Randomized Controlled Trial
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World J Obstet Gynecol. Aug 10, 2014; 3(3): 134-137
Published online Aug 10, 2014. doi: 10.5317/wjog.v3.i3.134
Effect of vaginal speculum lubrication on cervical cytology and discomfort during smear examination
Monika Madaan, Anuradha Singh, Manju Puri, Harvinder Kaur, Shubha Sagar Trivedi
Monika Madaan, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ESIC Hospital, Manesar 122001, Haryana, India
Anuradha Singh, Manju Puri, Harvinder Kaur, Shubha Sagar Trivedi, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lady Hardinge Medical College and Smt Sucheta Kriplani Hospital, New Delhi 110001, India
Author contributions: Puri M and Trivedi SS designed the research; Madaan M and Singh A performed the research; Madaan M and Puri M analyzed the data and wrote the paper.
Correspondence to: Dr. Monika Madaan, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ESIC Hospital, Manesar, Gurgaon 122001, Haryana, India. monikarajivgaur@gmail.com
Telephone: +91-989-1200166 Fax: +91-989-1200166
Received: November 13, 2013
Revised: January 25, 2014
Accepted: April 16, 2014
Published online: August 10, 2014
Abstract

AIM: To evaluate the role of lubricant gel in the cytology of a Pap smear and whether it results in an improvement in the discomfort experienced by women while undergoing Pap smear screening.

METHODS: A total of 151 women were analyzed in the study. After screening for inclusion criteria, a Pap smear was taken with no lubricant in all the women and the discomfort experienced was rated on a visual analogue scale. The women underwent a second Pap smear on the next visit using a lubricant gel and were again rated on a visual analogue scale for the discomfort felt. The pathologist was blinded to the fact of whether the lubricating gel was used.

RESULTS: The number of unsatisfactory smears in the no gel group was 3 vs 5 in the gel group, P < 0.05. However, a significant difference (P = 0.00) was observed in the visual analogue pain score in both groups, suggesting that application of lubricant gel over the speculum improves the pain experienced by women.

CONCLUSION: Using a small amount of lubricant over the speculum does not impair cervical cytology but significantly improves the discomfort experienced by women while undergoing a Pap smear.

Keywords: Lubrication, Cytology, Pain scoring, Pap smear, Discomfort

Core tip: Vaginal speculum lubrication has no effect on cervical cytology and improves the discomfort experienced in Pap smear screening.