WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for November, 2000: Re: hot speculum

Re: hot speculum

From: Lynn D. Montgomery, MD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Thu, 23 Nov 2000 07:22:41 -0600 (CST)

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In reply to: Nina: "hot speculum"

At Wed, 22 Nov 2000, Nina wrote: >
>Hi,
>I went to the doctors for my exam. The doctor ran the speculum under
>hot water to warm it up for me. When she inserted it it was very hot
>and it shocked me a little. I don't know if I am burned. I have no
>bleeding or chronic pain. Should I stay away from intercourse for a day
>or two? I don't know if this might have damaged the vaginal walls or
>not. Also, the doctor told me that my cervix was red and that she did
>not want to perfom the pap at that time. Cultures were taken for STD's
>but she said that it did not look like there were any. I started my
>period one week ago today and it ended several days ago. Maybe this can
>cause a reddish cervix? I am on the pill so the period is light. My
>last pap was normal. Is there any real concern for a red cervix at this
>point? I can go back for a pap but I still feel weird about it.

I am very sorry for your unfortunate experience. I keep my speculums on a heating pad in the exam table drawer, so that they are just a bit warm, but not hot. It is unlikely that there was any significant damage to the vagina by the experience. The vaginal tissue is quite resistent and will also heal itself remarkably fast. I do not think that you need to avoid intercourse. With regard to the "red cervix". This is a very common finding and usually is not related to anything bad. It will usually not preclude me from doing the pap and even if it does, I will usually see the patient back at a later date to accomplish the pap to assure there are no abnormal cells... Lynn

--
Lynn D. Montgomery, MD
Director, Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Rocky Mountain Perinatal Center
Missoula, Montana

**Note:  Opinions expressed here are for educational purposes only and, as such, do not constitute a physician-patient relationship.  This information is not intended to supplant the need for you to consult with your physician prior to choosing therapeutic options and/or interventions.

**Private e-mails cannot be entertained due to time constraints, consequently no private e-mails will receive a response.

**Thank you for your understanding ;-)

Next message: Lynn D. Montgomery, MD: "Re: What can make a period stop??"
Previous message: Lynn D. Montgomery, MD: "Re: A 'Burning' Question..."
In reply to: Nina: "hot speculum"

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