For nearly 180 years, the vaginal speculum has remained largely unchanged: cold, metallic, and intimidating. Invented by Dr. James Marion Sims in the mid-19th century and originally tested unethically on enslaved women, the speculum’s history alone is enough to cause discomfort for many. However, it’s not just its past that’s problematic, patients frequently report physical pain, emotional distress, and anxiety linked to the device’s design and clinical use.

While many clinicians have considered it a necessary evil, a growing wave of medical designers, engineers, and gynecologists are challenging that notion, advocating for innovation that centers the patient’s emotional and physical well-being.

The Flower That May Redefine Pelvic Exams

Enter the Lilium, a new, flower-inspired speculum design created by two engineers from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands: Tamara Hoveling and Ariadna Izcara Gual.

Designed to resemble a blooming lily, the Lilium was conceived as a direct response to the emotional and physical discomfort women often feel during pelvic exams.

Made with soft plastic and featuring an applicator similar to a tampon, the Lilium is shaped to open like a flower, providing better visibility for clinicians while being significantly less intimidating for patients. It also eliminates the harsh clicking sounds and rigid, cold sensation associated with the traditional metal models.

“The aim was to create something familiar, symbolic of the reproductive system, and emotionally safe,” Hoveling said, emphasizing that trauma-informed design can make all the difference in encouraging routine screening.

What the Experts Say

Dr. Archana Dhawan Bajaj, Gynaecologist and IVF Expert at Nurture, strongly supports the redesign. Speaking to Health and Me, she shared how many patients, especially first-timers or trauma survivors, avoid gynecological exams purely because of how threatening the traditional speculum appears.

“It’s cold, mechanical, and terrifying. Many women skip vital preventive exams like Pap smears simply due to fear. A gentler, flower-like design like Lilium not only reduces pain but also the stigma and fear surrounding such check-ups,” said Dr. Bajaj.

She believes the Lilium offers more than aesthetic comfort, it symbolizes empathy in care. “Its soft texture, warmer material, and symbolism of blooming can help women associate pelvic exams with care rather than dread,” she added.

It’s Not Just Physical, It’s Emotional

Pain during pelvic exams isn’t solely physical. Dr. Bajaj explains that anxiety, fear of discomfort, and past trauma often make the experience worse.

“The cycle of fear leads to muscle tension, which increases pain. And that pain only reinforces the fear,” she said. “A redesign like this breaks that cycle. It helps the patient relax, trust the process, and stay engaged with their reproductive health.”

Such emotional consideration is especially crucial for survivors of sexual trauma and post-menopausal women, for whom speculum insertion can be especially distressing.

A History of Redesign Attempts

Lilium isn’t the first attempt at a redesign. Over the years, several models have tried to address comfort:

FemSpec (2005): An inflatable speculum that mimicked a blood pressure cuff. Though it got FDA approval, it was withdrawn in 2008 due to clinical impracticality and physician resistance.

Callascope: A tampon-sized device with a built-in camera for cervical visualization. It bypasses the need for dilation but still faces challenges in physician acceptance and cost-effectiveness.

Nella and Yona: Ergonomic updates to the traditional model. Nella introduced quieter operations and smoother polymers, while the Yona design, developed by San Francisco firm Frog, experimented with a 105-degree angled handle, silicone materials, and a softer, less intimidating shape inspired by sex toy design.

Despite these efforts, none have received the kind of widespread support that Lilium is beginning to garner, thanks, in part, to its empathetic approach and viral crowdfunding campaign, which raised over €100,000 in just two days.

Beyond Design: Why Empathy Matters

The redesign of gynecological tools like the speculum isn’t just about comfort, it’s about dignity, access, and trust. According to Dr. Bajaj:

“Empathetic instruments say something powerful: we value your emotional well-being as much as your physical health.”

This matters. Studies and surveys show that a significant portion of women avoid screenings due to fear or discomfort. In fact, a 2020 study found that 13.6% of women skipped cervical smears due to painful past experiences with speculums.

By designing tools that prioritize empathy and accessibility, we don’t just change devices, we change behaviors. More women are likely to attend screenings, leading to earlier diagnosis, more open conversations about reproductive health, and ultimately, lives saved.

Lilium is still undergoing ergonomic testing, human trials, and regulatory review. But its success so far is an important signal.

“This is not just about a speculum, it’s a symbol of progress in how medicine treats women,” says Dr. Bajaj. “It invites patients in, rather than scaring them off. That’s the future of gynecological care.”

In a shocking incident, a woman contracted the herpes virus after using shared lipstick samples at a cosmetic store, raising concerns about makeup hygiene.

The incident highlights the risks involved in trying products that come into direct contact with the skin and are shared with a lot of people.

Also Read: World Autism Awareness Day 2026: Can Cell Therapy Be The Future Of Autism Treatment?

What Is Herpes?

The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is very common, and the infection is lifelong. But the symptoms can come and go over different periods of life. Many people never get any symptoms linked to their infection.

The common virus, carried by up to 50 to 80 percent of adults, can cause painful blisters or ulcers. It primarily spreads by skin-to-skin contact. It is treatable but not curable.

There are two types of herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2.

HSV- 1 is the most common and usually spreads by oral contact. It causes infections in or around the mouth (such as oral herpes or cold sores), as well as genital herpes.

Common oral herpes symptoms include

• blisters (cold sores)
• open sores (ulcers) in or around the mouth or lips.

HSV-2 generally spreads by sexual contact and causes genital herpes.

Its symptoms include painful

• bumps,
• blisters,
• open sores (ulcers) around the genitals or anus.

How Makeup Testers Can Spread Infection

Experts warned that makeup testers can become a breeding ground for germs. The repeated use of the open samples can spur their growth and can then spread by “double-dipping” — reusing an applicator after touching the skin. This can transfer viruses and bacteria between users.

“You can absolutely get a herpes infection from a makeup tester," Dr. Whitney Bowe, a dermatologist in New York City, told TODAY. "The more ‘double dipping’ that occurs, the higher the chance of spreading viruses or bacteria at a makeup counter.”

A 2010 study by researchers from Rowan University in New Jersey found that cosmetic samples harbored strep, E.coli, and staph.

For two years, the team examined makeup testers at makeup counters, specialty stores, and drug stores. They found that Saturday is the busiest day of the week, and 100 percent of the samples carried some sort of germ.

How To Stay Safe?

To reduce the risk of infection, experts recommend:

• Much like the toothbrush, personal cosmetics and cosmetic brushes must not be shared.
• Wash and dry your brushes regularly to avoid bacterial growth.
• Avoid applying testers directly to your lips or skin
• Use disposable applicators
• Test products on your hand rather than your face
• Avoid using testers if you have cuts, chapped lips, or active infections.

April 2 is celebrated worldwide as “Autism Awareness Day” and April as Autism month to create awareness and promote inclusivity and acceptance in society for individuals with autism.

So what exactly is Autism, and why do we need to create a culture of awareness and acceptance?

As per DSM V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) criteria, in simple terms, there is poor eye contact, impaired social communication skills, repetitive patterns (certain movements or fixation on certain toys, objects), difficulties with sensory processing - extreme sensitivity to sensory inputs (dislike loud noises, sensitive to touch), etc.

As a child, these individuals may not respond to name-calling, have poor eye contact/lack gestures like pointing, etc., lack imagination in play, and may not be able to relate and respond to the emotions of others. They have set routines and dislike changes to their routines. All this can cause significant disruption to their day-to-day functioning.

This year’s theme of -Autism and Humanity- Every Life has Value” reiterates the need for inclusion of autism, ensuring equitable representation of these individuals. Ensuring that society not only recognizes them but also treats them with equal respect and dignity.

Educational Support and Inclusive Workplace

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) was one of the Government's flagship programs, along with Action for Autism, to disseminate information in schools regarding inclusive education for autism. Education is a key foundation to ensure children with autism get suitable opportunities as adults. Special educators, with additional support in schools, can go a long way in ensuring their potential is maximized.

Many IT giants like Microsoft, Google, and SAP encourage tapping the potential of individuals with autism and their exceptional skills. In our country, organizations and NGOs, including Action for Autism, offer training for future employment opportunities.

There is a spectrum of Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) known as Asperger’s syndrome, and these individuals have normal to above average intelligence and can have some exceptional skills, and the world includes some living examples of these with a higher IQ, some of whom are the most successful and famous personalities. Even on the other end of the spectrum, autistic individuals have exceptional skills, some of which include great attention to detail, creativity, problem-solving, and lateral out-of-the-box thinking.

Options for flexible working hours (part-time), understanding their need for routines, and explaining them beforehand regarding important changes to schedules can help them adapt better to an otherwise challenging workplace.

The Need For Sensitization

Understanding individuals with autism may need little extra support, being a little flexible with time deadlines, giving simple instructions, especially written/visual ones, and allowing them time to overcome their communication barriers can go a long way in ensuring they feel heard and valued like anyone else in the workplace.

Sensitization of all major organization employees to foster a culture of acceptance and awareness, and an accessible work environment, is the need of the hour. Autistic individuals do well in a variety of job profiles, including IT, technology, finance, art and creativity, and administration.

Environmental modifications like background noise cancellation with headphones help those with sensory processing issues. At the end of the day, none of us is perfect, it's recognizing our special skills and strengthening them.

Possibilities are endless if we wish to encourage and make these individuals heard. So, let’s carry the Autism Awareness Day beyond a mere day of awareness and light it up blue. Let’s value and acknowledge them being different, but also empower them to act on their special skills to earn them a dignified place in society and the workplace.

World Autism Awareness Day is observed every year on April 2. The day is important to raise awareness about autism — a neurodevelopmental condition affecting communication, social interaction, and behavior — affecting millions of people globally.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in 127 people worldwide is diagnosed with the lifelong brain health condition. It is also among the top 10 conditions contributing to health loss globally.

Also Read: Leptospirosis: US health officials flag outbreak risk after floods in Hawaii

The first child diagnosed with autistic symptoms was Donald Grey Triplett. Labelled as Case 1, he went on to become an American banker, demonstrating that, if provided with the right and inclusive support and opportunities individuals with autism be as productive as others.

“Like anyone else, autistic people should be able to shape their own lives — and help to shape our shared future,” said

António Guterres, UN Secretary-General.

World Autism Awareness Day: Date and History

April 2 was designated as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007.

The 2007 General Assembly resolution highlighted the need to raise public awareness of autism.

It stated that "children with disabilities should enjoy a full and decent life, in conditions which ensure dignity, promote self-reliance and facilitate the child’s active participation in the community, as well as the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms on an equal basis with other children".

World Autism Awareness Day: Theme

This year, World Autism Awareness Day is held under the theme "Autism and Humanity - Every Life Has Value".

The 2026 theme highlights and affirms the dignity and worth of all autistic people. While there are international human rights conventions safeguarding the rights of people with autism, they continue to face stigma, discrimination, and barriers to participation.

“Access to timely, quality health care and support services remains limited, driving inequalities across the life course," the WHO said. The global health body urged "sustained action and greater investment" to address these challenges. It also called for developing inclusive policies and services that uphold the rights of autistic people.

This year's theme, thus, is a call to action to recognize the inherent dignity and equal rights of all people with autism.

Guterres highlighted the need for "equal education, fair employment, and accessible health systems" for all persons with autism and to provide inclusive opportunities to participate and thrive, along with others.

Also read: Expert Reveals Why Childhood Autism Is Going Undetected In India

What is Autism?

The National Health Service (NHS) UK defines autism as not an illness or a medical condition with treatments or a "cure", but a developmental condition that affects how people communicate, learn, behave, and interact with others.

It is a spectrum, which means "everybody with autism is different".

People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have difficulty with social interaction, exhibit atypical behavior and activities, or find it hard to communicate.

Early Signs Of Autism

Studies show that symptoms of autism are usually diagnosed within the first 3 years of birth. These include:

• Limited to zero eye contact
• Delayed responses
• Repeating words or actions such as hand-flapping
• Being strong-headed about following the same routine
• Easily annoyed, throws tantrums
• Difficulty understanding and expressing emotions
• Sensitive to certain sounds, textures, lights, or smells.