The cervix is the lower, narrow portion of the uterus. It forms a canal connecting the main body of the uterus to the vagina, serving as a gateway between the internal reproductive organs and the external environment. This muscular organ allows for the passage of menstrual blood and facilitates the entry of sperm. The cervix also undergoes significant changes during pregnancy and childbirth.
How to Locate and Assess Your Cervix
Before attempting to check your cervix, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent the introduction of bacteria. Finding a comfortable position is helpful; many individuals find success by squatting, sitting on a toilet, or standing with one leg elevated on a surface.
To locate your cervix, gently insert your longest finger into your vagina, aiming upwards and slightly backward. Continue to reach as far as comfortable until you encounter a distinct, firmer structure at the end of the vaginal canal. The vaginal walls generally feel soft and spongy, while the cervix itself feels firmer. A “low” cervix will be easily reachable, often just a knuckle or two inside the vaginal opening.
Once you have located your cervix, observe its height, texture, and the openness of its central opening, known as the os. A low cervix indicates it is positioned closer to the vaginal opening. The os, which is the opening to the uterus, can feel closed, slightly open like a dimple, or more significantly open. Individual anatomy varies, and what is “low” for one person might be different for another.
Cervical Position Throughout the Menstrual Cycle
The cervix undergoes predictable changes in position and texture throughout the menstrual cycle, influenced by fluctuating hormone levels. During menstruation, the cervix is typically positioned low and feels firm. Its opening, the os, may be slightly open to allow for menstrual blood release.
As the cycle progresses into the follicular phase, estrogen levels begin to rise. This causes the cervix to gradually rise higher and become softer. The os also tends to become more open in preparation for potential conception.
Around ovulation, when the body is most fertile, estrogen levels peak. The cervix often reaches its highest position, becoming very soft, sometimes compared to the feel of lips, and more open. This elevated and open state, along with thin, slippery cervical mucus, facilitates sperm passage. After ovulation, if pregnancy does not occur, progesterone levels increase. This causes the cervix to lower again, become firmer, and the os to close, returning to a pre-menstrual state.
Cervical Position During Early Pregnancy
In early pregnancy, the cervix typically undergoes changes in response to hormonal shifts, primarily the increase in progesterone. The cervix tends to remain in a higher position within the vagina, similar to its placement during ovulation, rather than lowering as it would before menstruation.
The texture of the cervix also changes, usually becoming softer. While a non-pregnant cervix might feel firm, a softening of the cervix, sometimes described as feeling like lips, can occur due to increased blood flow to the area. Furthermore, the cervical os generally remains tightly closed during pregnancy. This closure, along with the formation of a mucus plug, helps to protect the developing pregnancy from infection. While these cervical changes can be indicators, self-checking is not a definitive method for confirming pregnancy.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While self-checking your cervix can help understand your body’s patterns, it is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation. Consult a healthcare professional if you experience unusual or persistent symptoms related to your cervix or vaginal health.
These symptoms could include abnormal vaginal discharge, such as changes in color, odor, or consistency. Persistent pain, discomfort, or itching in the vaginal or pelvic area also warrants medical attention. Seek professional guidance if you have difficulty locating your cervix, are unable to interpret your findings, or have concerns about potential pregnancy or other conditions. A healthcare provider can offer accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and address any underlying health concerns that self-monitoring cannot detect.