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After 180 Years of Pain, Dutch Women Engineers Reimagine the Speculum with ‘Lilium’
The Lilium speculum could mark a new era in women’s healthcare. Designed by two Dutch engineers, this innovation promises a gentler, more dignified gynecological exam—replacing a tool whose traumatic history and outdated design have harmed women for nearly two centuries.
A Legacy of Pain: The Dark History Behind the Traditional Speculum
The original vaginal speculum was invented in 1845 by Dr. J. Marion Sims, an American physician often referred to as the “father of modern gynecology.” But his legacy is deeply controversial. Sims developed his instruments through repeated experiments on enslaved Black women, including Anarcha, Lucy, and Betsey, without their consent, anesthesia, or adequate care.
Despite 180 years of medical advancement, the speculum has remained largely unchanged. The only major shift has been from reusable metal to disposable plastic, a move that worsened healthcare’s environmental impact without easing patient discomfort.
Who Designed Lilium? Meet the Women Redesigning Women’s Health
Tamara Hoveling, PhD candidate at TU Delft specializing in circular medical design, and Ariadna Izcara Gual, a Master’s graduate in Integrated Product Design, are the co-creators of Lilium.
Ariadna Izcara Gualo
(l), Tamara Hoveling (r)Their collaboration began at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)—but quickly evolved into a mission to transform a system that too often ignores women’s pain.
Using a human-centered methodology, the duo worked with gynecologists and patients to analyze why current specula provoke fear and trauma. Their findings were clear: the tool was never designed with the patient in mind.
How Lilium Transforms the Gynecological Exam
- Three soft, petal-like wings that open gently and evenly.
- Two-part system: one for insertion, one for expansion.
- Three-directional opening for better visibility.
- Optional self-insertion for patient autonomy.
- Reusable TPV materials for sustainability.
Even aesthetics were considered: Lilium’s soft shape, transparency, and potential for color customization make it less intimidating. The full thesis can be read here in August 2026.
Crowdfunding Proves the Demand for Change Is Real
To bring Lilium to life, the team launched a crowdfunding campaign on Support TU Delft. The goal of €100,000 was met in just three days, and by the end, they raised over €219,000.
Funds will support:
- Material testing for reusable medical-grade plastics
- Injection molding production
- Clinical trials and ISO 14155 ethical approval
- CE certification
Lilium also received a Special Mention at the BraunPrize 2024 for outstanding medical design.
The Bigger Picture: A Step Toward Gender Equity in Medicine
“The current speculum feels more like something from a toolbox than a medical device,”
said Tamara in a radio interview with NPO Radio 1. “Some women even avoid exams due to fear or past trauma. That avoidance puts their health at risk.”
Lilium symbolizes not just innovation, but a long-overdue reckoning with how medicine treats women’s bodies, with empathy, autonomy, and respect.
The images come from TU Delft’s website.
