Why Stirrups?

I was thinking today about this:

Why do we use stirrups during gyn exams? How is it an improvement over assuming the same position just on the table? (This is called Sims position, right?) Or, why not just use the frog leg position like I've seen on some videos of British pap tests?

Are the stirrups used because they make it easier for the doc to take a seat between our spread legs? That's the only reason I can think of so far... I can see how that's essential for something like a colposcopy or a LEEP, but what about for the regular ole pelvic exam and pap?

I'd love to hear also about the experiences of ladies who've been in and docs who've used both positions and how they differ....

XO,

Cute

My guess is that its about access. Better position for the Doctor and easier to use instruments etc with the legs semi-captured. I am also guessing that in situations of discomfort it lessens the chance that the patient will contract her legs and hurt herself or even kick the Doctor.

Actually, sims position is when you're lying on your side, with one leg pulled up to your chest, and the doctor examines from behind.

N.

Cutelilasian,

The position you refer to (supine with legs spread) is known as the lithotomy position. It is the most commonly utilized position in gynecology because it allows good access, good view and it is easy to palpate the internal organs via the vagina and rectum. "Back in the day" some feminists would have said that it also made the female patient submissive to the whims of the male practitioner. As a play patient, I say "Well and good, I like to be submissive to the whims of my play doc, and exposed, and vulnerable".

When we switch roles, and I'm the doc, I like him to be submissive to my whims, and exposed, and vulnerable. He loves it too. We use leg slings instead of stirrups because they are more comfortable and easily transported.

So, for us, the question isn't "why stirrups?", it's "why not?"

Play On!

LadyDoc

Stirrups are rathera convenience for the doctor...it's a bad position though in the second half of pregnancy due to return blood flow being impaired by the uterus

take a good read up on Sims and his dealings with obgyn positioning, surgery, and so forth....he could fit in very well as a play doc along with his historical contributions to advancing gynecological practive

sarah

Good question I suppose, but there does seem to be alot easier access if you are really doing a thorough exam with stirrups. Doing everything from the side is a bit trickier. I think the last thing you want is a doctor whos struggling to align a speculum correctly.

Again, for the play exams, we love stirrups ; )

I was told one doctor doesn't even use stir-ups. Her patients just spread their legs and rest their feet on an exam table extension.

It’s for the best access to the best parts of a woman’s body. I know a guy came up with the idea

In a gynecology practice, it is standard practice for the examination table to be equipped with stirrups in which the patient rests her heels. If she is properly positioned with her buttocks at the edge of the seat, access is easy for examinations or procedures on the genital area.

In recent years, obstetricians, who primarily care for pregnant women, seem to prefer a knee support system, which is considered more comfortable. In a general practitioner's office, the examination couch rarely has a removable leg rest, and stirrups are an option that is not commonly used. In this case, the doctor asks the patient to adopt the so-called "frog" position, with her legs apart and her feet flat on the sides.

In the 2010s, an alternative emerged with what is known in France as the "English" (or Sims) position. The woman lies on her side with one leg bent in front of her, and the doctor is positioned behind her.

This position doesn't complicate access to the vulva and vagina, and all necessary procedures can be performed (including IUD insertion). Personally, I think it slightly complicates the relationship between the practitioner and the patient. The patient presents her buttocks and may be less relaxed, not being in control of what is happening. However, in the classic stirrup position, she can see her gynecologist, who can also observe her facial reactions. In my opinion, it's very important to be able to assess the patient's level of stress (or pain) when performing a procedure in her most intimate area.