Using a condom or glove to improve pelvic exam visualization: A guide

OBJECTIVES: Pelvic exams are a cornerstone of gynecological care, necessary for both regular screenings and diagnostics. The collapse of lateral vaginal walls during a pelvic exam is a frequently encountered problem in clinical practice. METHODS: Practitioners often utilize tools found in a typical clinical setting to counter this issue, such as a condom or glove over the speculum to prevent the lateral vaginal walls collapsing inward and obscuring cervical views. RESULTS: These techniques have been passed down from mentor to mentee over the years, though scarcely described in literature. This article aims to provide instructions on how to use these two methods in clinical practice to improve pelvic exams for the practitioner and the patient. CONCLUSION: Utilizing a condom or glove to prevent lateral vaginal wall collapse has the potential to improve pelvic exams for both practitioners and patients.