Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCervix FunctionsWhere Is the Cervix?Conditions and ProblemsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Cervix Functions
Where Is the Cervix?
Conditions and Problems
Frequently Asked Questions
Thecervixis the lower portion (or the “neck”) of theuterus. It is approximately 1 inch long and 1 inch wide and opens into thevagina. The cervix functions as the entrance for sperm to enter the uterus. During menstruation, the cervix opens slightly to allow menstrual blood to flow out of the uterus.
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Your cervix has several important functions, including:
Here is how the cervix functions during specific phases of the menstrual cycle and pregnancy:
During Menstruation
During menstruation, the cervix opens a small amount to permit the passage of menstrual blood out of the uterus and through the vagina.
During Conception
Conception occurs when sperm travel through the cervix to enter the uterus and ultimately fertilize an egg. Around ovulation, the most fertile part of the menstrual cycle, your cervix produces clear mucus, which helps the sperm reach the uterus.
The Cervix in Early Pregnancy
During Pregnancy and Labor
During pregnancy, cervical mucus thickens to create a cervical “plug” that shields the growing embryo from infection.
When a pregnant person gets closer to going into labor,the cervical plug thins and is expelled. The cervix softens and shortens (this is called effacement) and then dilates in preparation for birth.
As your due date nears, your healthcare provider will check the cervix for dilation to try to gauge when you are likely to give birth.
What Is Cervical Effacement?
During Menopause
During menopause, hormonal changes and aging change the nature of the cervical mucus and vaginal discharge. As a result, some menopausal females experiencevaginal dryness.
The cervix is located between the uterus and the vagina. It’s possible to feel the cervix with your finger; if you do so, you’ll notice that it changes texture over the course of your cycle. In order to actually see your cervix, you will need to use a mirror and a bright light, but it may still be difficult to see based on the length of your vagina.
The narrow opening of the cervix is called theos. Thecervical osallowsmenstrual bloodto flow out from the vagina during menstruation.
There are three parts of the cervix:
The cervix is prone to certain conditions and diseases, including:
In some cases, the cervix is surgically removed along with the uterus to treat cancer or certain other conditions. This is called a totalhysterectomy.
It’s important to haveregular Pap smearsto detect early changes to the cervical cells that may lead to cervical cancer. However, the majority ofabnormal Pap smearsare due to inflammation or infection.
A Word From Verywell
It’s helpful to know how your cervix functions, as it plays an important role in conception, menstruation, and childbirth. Talk to your gynecologist about how you can maintain ahealthy cervixwith regular Pap smears, safer sex (to avoid STIs), and getting the HPV vaccine.
The cervix is a little over 1 inch long and about an inch wide. It is the “neck” of the uterus and has an opening in the center called the cervical os. It is made up of muscle tissue and opens into the vagina.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Canadian Cancer Society.The cervix.American Cancer Society.What is cervical cancer?The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About Genital HPV Infection.Cleveland Clinic.Incompetent cervix.National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute.Understanding cervical changes- A health guide for women.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Hysterectomy.Additional ReadingNational Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute.HPV and pap test results: Next steps after an abnormal cervical cancer screening test.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Canadian Cancer Society.The cervix.American Cancer Society.What is cervical cancer?The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About Genital HPV Infection.Cleveland Clinic.Incompetent cervix.National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute.Understanding cervical changes- A health guide for women.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Hysterectomy.Additional ReadingNational Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute.HPV and pap test results: Next steps after an abnormal cervical cancer screening test.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Canadian Cancer Society.The cervix.American Cancer Society.What is cervical cancer?The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About Genital HPV Infection.Cleveland Clinic.Incompetent cervix.National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute.Understanding cervical changes- A health guide for women.The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Hysterectomy.
Canadian Cancer Society.The cervix.
American Cancer Society.What is cervical cancer?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About Genital HPV Infection.
Cleveland Clinic.Incompetent cervix.
National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute.Understanding cervical changes- A health guide for women.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Hysterectomy.
National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute.HPV and pap test results: Next steps after an abnormal cervical cancer screening test.
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