Pap smears suck, plain and simple. No one is excited about them, no one wants to get one. They hurt, they're uncomfortable, they just suck. I believe this is all because of the most dreadful medical instrument ever invented, the speculum. The speculum is used so that your doctor can see your cervix. It is a cold metal object that is wide with hard edges and makes the worst cranking noise ever. 

Ever since I started getting pap smears, I have been on the hunt for an alternative to the speculum. In 2017, a company called Yona launched their prototype and then dropped off the face of the earth as of 2021, so I lost hope. 

Then, I found Nella. Nella was created by Ceek Women's Health with women in mind. They found that 85% of women reported discomfort during their routine exam and that 9 out of 10 women experience anxiety before or during their pelvic exam. So they created something better. Nella was created for women by women, whereas the traditional speculum was created by a plantation doctor who performed dozens of surgeries on enslaved women without anesthesia. So naturally, we hate him and his speculum. 

Nella has a slim shape, that is no bigger than a tampon. It is also made of smooth material that is temperature-neutral. It is also quiet when being used, so no more clanging noises. 

Now after hearing how great Nella is, you're probably wondering how you can get your doctor to use it. There are a few ways you can go about this. 

If you feel comfortable talking to your doctor, Nella has put together a discussion sheet for you to take to your next visit. It has a side for you to start the conversation and a side for your doctor that highlights the features of Nella and how they can learn more. 

If you have an appointment coming up and want to have your doctor use Nella, you can order a comfort kit. I would suggest giving your doctor's office a call and checking that they are okay with this. If your doctor is not okay with it, I would suggest finding a new doctor. You deserve a doctor who wants you to be comfortable. 

If you are anxious about talking to your doctor, Nella has a referral page on their website. You give them your doctor's information and they will contact them. 

If you do not have a doctor or want a new doctor, you can find doctors who use Nella in their offices. This way you don't have to talk to your doctor about a new product or purchase a comfort kit. 

I have yet to try Nella speculum, but plan to at my next ob-gyn appointment and I will make an updated post when I do so. 

In the meantime, happy Menstruating!