowing the internal walls of the body to be pushed aside, creating enough space for visualization and examination. In adjustable models, the doctor can maintain the desired angle of the blades with the help of a screw or specific handle. Speculums are usually made of either metal or plastic and are designed in different shapes depending on the intended use.

Vaginal speculum: The most common type used for internal examination of the vagina and cervix. This speculum comes in two-blade and three-blade versions and is typically made from either sterilizable metal or single-use plastic.
Nasal speculum: Used to visualize and examine the inside of the nose, designed to fit the smaller nasal cavity.
Ear speculum: Used for examining the ear and checking the ear canal, made in small sizes to fit the ear canal.
Anal speculum: Designed for examining the inside of the anus and rectum, commonly used in colonoscopy and proctoscopy exams.

Vaginal speculums are generally produced in three main sizes: small, medium, and large. The appropriate size depends on the patient’s physical condition and the type of examination. Small and medium sizes are used for general examinations and younger patients, while larger sizes are for patients requiring a wider opening of the vaginal canal.

Speculums are essential tools in the diagnosis and treatment of gynecological and obstetric conditions. They are used in routine exams and specialized procedures like Pap smears, diagnosing vaginal infections, and performing tissue sampling. The use of speculums reduces the need for manual exams, offering a more accurate and safer examination for physicians while providing greater comfort for patients.