TissueDB/Simulators/IUD Insertion Simulator
General Information
This simulator enables nurses, midwives, and clinical officers to develop confidence and competence in maintaining aseptic technique in sounding the uterus, loading the IUD in the sterile package, setting the gauge to the sounded depth, and gently inserting and deploying the IUD as part of copper and hormonal IUD insertion procedures performed in low- to middle-income countries. The simulator contains three components: (1) nulliparous cervix, (2) parous cervix, and (3) vaginal canal with augmented feedback. Developed by Medical Makers as part of the STARS (Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights) programme.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Features and Basic Operation | Not stated in source |
| Current Development Status | First pass clinical |
| Estimated Build Time and Cost | —, Approximately $10–12 USD (2026 US retail; cost-bearing items: pink modelling clay, 5V piezo buzzer, four alligator clips, one 9V battery) |
| Specialized Tools and Equipment | Not stated in source |
| Version | Not stated in source |
| Development Team Contact Information | Medical Makers |
The cervix models match published dimensions for nulliparous and primiparous women.[3] Average cervix width for nulliparous women: 2.6 cm (1.0 in); average length: 2.9 cm (1.1 in). Average cervix width for primiparous women: 2.8 cm (1.1 in); average length: 3.2 cm (1.3 in). The cervical os shapes simulate documented colposcopic appearances of nulliparous (round) and parous ("fish mouth") cervixes.[1]
The vaginal canal dimensions (4.5 cm diameter, 13.0 cm long) are based on published vaginal length measurements[2] and the opening diameter of a disposable pelvic speculum measured at a Ugandan hospital (4.5 cm).
Tissues
| Tissue | Qty | Material | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cervix (nulliparous) | 1 | Oil-based modelling clay | — | Light pink; 2.5 cm (1.0 in) diameter × 3.0 cm (1.2 in) long; pencil-formed round os |
| Cervix (parous) | 1 | Oil-based modelling clay | — | Light pink; 3.0 cm (1.2 in) diameter × 3.0 cm (1.2 in) long; "fish mouth" os |
Structural Parts
| Part Name | Qty | Material | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper | 1 sheet | Standard paper | — | Vaginal canal body; rolled to 4.5 cm (1.8 in) diameter, 13.0 cm (5.1 in) long |
| Aluminum foil | 1 piece | Standard aluminum foil | — | Feedback circuit lining inside vaginal canal |
| Alligator clips | 2 | Standard alligator clips | — | Electrical connections for augmented feedback circuit |
| Tape | As needed | Standard tape | — | Securing components during assembly |
| Buzzer | 1 | Electronic buzzer | — | Audible signal when instrument contacts vaginal wall (augmented feedback) |
| 9V battery | 1 | Standard 9V battery | — | Power source for feedback circuit |
| Ruler | 1 | Standard ruler | — | Measuring during construction |
| Scissors | 1 pair | Standard scissors | — | Cutting paper and foil during construction |
Build Instructions
Phase 1: Nulliparous Cervix
Step 1: Collect supplies
Light pink oil-based modelling clay, ruler, and pencil or chopstick.
Step 2: Form cervix cylinder
Roll pink clay into a cylinder 2.5 cm (1.0 in) in diameter and 3.0 cm (1.2 in) long.
Step 3: Create the os
Insert a pencil tip or chopstick through the center of the clay cylinder to simulate the smooth, rounded os of the nulliparous cervix.[1]
Step 4: Attach cervix to uterus simulator
Mount the Nulliparous Cervix model on the pegs of the 3D Printed Uterus Simulator.
Phase 2: Parous Cervix
Step 1: Collect supplies
Light pink oil-based modelling clay, ruler, and pencil or chopstick.
Step 2: Form cervix cylinder
Roll clay into a cylinder 3.0 cm (1.2 in) in diameter and 3.0 cm (1.2 in) long.
Step 3: Create the os
Use the tip of the pencil or chopstick to create the "fish mouth" appearance of the wider os of a parous cervix.[1]
Step 4: Attach cervix to uterus simulator
Mount the Parous Cervix model on the pegs of the 3D Printed Uterus Simulator.
Phase 3: Vaginal Canal with Augmented Feedback
Assembly instructions for the vaginal canal with augmented feedback circuit are demonstrated in the vaginal canal assembly video.
The vaginal canal is constructed from paper lined with aluminum foil, rolled to 4.5 cm (1.8 in) in diameter and 13.0 cm (5.1 in) long. Alligator clips connect the foil lining to a buzzer and 9V battery, creating a feedback circuit that produces an audible signal when an instrument contacts the vaginal wall.[2][3]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Atlas of Colposcopy: Principles and practice. World Health Organization. Available from: https://screening.iarc.fr/atlascolpodetail.php?Index=13&e=
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Bates CK, Carroll N, Potter J. The challenging pelvic examination. J Gen Intern Med. 2011 Jun;26(6):651-7. doi: 10.1007/s11606-010-1610-8. PMID: 21225474; PMCID: PMC3101979.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Londero AP, Bertozzi S, Fruscalzo A, Driul L, Marchesoni D. Ultrasonographic assessment of cervix size and its correlation with female characteristics, pregnancy, BMI, and other anthropometric features. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2011 Mar;283(3):545-50. doi: 10.1007/s00404-010-1377-5. PMID: 20145939.
Digital Resources
| Alternative names | Cervix and Vaginal Canal (with Augmented Feedback) Simulator |
|---|
| Authors | Arturopelayo |
|---|---|
| License | CC-BY-SA-4.0 |
| Organizations | Medical Makers |
| Cite as | Arturopelayo (2026). "TissueDB/Simulators/IUD Insertion Simulator". Appropedia. Retrieved June 2, 2026. |