A disposable vaginal speculum for the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)

The unanticipated underutilization of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for current NIH-supported research has prompted the application of a variety of contraceptive forms. Among the many methods attempted, the intrauterine device (IUD) has been described as having an efficacy similar to that described for humans. In addition, the device is both a financially sound and practical solution to prevention of overpopulation, while minimizing disruption of normal cyclic hormonal fluctuations. However, variations in the size and shape of the sexual skin of the female chimpanzee and the depth of the vaginal vault have posed physical constraints on the use of instrumentation developed for humans for assisting with insertion of the device. In addition the literature is lacking in specific methodology for pelvic examination in chimpanzees. Previously, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette New Iberia Research Center used a 3-ml plastic syringe case as a vaginal speculum to accommodate requirements of an approved research protocol in African green monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops). Similarly, a simple and effective disposable vaginal speculum was developed for the chimpanzee. The closed tip of a plastic syringe case of appropriate size (20 to 60 ml) was removed to provide an open tube; momentary heating smoothed the cut edge. This simple speculum allowed for sufficient visualization of the cervix for assessment and assistance in the insertion of the IUD. Variously sized speculums were prepared to accommodate differences in animal size. This simple and effective speculum was clean, disposable, and inexpensive.