What Is a Cervix?
The cervix is a tube of tissue that connects the vagina to the uterus. It acts like a kind of door, sometimes opening and softening to allow sperm to enter the uterus, and other times staying firm and closed. When you are menstruating, menstrual fluid passes from the uterus through the cervix and into the vagina. Due to various physiological changes throughout your cycle the position of the cervix can change. Amazingly the vagina is literally a dead end cavity and the opening to the cervix (called an “os”) is the only access to the abdomen so you can be rest assured you will never lose a menstrual cup in there.
Position of Your Cervix
The position of your cervix can help you decide which menstrual cup to use. It can also help you to decide if you need more than one Menstrual cup for different stages of your menstruation. Some women find that one cup suits for all days, other women find they need a shorter cup for days when their cervix is low and another cup for days their cervix is high.
How to find Your Cervix
I have a great video here that can really help you find your cervix and the notes version is below.
The quick middle finger rule can help you decide the position of your cervix.
This rule requires you to use your middle finger and to see how many knuckles can be inserted before reaching the cervix. The cervix feels like the end of your nose, but little more squishy!
Low Cervix: You are able to insert your finger up to the first knuckle before you touch your cervix.
Medium Cervix: You are able to insert your finger to the second knuckle of your finger.
High Cervix: You will be able to insert your entire finger up to your cervix.
How to start:
- Wash your hands well to avoid any chance of infection
- Find a comfortable standing position (lying down will not give you a true idea of where it is due to gravity). Sometimes popping one leg up on the bath or toilet can help.
- Use your middle finger and slide it inside and with the “middle finger rule” work out the position of your cervix. You may prefer to use a water based lubricant to make it easier.
It can be tricky to get the hang of to start with but with practice you will soon be able to fully understand the position of your cervix and how this will affect the placement of your menstrual cup. If you check every day for a month and make notes on your findings, you will find that it changes position depending on which part of your cycle you are in. This can be helpful in working out which cup would be best for you.
If you are unsure of this please talk to your General Practitioner.