A Portland Healthcare Company Is Giving the Speculum Its First Redesign in 150 Years

Rather than metal, it is made of a high-density polymer that stays at a neutral temperature and doesn’t require lubrication to insert.

Ceek founder Fahti Khosrow wants to build a better speculum. IMAGE: Gia Goodrich.

Fahti Khosrow knows firsthand how desperately speculums need a redesign.

The 47-year-old management consultant and founder of Ceek Women's Health spent three years undergoing fertility treatment while attempting to get pregnant with her first child.

"One thing that really stood out for me was how the pace of innovation has not kept up with what's happening in women's health," Khosrow says. "The speculum is a small part of it. But I want to bring innovation to a space that I thought was neglected."

The instrument gynecologists and other providers currently use for vaginal exams was designed by men 150 years ago and has not changed since. Shaped like a duck's bill, it is large, uncomfortable and made of cold, rigid metal.

The new design Khosrow and her colleagues manufacture addresses all of those problems.

Rather than metal, it is made of a high-density polymer that stays at a neutral temperature and doesn't require lubrication to insert. It is also one size fits all for patients of various sizes and life stages.

The product will soon be available for sale on Ceek's website, direct from field reps, and through two distributors.

32 Reasons to love Portland (wesley Lapointe)

1. Because we're creating new neighborhoods…

2. Because we made voting even easier… 

3. Because a doomed building is now a temporary work of art… 

4. Because we're still No. 1 in semi-factual superlatives… 

5. Because you can finally get a beer for less than $10 at Moda Center… 

6. Because our news anchors don't take crap from internet trolls… 

7. Because University of Portland continues to turn out some of the best women's soccer players in the world… 

8. Because we are the champions of cyclocross…

9. … and roller derby… 

10. … and air guitar…

11. Because we're turning wastewater into beer…

12. … and beer into exercise…

13. Because a local punk legend is holding a permanent rummage sale in the basement of a record shop…

14. Because we let you stop and smell the weed…

15. Because we're a world hub for slap-tagging…

16. Because even Texans are impressed by our barbecue… 

17. … and you can get almost any style of pizza here… 

18. … and also, we've perfected the soy curl… 

19. Because we're dedicated to keeping our strippers healthy and limber…

20. Because our gynecologists are building a better speculum…

21. Because our airport keeps getting more awesome…

22. …and so does Movie Madness…

23. Because we're making Halloweens more inclusive…

24. Because the city's most daring developer is growing strawberry fields in the sky…

25. Because we're bringing the pay phone back, minus the "pay" part…

26. Because you can turn on the TV and see your neighbor compete in an eating contest against a bear…

27. Because hardcore foosball players finally have a home…

28. Because we're home to the largest astrology school in the United States… 

29. Because this is the best place in the country to be a witch… 

30. Because we believe no kitty should be left behind…

31. Because the barred owls are taking over…

32. Because the best Trail Blazer in history is playing in front of us… 

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