In obstetrics and gynecology, the capability to provide precise care, accurate diagnosis, and safety of procedure depends on the proper tools. Whether a clinic emphasizes routine exams, diagnostic tests, minor procedures, or reproductive health, a well-stocked OB/GYN practice needs to carry a variety of specialized instruments. These instruments allow clinicians to examine, evaluate, and treat patients efficiently and with confidence.

In this complete resource, we cover the key gynecological tools that your OB/GYN clinic should always have on hand—everything from speculums and uterine dilators to curettes, forceps, and beyond. Knowing how each is used, its different forms, and its optimal applications means your clinic will be fully equipped to handle a diverse array of patient needs.

1. Speculums: The Doorway to the Cervix

Function:

A speculum is probably the most rudimentary gynecological instrument. It is used to slowly pry the vaginal walls apart so that the clinician may view the cervix and vaginal canal for examination or treatment.

Types:

Cusco’s Speculum (Self-Retaining)

Generally utilized for pelvic exams and Pap smears, the duckbill-shaped, bivalve instrument retains itself in place, providing hands-free access.

Graves’ Speculum

As for Cuscan’s, with broader, curved blades, they are well suited to patients with a broader vaginal canal.

Pederson Speculum

Has narrower blades than Graves’, appropriate for nulliparous and postmenopausal women.

Material:

Speculums come in stainless steel (reusable) or medical-grade plastic (disposable), depending on the clinician’s preference and sterilization procedures.

2. Uterine Dilators: Cervical Canal Opening

Purpose:

Uterine dilators slowly stretch out the cervical canal, either for diagnostic entry or to prepare the uterus for intrauterine procedures such as curettage or IUD insertion.

Common Models:

Hegar Dilators

Most widely used dilator set is double-ended cylindrical rods with incrementally larger sizes.

Pratt Dilators

Slightly curved and tapering at both ends, smooth introduction and enhanced ergonomic control.

Hawkins-Ambler Dilators

Offer a taper with unique measurements, helpful for precision in cervical opening.

Clinical Use:

• Dilation & Curettage (D&C)
• Hysteroscopy
• Endometrial biopsy
• IUD placement

Safe cervical dilation makes safer entry into the uterus with less damage and improved results for procedures.

3. Uterine Curettes: Scraping and Sampling

Function:

The curettes are used to remove tissue from the endometrium for treatment or diagnosis. They include the treatment of miscarriage, assessment of abnormal bleeding, or biopsy in endometrial cancer.

Types:

Sharp Curettes

For endometrial lining stripping and scraping. Loop with a sharp edge assists in removing sticky tissue.

Blunt Curettes

For softer removal or to prevent perforation in delicate cases.

Suction Curettes

Attached to vacuum aspiration machines for first-trimester abortion or handling of missed abortion.

Applications:

• Diagnostic D&C
• Endometrial biopsy
• Post-miscarriage handling
• Early surgical abortion

Proper curette size and type allow efficient but safe evacuation of intrauterine content.

4. Tenaculums: Stabilizing the Cervix

Function:

A tenaculum is employed to hold and stabilize the cervix in place during intrauterine procedures. By allowing traction, it straightens the cervical canal, facilitating instrument entry into the uterus.

Common Types:

Schroeder Tenaculum

Has single or double sharp hooks on the end of long arms. Most frequently used for cervical traction when inserting an IUD or performing a biopsy.

Teale Tenaculum

A more heavy-duty version is utilized in surgical environments.

Pozzi Tenaculum

Single-tooth design with reduced aggressive grip for reduced cervical trauma.

Use Cases:

• IUD insertion
• Cervical biopsy
• Hysteroscopy
• Uterine sounding and dilation

Although small, the tenaculum is an essential instrument for safe grasping of the cervix in many gynecologic procedures.

5. Sims Uterine Sound: Uterine Depth Measurement

Purpose:

The Sims uterine sound is a malleable, graduated device employed to measure uterine length and direction of the uterine cavity. It is essential to provide accurate measurement to allow safe intrauterine device insertion and avoid uterine perforation during intervention.

Description:

Graduated Markings

Typically in centimeters, marking uterine depth.

Malleable Shaft

Enables the clinician to follow the natural curvature of the cervical canal and uterus.

Bulbous Tip

Prevents injury to the uterine wall and allows easy insertion.

Clinical Application:

• IUD insertion
• Pre-dilation evaluation
• Detection of uterine anomaly
• Pre-hysteroscopic mapping

Recognition of uterine depth and angle is fundamental to almost all intrauterine procedures.

6. Gynecological Forceps: Firmly Grasping with Precision

Purpose:

Forceps serve to grasp, take out, or put in tissue and instruments in the course of gynecologic procedures and operations.

Common Forms:

Vulsellum forceps

Its purpose is to envelop the cervix and is most frequently used in combination with dilation or uterine manipulation.

Allis Forceps

Several small teeth provide a delicate but firm grasp of cervical or vaginal tissue in repair or biopsy.

Ring Forceps

Also known as sponge-holding forceps, applied to introduce antiseptic or hold gauze.

Foerster Forceps

Comparable to ring forceps, employed to handle fragile tissues or in vaginal operations.

Surgical Application:

• Traction on tissue in D&C
• Vaginal operations
• Episiotomy repairs
• Biopsy operations

Various forceps are suited for various jobs—from finesse handling to firm clamping—rendering them indispensable in both office and operation rooms.

7. Other Gynecological tools Required

Sims Retractor

Double-ended retractor to pull back the vaginal wall for enhanced visualization during pelvic procedures or examinations.

Auvard Weighted Speculum

Weighted speculum that keeps hands free during surgery from opening the vagina. Very handy in operations such as vaginal hysterectomy.

Endocervical Brush & Spatula

Used for the collection of Pap smears in cervical cytology, disposable tools are required for regular screenings.

Biopsy Punch

To perform cervical punch biopsies during colposcopy to allow the removal of small targeted tissue samples for pathological examination.

Conclusion: Establishing a Trustworthy OB/GYN Instrument Set

A complete gynecological instrument set provides clinicians with the ability to offer complete care, from fundamental screening tests to advanced in-office procedures. Speculums permit access, dilators and sounds condition the cervix, curettes excise tissue for treatment or diagnosis, and forceps and tenaculums provide precision handling and control.

When choosing equipment for your OB/GYN practice, there are several items to take into consideration:

• Quality and durability (e.g., surgical stainless steel)
• Ergonomics and patient comfort
• Sterilization compatibility
• Procedure-specific design for effectiveness and safety

We at Hasni Surgical understand the importance of reliable, high-quality instruments in women’s healthcare practice. Decades-long history of manufacturing reusable gynecological instruments has enabled us to assist clinics globally in delivering precise and compassionate care. Our instruments are tested rigorously through quality control processes to meet international standards of surgery.

If you’re purchasing to equip your OB/GYN practice with the best in gynecological equipment—from dilators and curettes to forceps and speculums—contact us today to learn more or request a catalog specifically tailored to your procedural needs.