TissueDB/Simulators/IUD Insertion Simulator
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.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Features and Basic Operation | Augmented-feedback circuit: alligator clips wire the foil lining to a buzzer and 9 V battery so a tone sounds when the metal uterine sound contacts the vaginal sidewall, speculum blades, or tenaculum, signalling a break in aseptic ("no-touch") technique. Paired with 3D-printed uterus simulators of varying depth, it allows blinded insertion practice. |
| Current Development Status | Field-tested through user testing with nurses, midwives, and clinical officers in Uganda and Nigeria; not clinically validated |
| Estimated Build Time and Cost | US$7.26 (Uganda) / US$43.20 (Nigeria), 2021 |
| Specialized Tools and Equipment | None required to build it (household materials). In use, the trainer is operated with a metal uterine sound, a pelvic speculum, and a tenaculum, Allis tissue clamp, or sponge-holding forceps |
| Version | — |
| Development Team Contact Information | Medical Makers — STARS (Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights) programme; module developer Julielynn Wong |
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; round os |
| Cervix (parous) | 1 | Oil-based modelling clay | — | Light pink; "fish mouth" os |
Structural Parts
| Part Name | Qty | Material | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper | 1 sheet | Paper | — | Vaginal canal body |
| Aluminum foil | 1 piece | Aluminum foil | — | Feedback-circuit lining inside the vaginal canal |
| Alligator clips | Minimum 4 | Alligator clips | — | Connect the foil lining to the buzzer and 9V battery; one also clips to the metal uterine sound |
| Tape | As needed | Tape | — | Securing components during assembly |
| Buzzer | 1 | Buzzer | — | Sounds when an instrument contacts the vaginal wall (augmented feedback) |
| 9V battery | 1 | 9V battery | — | Power source for the feedback circuit |
Build Instructions
Phase 1: Nulliparous Cervix
Step 1: Collect supplies
Light pink oil-based modelling clay (stiffer clay holds the os shape better; where modelling clay is unavailable, a homemade clay of flour, food colouring, salt, and water can substitute), a ruler, and a 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 and secured with tape. 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. For safety, clip the alligator clip directly to the metal uterine sound so no bare wire is exposed in the live circuit, and wear gloves during training.[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 24, 2026. |