Risk of breakage of plastic speculum

Is there a risk of breakage when using a plastic vaginal speculum in the rectum?

I would think that as long as you use the proper lube and slowly push it in, there shouldn't be a problem. I have only used metal speculums, but that's just my preference.

For heavens sake gentlemen its a powerful set of muscles up there and a broken bit of plastic roaming around the rectum isn't funny!

Treat yourself to a narrow blade Collins stainless steel speculum or go the whole hog, for £25 (GBP) a proper anal speculum, three prong type.

I'm reminded of the chap on these boards who used some fish tank tubing as a catheter and it broke off in his urethra.

My pa used to say if a thing is worth doing, its worth doing well - but he wasn't talking about medfet. TAKE NO RISKS for a cent or two

On this topic, I would say that a plastic speculum used in the vagina is fine. The plastic is popular because you can see through it and visualize more of the tissues at once.

Using a plastic vaginal speculum in the rectum is another matter. The rectum is much harder to dilate than a vagina with a speculum and a plastic vaginal speculum is more likely to break when used for dilating the rectum because, as we all know, most people want to open things up as far as they can possibly go. This isn't the case when a gynecologist uses a plastic vaginal speculum for visual and instrument access in the vagina.

I agree... in the vagina no problem if you do it correctly. Keep them out of your rectum. Nasty cuts... very hard to explain to a nurse or doc in an ED when you go for help. Use the stainless steel or the plastic one DESIGNED for your butt.

Keep it safe.

There's a greast divide on plastic vs metal but it all comes down to cost. Plastic single use specula are dirt cheap and there is no sterilization upkeep... by the way anuscopes do come in single use disposables so using a plastic vaginal spec in the rectum isn't quite logical. Any rate doctors who argue with plastic on how comfortable they are and all that nonsense just don't want to admit they have dollar signs in mind first and foremost.

So I'd argue that for both the real and the play setting metal is best for a number of reasons. First the plastic stuff really can break...it does happen and it's not terribly pleasant when it happens. If you want a warm speculum then warm it up either with warm water or a heating pad or drawer heater...it's not that difficult. Plastic speculums....vaginal...tend to make pinching during insertion more likely due to their design. Now here is a big reason to use metal....both office and for the play doctors .... do this experiment - go to your kitchen, get out a nice shiny stainless steel pot or pan and rub it up and down your arm. No go get a 2 liter bottle of soda and rub that up and down your arm. Notice that the plastic bottle pulls and tugs at your skin significantly more- why- because it's plastic and skin tends to stick to the friction of plastic. If your gynecologist does not lubricate a plastic speculum it pulls and thus the patient has a very uncomfortable experience. To make a plastic speculum glide in gently it takes a considerable amount of lubricant vs metal.

I discuss this with patients all the time who think they prefer plastic, only to find out metal is a better option. It's about using the right speculum, or anuscope, etc. , proper lubrication, and correct insertion technique. For the playdoctors out here I would suggest a little up front thought will make for a much more enjoyable exam. Get the right type of instrument to the procedure you plan to perform and learn how to properly use it. For instance if your goal is to get an extremely open view of the cervix and vagina you need to use at least a medium graves metal, warm it a bit, apply a nice coating of surgical lubricant, position your patient properly for maximum insertion, insert in the proper angle and use the handle to your advantage as it was designed. Fail to do this and you have tightening of the vaginal muscles and a terrible time inserting - follow the steps and you get proper insertion which allows you to fully open and go about your exam in a more pleasant fashion for both you and your partner. -and do spend the extra few bucks on a nice set of medical tools

sarah

.... do this experiment - go to your kitchen, get out a nice shiny stainless steel pot or pan and rub it up and down your arm. No go get a 2 liter bottle of soda and rub that up and down your arm. Notice that the plastic bottle pulls and tugs at your skin significantly more- why- because it's plastic and skin tends to stick to the friction of plastic. sarah

Sarah

I've been looking for a way to describe the difference between metal and plastic in terms of friction and you've done it perfectly.

I stopped using stainless steel speculums and started to use plastic as soon as they became available - some years ago now. I pretty soon returned to my several sizes and types of stainless speculums when I started to get complaints, where I had never had them before - lubricated or not.

I was of course kidding myself that I was ensuring sterility but really it was laziness and the theatrical ripping open of a sealed package in front of the patient. I returned to my methodical sterilisation and storage routine pretty soon.

Then, a few years ago now, millions of plastic products, childrens toys in the main, were found to contain chemicals harmful to health with inclusions ranging from lead to carcinogenics. Yes, like the one plastic speculum I still had left - 'Made in China' and probably moulded in a back street Beijing sweat shop - what price a guaranteee of sterility even?

And yes, I too had breakages despite not using excessive force.