Introduction and hypothesis: American gynecologist J. Marion Sims (1813-1883) is known for developing the first consistently successful operation for the repair of vesico-vaginal fistula, for inventing the Sims vaginal speculum, and for popularizing the left lateral decubitus position for gynecological examination and treatment.
Methods and results: This article reviews the history of the Sims vaginal speculum, charting its evolution from a bent pewter spoon to the lever speculum and finally to its now-familiar form as the two-bladed Sims speculum.
Conclusion: The article also reviews the origins of the Sims position, correcting popular misconceptions concerning both the position and the speculum and advocating for greater familiarity with the use of both of these valuable tools by practicing clinicians.
Keywords: History of gynecology; J. Marion Sims; Pelvic examination; Sims position; Sims speculum; Vaginal speculum; Vesicovaginal fistula.
© 2021. The International Urogynecological Association.