Why is Speculum exam done?

Everybody knows a speculum is used for the pap smear. What are the other reasons for using one? Just looking at the cervix, but what kind of things can be see there? Are there STIs or other problems that can be seen using a speculum?

It is also used for a variety of more invasive procedures.

Sure, such as inserting an IUD. But just for examination?

The doctor can visually check the condition of the cervix for erosion, and could visually check the condition of the vaginal walls using a transparent plastic speculum...

What's the objective of checking cervix for erosion? (Think of steel speculum)

Any procedure that requires access to the cervix

off the top of my head; colposcopy, uterine biopsy, uterine ablation, artificial insemination, hysterectomy

Nurse Philipps: But during a routine exam?

Nurse Philipps: But during a routine exam?

I've seen speculums soaking in my old doc's back exam room. He did most of his stirrups work in that room and also had a proctoscope in there as my wife found out. I am not a doctor but I did buy one lunch the other day. I think it is probably to do the pap smear which I think is done every yearly exam. My wife had a hysterectomy so I'm not sure if she still has it done. Our new doc relies on blood work and not much else. I've seen him for 2 years and have yet to get anything looked at. We sit down and go over results and talk about any concerns. If I do mention something , it's usually go get more blood work.

Speculum are used on every gyno exam to check up cervix and vagina (STI, erosions, take sample likes pap smear or HPV) but also to treatments (eg.installation IUD. Same like dentist used small mirror to check up teeths. In general more often are used plastic speculums (also for erosions removed) because are cheaper and disabled but it based on gyno preferances.

Reddish: Which of that is justified in a routine exam?

I'm curious - what do you consider a routine exam?

Inserting a speculum to visually look for inflammation, polyps, cysts, and so on is pretty standard. I'd agree that typically these things cause symptoms, but it's still quite possible to have a problem without symptoms that is discovered during a speculum exam

@Pecan_nutjob and @doc4u72 I just told how it is happening there and made as routines exam. So, af beginning are small talk about reasons and health issues or questions, then speculum exam, pap smear (once per year), manual exam and then TUV (vaginal ultrasound). Some of doctors are made breast exam (and ultrasound) if needed or they are asked for. But there are justified also if it's check up or I am want to anticonception pills. And yes, many of them just saved up lives because beginned cervix cancer have no sign.