Small Hands?

I would say this is almost definitly a matter of technique vs. anatomic impossibility. I have never met someone who was physically unable to do a pelvic exam, including some girls with very small hands. Most likely you were more self concious than you realize and while you may have felt like you were reaching as far as you physically could, you probably weren't. It takes a lot of practice and if you have someone with a retroverted uterus, it can be difficult even with large hands. I'd give yourself a few more goes at it before you write off the specialty

I agree that this is more a matter of technique, experience, and comfort level. I have tiny hands (my glove size is a 5 1/2 or 6) and initially had the same concern. However, after practice you learn how to accomodate.

Definitely don't write off ob/gyn simply for this reason!

Women need more OB/GYNs with small hands, not less. Please stick with it .

Hey! How about some cudo's to us that wear 8.5/9 gloves!!

I hear you gasping there in the dark......

I have tiny hands-- size 6 gloves. It takes practice!

Being able to do a bimanual takes a lot of experience perhaps after 50-100 exams I felt confident. As far as small hands you need to use both hands to assist with a bimanual on a non gravid uterus feeling for the fundus with the opposite hand while you palpate the cervix and adnexa. Degowins Physical exam book gives an excellent methodology. Good luck. And as the others have said-- don't write off the speciality based on one or two exams.\\

In addition small hands are very valuable at being able to complete bimanual extraction of retained products, breech deliveries, and even cerclages!

Good luck
Diane

Dude/Dudette, consider yourself blessed in having small hands... As I told our interns at the beginning of the year; the cervical check on a laboring patient and GYN (annual exam) bimanuals. Several techniques (aside from lots and lots and lots of practice as Diane mentioned) are these:
1. On a laboring patient with posterior cervix ask her nicely to make two fists and put them on the small of their back... this brings the cervix up higher into your reach and makes them more comfortable in the process.
2. Practice as many bimanuals as you can before all your Gyn and Onc cases to get the best appreciation...and also don't be afraid to do the rectovaginal on your annuals (I know some residents shy away from this)
3. And lastly on your TV sonos (this will hit you as an intern in ER at 3 am ) gently sweep your hand from either lower quadrant toward the pubis, this will bring the ovaries in view if you're having a hard time visualizing them

Hope this helps

GD