Your cervix is one of those body parts most people don’t think about much — until they start hearing about it during Pap smears, birth control talks, or fertility tracking. But understanding where it is and how it feels can help you stay more connected to your body.
First — what even is the cervix?
The cervix is the lower, narrow part of your uterus that connects to your vagina. Think of it like a soft, round doorway — the bridge between your uterus and the outside world. It plays a big role during menstruation, sex, and childbirth.
During your period, menstrual blood flows through the cervix. During ovulation, the cervix releases cervical mucus (a stretchy, egg-white-like fluid) that helps sperm travel. During pregnancy and labor, it softens and opens to allow birth.
How to find it
You don’t need any special tools — just clean hands, curiosity, and privacy.
Here’s how to check:
- Wash your hands. Always start clean.
- Get comfortable. Squat, stand with one leg up, or sit on the toilet — whichever feels easiest.
- Insert one or two fingers gently into your vagina. Go slowly — no rush, no pressure.
- Feel for something round, smooth, and slightly firm. That’s your cervix. It might feel like the tip of your nose — soft, but not squishy.
If you’re on your period, it might be lower and easier to reach. At other times in your cycle, it can be higher or harder to find — that’s totally normal.
What changes to notice
Your cervix isn’t static; it moves and changes throughout your cycle:
- During ovulation: It’s higher, softer, and slightly open.
- Before your period: It lowers and feels firmer.
- After menstruation: It gradually rises again.
These changes can tell you a lot about your cycle, especially if you’re tracking fertility or just want to know your body’s rhythm better.
When to talk to a healthcare provider
If you feel pain, notice an unusual lump, experience bleeding after sex, or have changes in discharge or smell, it’s worth getting checked. These can be signs of infection or other issues — and your doctor can help you figure it out.
Remember
Your cervix is not something to fear or be embarrassed about. It’s a living, flexible part of you — strong, protective, and always adapting. Learning about it is simply learning about yourself.