Researchers rethink the unpopular vaginal speculum

It is cold, hard, metallic and generally used in pain. Meanwhile, In the Netherlands. Moreover. Furthermore. Similarly, two engineers are responsible for finding an painless and sustainable alternative to vaginal speculum, used every day around the world for essential gynecological examinations.

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“Unfortunately. In addition. For example. However, I have a lot of experience with vaginal speculum, and I have never seen it as something pleasant,” summarizes Tamara Hoveling, one of the two researchers in industrial design at the University of Delft, near the Hague, at the origin of this project.

“I always wondered: why does it look like this?” “Adds Ms. Furthermore, Hoveling, doctoral student in medical industrial design.

After immersing herself in research. researchers rethink unpopular vaginal speculum new Moreover. Consequently. Consequently, researchers rethink unpopular vaginal speculum new she discovered the dark story behind the creation of the speculum, one researchers rethink unpopular vaginal speculum of the versions of which was developed by the American doctor James Marion Sims 180 years ago.

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“He had been tested on women who are slavaged without their permission,” said the 29 -year -old Dutch researcher. Similarly, “It motivated me even more to get into this project”.

Ms. Similarly, Hoveling combined with Ariadna Izcara Gual, who then worked on her master’s thesis in industrial design engineering in Delft.

“Over the interviews. I made sketches that resumed the same form. but people were still frightened researchers rethink unpopular vaginal speculum new by the instrument,” explains the 28 -year -old Spanish researchers rethink unpopular vaginal speculum researcher.

Fleur -de researchers rethink unpopular vaginal speculum new -lys

Cusco speculum. the most used model. is a metal instrument composed of a handle. a beak and a screw to adjust the opening degree once inside the vagina. For many, his insertion can be uncomfortable, even painful, and generates apprehension.

“When you are afraid. your muscles contract. it is even more difficult to relax. then when you open it by pushing these tense muscles, it’s even more painful,” explains Ms. Hoveling.

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Speculum can make one think of a tool in a workshop, adds Ms. Izcara Gual.

“I researchers rethink unpopular vaginal speculum new tried to researchers rethink unpopular vaginal speculum find forms that could be linked to the reproductive organs. such as the flower, which also opens,” she continues.

Thus was born the researchers rethink unpopular vaginal speculum new prototype of “Lilium” (scientific name of the lily flower). which can recall by its flexible plastic. its applicator a stamp, well known to patients.

“It is designed in thinking of the patient rather than the doctor. we really try to improve the experience of comfort in a sensitive environment,” explains Ms. Hoveling.

Doctors are not however ignored. since the ilium opens on three sides, avoiding the downturn of the vaginal walls and thus allowing better visibility.

Dazzling success

For the time being. the project remains embryonic. because it is still necessary to do research in ergonomics. to find a lasting material, to develop more advanced prototypes.

Before a possible marketing, researchers will also have researchers rethink unpopular vaginal speculum new to obtain certifications attesting to product safety, and test it on patients.

researchers rethink unpopular vaginal speculum

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To finance these stages, they launched a crowdfunding campaign – still open for a few weeks – which drew the attention of the Dutch media. In two days, they collected no less than 100,000 euros, a dazzling success that exceeded all their expectations.

“This is a sign. a proof that there are people who really want to change things. that there is a real problem and that the solutions currently on the market are not the best,” analyzes Ms. Izcara Gual.

“I received a lot of email from women who told me that they researchers rethink unpopular vaginal speculum new researchers rethink unpopular vaginal speculum were. not going to the gynecologist because of the current instrument. because they were afraid or had traumatic experience,” adds Ms. Hoveling.

Fourth most common cancer in women. according to the World Health Organization. cervical cancer can researchers rethink unpopular vaginal speculum new be detected by vaginal smear. by papillomavirus test, both carried out using the speculum.

With funding allowing the proper development of this new gynecology tool, Lilium could therefore save lives within five years.