Every woman sooner or later turns to a gynecologist. Some women have complaints and are asked to prescribe treatment for them. Others come to the doctor in order to register for pregnancy. Still others need a regular physical examination to undergo a commission. One way or another, a female doctor has to examine her patients and take elementary tests. One of the common tools for such doctors are gynecological mirrors. It is about them that we will discuss later. You will find out what types and sizes of devices. It is also worth mentioning which gynecological mirrors are used.
Examination by a gynecologist
At the first visit, a female doctor always conducts a survey and diagnosis. According to the patient, the doctor writes down complaints and symptoms of diseases. After that, the specialist asks the woman to sit on a special chair and performs an elementary examination. It is carried out by palpation or with the use of devices called gynecological mirrors. Such an examination allows you to identify the size of the genital organ and ovaries and compare them with the day of the menstrual cycle. You can also find some pathologies of the cervix, for example, erosion. During the examination, the doctor must take a smear, which allows laboratory diagnostics of the state of health.
Gynecological mirrors
This device has been used for a long time. It helps to identify some pathologies of the cervix, vaginal mucosa and, in some cases, the cervical canal. It is worth noting that gynecological mirrors are selected taking into account all the parameters of a woman and the fact whether she gave birth.
Sizes of gynecological devices
Gynecological mirrors have different sizes. Doctors choose the device in accordance with the height and weight of the woman. If the device is incorrectly selected, a representative of the weaker sex may feel discomfort or pain during the examination. So, gynecological mirrors sizes are as follows:
- XS (this type is used only for children and has dimensions of 14 by 70 millimeters);
- S (used in nulliparous women) has a size of 23 by 75 millimeters;
- M (the device is used in women giving birth to fragile physique) the size is 25 by 85 millimeters;
- L (used for large ladies or women with multiple births) has a size of 30 by 90 millimeters.
Use of device
Disposable gynecological mirrors are used in antenatal clinics, private gynecologist offices, maternity hospitals and other medical facilities. Only a doctor can perform an examination with this device. It is not only pointless, but also dangerous to use disposable gynecological mirrors on your own. Inspection using such a tool is carried out in several stages. Consider them.
First step: opening the device
When the woman is seated on a gynecological chair, the doctor puts on sterile gloves and opens the packaging of the instrument. This should be done as carefully as possible. After the mirror is removed from the sterile bag, it must not be placed on any surface, but it must be inspected immediately.
Second step: introducing the tool
Holding the device in his right hand, the doctor with his free fingers pushes the patient's labia minora and inserts a mirror. If the size of the device is chosen correctly, then the woman practically does not feel anything. When the doctor does not have gynecological mirrors for nulliparous, and he uses a larger expander, the patient may notice discomfort or minor pain.
The third step: the correct location of the device and its fixation
To carry out the diagnosis, the doctor, after maintaining the device, must correctly position it. You need to do this as follows. The doctor turns the mirror 90 degrees with his right hand. After that, the device expands and locks.
Currently, there are various ways to fasten. So, you can find on sale mirrors that have a special clip. In this case, the device handles are fixed to each other with a simple movement of the hand. There are also twisting locks. With their help, one handle approaches the other with a special screw.
Fourth step: inspection and analysis
When the mirror is firmly fixed, the gynecologist proceeds to the examination. First, the doctor assesses the condition of the vaginal walls and their features. After that, attention switches to the cervix. This part is given special attention. The doctor assesses her condition, shape and notes the presence or absence of neoplasms.
After this, a gynecological mirror allows you to take a smear. If necessary, the doctor brings the handles of the device a little more and takes material from the cervix.
Fifth step: removing the device
When the manipulations are over, the gynecologist releases the retainer and moves the walls of the expander. After that, the doctor cranks it in the opposite direction and removes it from the vaginal cavity. A disposable mirror is disposed of immediately after the inspection.
Some medical facilities still use metal expanders. Such devices must be sterilized immediately after the end of the manipulation.
Summarizing
So, now you know what a gynecological mirror is and what it is used for. If you doubt the sterility of the devices of your gynecologist, you can independently purchase this device. It is sold freely in every pharmacy chain. The average cost of the expander is 100-400 rubles. Also in the package there are devices for taking a smear. At the time of purchase, be sure to pay attention to the size and choose the one that suits you. If necessary, consult your gynecologist and ask him everything that interests you.
A painless examination and good test results!