Inflatable Speculum

A few years ago I came up with an idea for an inflatable speculum. I discussed it with my wife and she agreed that it was a good idea but we did not have the resources to develop a prototype. Now I see that there are a number of inflatable speculums on the market. I would like to know if anyone has used or had the inflatable speculum used on them? Compared to a standard speculum was it more or less comfortable? Was more or less of the vagina visible? Was it difficult to use? Is there any problem with it staying in place?

Used the FemSpec once or twice - there is a thin plastic sheath that holds it in the shape of a tampon prior to insertion and inflation - when it was inserted and inflated, the way that the plastic sheath burst or tore on inflation resulted in a thin strip of plastic crossing over the cervix - The FemSpec also only allows views of the cervix, not the vaginal walls - Prefer plastic or stainless.

I have never heard of such a thing??

If what Walker Shaw said is the norm, I can under why the inflatable speculum has not become popular. Doing a Google for "inflatable speculum" will get about 123,000 hits including this link.

http://www.femspec.com/femspec.htm

Have used a fem-spec before but the plastic around it hurt a little when it opened

Looks like an intriguing device. If you go to the webpage cited above in one of the posts, you can request a promotional sample with a code they display at the end of the tutorial. I can't wait for mine to arrive!

I bought several of the inflatables when they first came out for play exams. It seemed like a great idea. But like one of the comments above said, it only let's you view the cervix. The tube is stiff when inflated and since it sort of pops when opened startled the patient. I think I was as surprised as she was....lol. It would be useful for a pap smear, but little else. I think the original company has been bought/sold, which may say something about not being very successful.

While the Graves speculum is the one most commonly used, I prefer the Collins since when opened it allows viewing, massaging the g-Spot. Plastic is nice since disposable, but I've found a lot of women actually want to experience that familiar cold stainless feeling.

I never heard of it. How would you insert it when it is deflated. Does not sound very convenient

I have the same questions that you do mehtap. I haven't heard of it either.

Wife posting:

We used one called Soft Spec. I don't like it. My husband started to pump it up and then all of suddenly it popped open in my vagina and scared the heck out of heck and it was such a wierd feeling. The sudden expansion of my vagina was a little painful. I rather have metal or plastic.

First time i've heard of them, it looks really cool can't wit totry it

Sometimes the tried and true method works best... metal speculum(s)

Now what happens if a girl clamps down on an inflatable speculum????

GG....a lot of what happens depends on how hard she clamps down and how inflated the speculum is. It uses a inflation bulb much like the one on a blood pressure cuff. In any case, it tends to obstruct the view of the cervix. While they are something "different" for play exams, I can certainly understand why they haven't caught on in the mainstream. In using them for play, many of my patients have been caught off guard by the "popping" sound and sensation when the sheath pops open.