Dataset for a physical model characterizing visualization of the cervix during pelvic exams

This dataset accompanies our manuscript draft: A physical model for improving visualization of the cervix  during pelvic exams: A steppingstone towards reducing  disparities in women's health.

Manuscript Draft Abstract

Pelvic exams are frequently complicated by collapse of the lateral vaginal walls, obstructing the physician’s view of the cervix. A commonly utilized method in the clinical setting, passed down from mentors to trainees, is repurposing either a condom or a glove as a sheath placed over the speculum blades to retract the lateral vaginal walls during the exam. Despite their regular use in clinical practice, little research has been done comparing the relative efficacy of these methods. Better visualization of the cervix can benefit patients by decreasing examination-related discomfort, aiding in cancer screening, and preventing the need to move the examination to the operating room under general anesthesia.

This study presents a physical model that simulates vaginal pressure being exerted around a speculum. Using it, we then compare the efficacy of different condom types, glove materials, glove sizes, and methods of application onto the speculum.

The results showed that condoms provided minimal lateral wall retraction, while vinyl-material gloves with the speculum placed into the third finger had the best lateral wall retraction. However, the nitrile-material gloves are overall preferred over the vinyl gloves as they provided adequate lateral wall retraction without applying a significant vertical compressive effect on the speculum, and thus had overall better cervical visualization. Glove size had minimal impact.

This study serves as a guide for clinicians as they use tools commonly found in a clinical setting to perform difficult pelvic exams. We recommend that clinicians consider the use of a nitrile glove as a sheath around a speculum. Additionally, this study demonstrates proof-of-concept of a physical model that can quantitatively describe different materials on their ability to improve cervical visualization. This model can be used in future research with more speculum and material combinations, including with materials custom-designed materials for this purpose.