Written by Cara Sumner
Cara Sumner
Cara Sumner is an accomplished writer with more than ten years of experience writing on subjects including skincare, sustainability, health, and wellness. Now, she’s dedicating her days to bringing more awareness and education to female reproductive health in her role at Natural Cycles. Cara holds a Master's Degree in Social Anthropology from Stockholm University and Minored in Female Studies/English Literature while getting her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Radford University in the States. On the weekends, you'll find her forest bathing in the woods around Stockholm.
Fact checked by Jack Pearson, Medical Affairs Manager at Natural Cycles
Jack Pearson
Dr. Jack Pearson is a previously HCPC registered Embryologist with a PhD in reproductive medicine. Prior to joining Natural Cycles leading Medical Affairs, he worked for more than 10 years in a clinical setting working at some of the busiest fertility clinics in the UK. Today he spends most of his time working with experts at the world’s leading institutions to carry out important research with the vision to further the field of female health. He earned his PhD from the University of Sheffield specializing in Sperm Metabolism and currently lives in London.
Did you know that your cervix changes position throughout your cycle? If you’re trying to get pregnant, your cervix position during your cycle can give you some important clues as to how fertile you are. So, get yourself comfortable, and we'll tell you everything you need to know!
FAQs
Around ovulation, the cervix is soft (like your ear lobe), slightly open and may be positioned high up in your abdomen. Other times it's firmer (like the tip of your nose), tightly closed and may be positioned lower down in your abdomen (2–5).
How to check cervix position? ›
It's possible to check the position and firmness of your cervix at home. You can do this by inserting a finger into your vagin* to feel for the cervix. Your middle finger may be the most effective finger to use because it's the longest, but use whichever finger is easiest for you.
How to tell if cervix is open or closed? ›
You will likely be able to feel the dimple or opening of the cervix,” advises Dr. Jones. “When the cervix is open, its consistency will be much softer, and you may or may not be able to slightly feel inside the opening.”
What is an abnormal cervix position? ›
However, it's very common to have a tilted cervix. This means that the cervix curves in a different direction. It might sound strange, but it's nothing to worry about. Tilted cervixes can be anteverted or retroverted, meaning it either points down to the spine or points back towards the belly button.
How do I know if my cervix is OK? ›
Regular pelvic exams and Pap smears are the most common tests to check your cervix. Your provider may order other tests depending on your condition. Common tests include: Pelvic exam: Your provider inspects your cervix visually and manually (with fingers) to check for abnormalities.
How do you know if you're touching your cervix? ›
It can feel like the tip of a nose with a dimple in the middle, and it kind of looks like a tiny donut. You can feel your cervix by gently putting one or two clean or gloved fingers deep into your vagin* (make sure you don't have any sharp or jagged edges on your nails). Using lube may make this more comfortable.
How do you know if your cervix is anterior or posterior? ›
While it's possible to check your cervix at home, the only way to get an accurate assessment — especially if you're pregnant — is to have a doctor or midwife perform a cervical examination. A cervix in a posterior position tilts toward your back or bum, while an anterior cervix tilts toward your front side.
What does an unhealthy cervix feel like? ›
Possible symptoms of cervicitis include bleeding between menstrual periods, pain with intercourse or during a pelvic exam, and abnormal vagin*l discharge.
What does an abnormal cervix look like? ›
CERVICAL ABNORMALITIES REQUIRING FURTHER ATTENTION
Cervical endometriosis may present as red, blue, or black cervical lesions (“powder burns”) (Figure 2, B) that do not blanch on compression. The patient may be asymptomatic or report symptoms of discharge, dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, or deep dyspareunia.
What is a suspicious cervix? ›
Suspicious looking cervix is a comprehensive term used to. include all cervical lesions that have the potential for cervical. cancer. Clinically suspicious looking cervix does not mean. CIN but mostly it is caused by benign and inflammatory.
Screening for cervical cancer
If you have unusual discharge, or bleeding after sex, between periods or after the menopause, contact your GP practice. These symptoms are not usually caused by cancer but it's important to have them checked. You will be sent a letter confirming when your screening appointment is due.
How can you tell if your cervix is out of place? ›
Symptoms may include:
- Pressure or heaviness in the pelvis or vagin*.
- Problems with sexual intercourse.
- Leaking urine or sudden urge to empty the bladder.
- Low backache.
- Uterus and cervix that bulge into the vagin*l opening.
- Repeated bladder infections.
- vagin*l bleeding.
- Increased vagin*l discharge.
The most frequently used screening test for cervical cancer is a Pap smear, which is highly effective for detecting precancerous and cancerous cells in the cervix, often before noticeable symptoms occur.
How to check cervix at home for pregnancy? ›
Step-by-Step Instructions for Checking Your Cervix
- Wash your hands very well and take necessary precautions. It's vital that you don't introduce any kind of infection into the vagin*l area. ...
- Find a comfortable position. ...
- Reach your finger inside your vagin*. ...
- Locate the cervix. ...
- Record your cervical position.
Your healthcare provider can tell if you have a retroverted uterus by doing a pelvic exam. During this exam, your healthcare provider can feel the location of your cervix and uterus to determine which way it tilts.
How far up is the cervix when pregnant? ›
If you're pregnant, your cervix will remain higher in the vagin*, in a position that's similar to when you ovulate. How it feels to the touch will also change in early pregnancy. This is due to increased blood flow, which makes the cervix feel softer, like the surface of lips.
Should you check your cervix laying down? ›
You will be able to insert the speculum and find your cervix most easily if your hips are tucked forward toward your belly button. There are a few ways to position your body so that this is easier: With your back supported by pillows, you can lie at a 45-degree angle on the floor or bed.
