Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Can I get STDs from speckling during pap smear?

I went to a free clinic to get STD testing and a pap smear. Afterwards, I realized the speculum probably hadn't been disinfected/cleaned. I searched online and it looks like STDs can be passed through use of uncleaned speculums.

I'm very worried now and think I shouldn't get re-tested for everything. I had just received negative blood test results for Herpes 1&2.

The doctor used a big speculum and it hurt a lot.  There had to have been vaginal tears and blood.  Doesn't that mean that any bacteria and viruses on the speculum could have entered my bloodstream and infected me? I'm especially worried because this is a free clinic where I think patients have higher rates of STDs.

I know I was negative for syphilis and HIV before the pap smear. I went primarily to be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia.

3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I wouldn't worry too much,  but if itbeases yourbmind,  get checked again.  Places can and would get into a lot of trouble if they did not properly care for equipment in between uses.

Even if it is a free clinic,  they obviously aren't making much of a profit if any,  that doesn't mean the staff is careless.  As for gloves,  hopefully they did use gloves,  it can absent mindedly be forgotten,  which you should never feel bad for double checking or asking.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
OK. Thanks. I'll wait a while and then go in again.
Avatar universal
I am just curious as tonwhy you think the speculum has not been disinfected/sterlized before it was used on you?

In work in the Medi-Cal field and free clinic or the best hospital in the world,  I cannot imagine a dirty piece of equipment be used like that.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
I didn't see the speculum get cleaned. The doctor quickly sees each patient and the nurses don't seem to go in the exam rooms in between. I hope the speculum was cleaned after the previous patient, but I read online that the speculums aren't disinfected at many places and you can catch STDs. I was worried also about whether she wore a glove for the pelvic exam since I don't think I saw her remove a glove afterwards and discard it in the trash across the room, but she must have.  I really hope I'm worried about nothing.
Avatar universal
I mean I think I should get re-tested for everything and speculum, not speckling
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the STDs / STIs Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.