Speculum Insertion

After being a SANE for a couple of years and now a midwife for a few months, I recently had my first patient take me up on the offer for them to insert their own speculum.

I don’t automatically make this offer to everyone (though, I probably should. Adding that to my *things to work on tab) but if I observe their apprehension about the exam I do. I also always discuss that everything Is optional, and include the risks, benefits and any alternatives of whatever test or procedure I’m trying to do. Usually, they say something like “it’s fine, go ahead.” despite their visible tension, or they opt out entirely. Both of these responses are 100% ok. But the other day, after saying “would you like to insert the speculum?” the patient reached for it and it gave me a huge sense of pride. Both in them and in myself.

I haven’t a doubt that the exam was not suddenly rainbows and cotton candy after that, as evidenced by their still tense body. But hopefully, they felt like they had some control of that situation, that maybe they hadn’t had before. Hopefully, gynecologic care can feel safer for them, so they don’t evade necessary testing and treatment.

Try asking your providers to let you insert the speculum. I want to know what they say.

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