Buzz
Did you know that the cervix changes its position and surface texture throughout the menstrual cycle? Learning how to locate the cervix can help you determine when you're ovulating, and it's also an excellent way to understand your reproductive system better. No special tools are needed to locate the cervix—just follow the steps outlined below.
Steps
Locating the Cervix
Understand the position of the cervix. The cervix is the lowest part of the uterus, connecting the uterus to the vaginal canal. It is located 3 to 6 inches inside the vaginal canal and resembles a small donut with a tiny opening in the center. The position and texture of the cervix change throughout the ovulation cycle.
- The cervical canal contains glands that produce vaginal mucus. The color and consistency of this mucus also change during the menstrual cycle.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. Since you'll be using your fingers to locate the cervix, it's crucial to clean your hands to avoid introducing bacteria into your reproductive system. Avoid using hand creams or lotions, as their ingredients could lead to vaginal infections.
- If you have long nails, trim them beforehand to prevent scratching the vaginal walls.
Find a comfortable position. Most women find that sitting (rather than standing or lying down) makes it easier to access the cervix without discomfort. Sit on the edge of a bed or bathtub and spread your knees apart.
Insert your longest finger into the vagina. Gently move your finger past the vaginal opening and slide it inside. Depending on the stage of your ovulation cycle, you may need to insert your finger several centimeters deep to reach the cervix.
- If needed, you can use a water-based lubricant (primarily water-based) to make the process smoother. Avoid oil-based gels, skin creams, or any products not specifically labeled for vaginal use.
Locate the cervix. Your fingertip will touch a donut-shaped opening at the end of the vaginal canal. You'll know you've found the cervix when your finger can't go any further. The cervix may feel soft like pursed lips or firm like the tip of your nose, depending on whether you're ovulating.
Recognizing Signs of Ovulation
Determine the position of the cervix. If the cervix is "low," meaning it's only a few centimeters from the vaginal opening, it’s a sign that you’re not ovulating. The cervix is considered "high" when it’s deeper inside the vagina, which may indicate ovulation.
- It can be challenging to determine if the cervix is high or low after just a few attempts. Try checking daily over one or two months, noting its position week by week. Eventually, you’ll recognize the difference between a high and low cervix.
Assess whether the cervix feels soft or firm. If the cervix feels tight and firm, you’re likely not ovulating. However, if it feels soft and slightly squishy when touched, ovulation may be occurring.
- During ovulation, the cervix is often described as feeling like pursed lips. At other times, such as before or after ovulation, it feels more like the tip of your nose—firmer and less yielding to touch.
Notice when the cervix feels wet. During ovulation, the cervix typically produces more mucus, leading to increased vaginal discharge. After ovulation, the cervix becomes drier, and this dryness lasts until your next period.
Use other methods to confirm if you’re ovulating. In addition to checking the cervix, you can monitor cervical mucus and basal body temperature to determine ovulation. This combined tracking method, known as the Fertility Awareness Method, can be effective for identifying fertile windows if done correctly. However, it’s not a reliable form of birth control.
- Right before and during ovulation, vaginal discharge becomes more abundant and slippery.
- During ovulation, your basal body temperature slightly increases. Use a thermometer to track your temperature each morning to detect this change.
Warnings
- Ensure your fingers are thoroughly washed and lubricated to prevent any risk of infection.
