PEDIATRICS Vol. 65 No. 4 April 1980, pp. 823-825
This Article
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow P3Rs: Submit a response
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when P3Rs are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow E-mail this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Add to My File Cabinet
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow reprints & permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via CrossRef
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Billmire, M. E.
Right arrow Articles by Dine, M. S.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Billmire, M. E.
Right arrow Articles by Dine, M. S.

A Simplified Procedure for Pediatric Vaginal Examination: Use of Veterinary Otoscope Specula

M. Elaine Billmire MD1, Michael K. Farrell MD1, and Mark S. Dine MD1

1 Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Ambulatory Service, Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati

Examination of the prepubertal vagina is not part of the routine pediatric examination. However, there are situations in which adequate visualization and examination of the vagina are necessary. Frequently vaginal examination is hampered by examiner insecurity and lack of adequate instruments. Nasal specula, eye droppers for aspirating secretions,1 a test tube illuminated by a penlight,2 and a vaginoscope or cystoscope3 have been recommended but have been used with limited success.

Pediatric residency training underemphasizes gynecology.4 Many pediatricians feel inadequate and uncomfortable when faced with a patient with a vaginal complaint. They either avoid the examination or undertake it with such trepidation that the child's anxiety is increased.