Final answer:
The Auvard weighted speculum is used in gynecological examinations to hold the vaginal walls apart, allowing healthcare providers to access the cervix. Its weighted design provides stability during procedures, including Pap smears and transvaginal oocyte retrieval.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Auvard weighted speculum is a medical instrument used in gynecological procedures like Pap smears. During a Pap smear, the patient lies on an examining table with their legs supported by stirrups, facilitating the insertion of the speculum into the vagina. The speculum holds the vaginal walls apart, granting the healthcare provider access to the cervix for tissue sampling.
The design of the speculum ensures that it stays in place due to its weight, thus freeing the hands of the healthcare provider for other aspects of the examination or procedure. This can be particularly useful during procedures such as transvaginal oocyte retrieval, which requires precision and stability. The retrieval involves using a needle, guided by ultrasound, to collect oocytes (eggs) from the ovaries for in vitro fertilization. Overall, the Auvard speculum is a critical tool in reproductive health, offering both efficiency and support during various gynecological examinations.