Gynecological examination and surgery — routine pelvic examination, uterine procedures, obstetric delivery and related therapeutic work — relies on a distinct set of instruments built for the female reproductive tract, from simple examination specula through to obstetric delivery forceps. Surgical-Direct supplies a focused gynecology range across four groups: vaginal specula, uterine probes and dilators, uterine curettes and scoops, and obstetric forceps, alongside related gynecology accessories. This guide explains what each group is for, how to choose within it, and how institutional buyers typically assemble a working gynecological instrument tray.

Vaginal Specula: Types and Sizing

A vaginal speculum holds the vaginal walls apart for examination or a procedure. The Cusco Vaginal Speculum (bivalve, self-retaining) is the most widely stocked pattern for routine examination and is supplied in small, medium and large Swiss-pattern sizes; a Grave speculum is a similar bivalve design in a different size range, and a Collin speculum is available in a dedicated paediatric size. A Sims speculum uses a single curved blade rather than a bivalve mechanism and is typically used with the patient in a lateral position, giving better visualization for some examinations and minor procedures than a self-retaining bivalve design. A Kristeller speculum is a longer bivalve pattern used where deeper vaginal access is required.

Uterine Probes and Dilators: Assessing and Preparing the Uterine Cavity

A uterine probe (such as the Simpson Uterine Probe, malleable and silver-plated) is passed into the uterine cavity to assess its depth and direction before a procedure. Hegar uterine dilators are then used in ascending size sequence to gradually widen the cervical canal — our Hegar Uterine Dilator Set supplies 8 double-ended dilators covering the full working range, and individual double-ended dilators are also available in specific size pairs (3+4 mm through 17+18 mm) for institutions that prefer to build or restock a custom set rather than replace the full range at once.

Uterine Curettes and Scoops: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Curettage

A uterine curette has a sharp or blunt loop-shaped head and is used to sample or remove tissue from the uterine lining, whether for diagnostic sampling or therapeutic curettage. Our Sims Uterine Curettes are supplied in sharp and blunt patterns and multiple head widths, and a Blake uterine curette (sharp/blunt, 275 mm) offers a longer reach. Recamier uterine scoops are a related instrument with a shallower, spoon-like head, supplied in both sharp and blunt patterns across a range of sizes (6 mm to 14 mm) for institutions that prefer a scoop over a loop curette for a given procedure.

Obstetric Forceps: Types and Clinical Use

Obstetric (delivery) forceps are a specialised instrument type used to assist vaginal delivery when required. Our range includes the Neville Barnes Obstetric Forceps, along with Kielland, Simpson-Braun and Wrigley pattern forceps — each pattern has a different blade curvature and pelvic curve suited to a different clinical scenario (fetal head station, rotation needs, and outlet versus mid-cavity delivery), so the choice between patterns is a clinical decision for the attending obstetrician rather than a general sizing question. Institutions equipping a labour ward should confirm with their obstetric team which specific pattern(s) their protocols call for before ordering.

Proctoscopes and Rectal Specula: Related Examination Instruments

Our Speculum range also includes anorectal examination instruments that are commonly stocked alongside gynecological instruments in the same department, though they serve a different clinical purpose. Kelly proctoscopes (sphincteroscopes, adult and paediatric sizes) and Pratt rectal specula with a set screw are used for anorectal rather than vaginal examination. Institutions ordering a combined gynecology and general examination tray should note this distinction when specifying which instruments belong in which set.

Gynecology Miscellaneous: Catheters and Wire Saws

This group covers supporting instruments used alongside the main gynecological examination and surgical range: metal female catheters (6fr) for bladder drainage during or after a procedure, and an Olivecrona Gigli wire saw (30 cm) — a flexible wire saw used in selected pelvic surgical procedures rather than routine examination work. Institutions should stock this group based on their specific procedure list rather than as a default addition to every gynecological tray.

Building a Standard Gynecological Instrument Tray

A general gynecological examination tray typically combines: one or two speculum sizes (commonly a Cusco or Grave pattern in small and medium), a uterine probe, a Hegar dilator set, and one uterine curette pattern. A labour ward tray adds the specific obstetric forceps pattern the institution's protocols call for, plus related delivery equipment outside the scope of this guide. Because vaginal speculum sizing and dilator range depend on the patient population a facility serves, institutions building or restocking a tray are best served by confirming exact sizes against their clinicians' preferences before ordering, rather than assuming a single "standard set" covers every patient.

Institutional Procurement Considerations

Hospitals, clinics, universities and distributors ordering gynecological instrument sets can request a formal quotation covering exact sizes, quantities and delivery timelines through our Surgical Instrument Sets Procurement Guide or by contacting us directly. Bulk and repeat institutional orders, training-program restocking, and mixed multi-department orders (combining gynecological instruments with general surgical sets) can all be quoted together on a single RFQ. Where a specific speculum size, dilator range or forceps pattern is not shown on the live category page, our team can confirm current stock and lead time before you commit to an order.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Cusco and a Sims speculum?
A Cusco speculum is a self-retaining bivalve design that holds itself open once positioned; a Sims speculum uses a single curved blade and is typically held by an assistant, often used with the patient in a lateral position for certain examinations and minor procedures.

Why are Hegar dilators used in ascending size order?
Dilating the cervical canal gradually, starting from the smallest size and working upward, reduces the risk of trauma compared to attempting to reach a target size in a single step.

What is the difference between a uterine curette and a uterine scoop?
A curette has a sharper, loop-shaped head generally used for diagnostic or therapeutic curettage; a scoop has a shallower, spoon-like head. Both are supplied in sharp and blunt patterns and the choice between them is largely a matter of clinician preference for a given procedure.

How do I choose between different obstetric forceps patterns?
The choice depends on fetal head station, rotation needs, and whether delivery is outlet or mid-cavity — this is a clinical decision that should be made by the attending obstetrician, not a general sizing question. Institutions should confirm with their obstetric team which pattern(s) to stock.

Are Kelly proctoscopes part of the gynecological instrument range?
They are stocked in the same Speculum category but are used for anorectal rather than vaginal examination. Institutions ordering a combined tray should specify which instruments belong in which set.

Do you supply gynecological instruments for institutional and bulk orders?
Yes. Hospitals, clinics, universities and distributors can request a formal quotation covering exact sizes, quantities and delivery timelines by contacting us directly or through our Procurement Guide.

Related Resources

For a broader overview of general surgical instrument categories, see our Surgical Instruments Buying Guide. Browse the full range in our Gynecology category, or read our Surgical Instrument Sets Procurement Guide for institutional purchasing steps.