I started my term of Obsterics and Gynaecology or Obs & Gyn for short today. We were taught to do a pelvic exam and Pap smear today. WE were told to practice on plastic models at first which was easy enough. The plastic models needed a bit of extra push and pull to insert and extract the speculum but at least you know there's a cervix in there. Then, we were asked to practice on real people. I have to say that these women who volunteer to allow medical students to exam their nether regions are very brave. I mean, it's a uncomfortable examination (ask any women) and having 6 medical students to probe and poke in that region does not make it any better. So a huge thank you to those brave women who volunteer to allow us to practice. For guys who don't know what a speculum looks like, a picture below will illustrate why the examination is rather uncomfortable.
However, it would have been better if the instructors who arrange this exercise to get women who have intact anatomy in that region. The women I got had a total hysterectomy. It's good for me to be able to insert the speculum in but I really would appreciate the practice to see an actual real life cervix. I mean I need to know if my technique will allow me to visualise a normal cervix. But as the woman had a complete hysterectomy, there's no cervix to visualise except for a horizontal scar at where the cervix was. Also, as part of the pelvic exam, I have to feel for the uterus, ovaries. But again, as the woman had no ovaries and uterus, I can't be sure if I'm doing it right and what it feels like in a normal woman.
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