The Painful Legacy of Pozzi’s Tenaculum: 135 Years of Unchanged Gynecological Tools

Diane de Vignemont explores the tenaculum in New Lines Magazine. The tenaculum a medical instrument invented in 1889 by Samuel Pozzi, has been used in gynecological exams and IUD insertions for over a century, despite causing significant pain. Inspired by a Civil War-era bullet extractor, the device's sharp, hook-like design pierces the cervix, leading to discomfort and bleeding. This highlights the broader issue of medical norms and the gender pain gap in women's healthcare. Efforts are underway to develop less painful alternatives, but the persistence of such tools underscores the need for systemic change and greater awareness of women's pain in medical procedures. Read more of this fascinating article here.