Pelvic Exams: Cut Out Obstructed Views

During pelvic examinations, tissuefrom the vaginal walls often obstructsthe view of the cervix by enteringlaterally from either side of the openspeculum. One way to prevent thisis to cut a finger off of a rubber gloveand then snip off the finger's end aswell, forming a tube. Place this tubeover the speculum blades before introducingthe instrument into the vagina.When the speculum is opened,the glove material holds back thevaginal wall tissue so that the view isunobstructed.

-Jeanette M. Williams, MD
  Minneapolis