Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAnatomyFunctionConditionsCervical Cancer ScreeningFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Anatomy
Function
Conditions
Cervical Cancer Screening
Frequently Asked Questions
Read on to find out more about how the cervix plays an important role in the female reproductive system.
Several key components contribute to cervical function. These areas of the cervix are often discussed during pregnancy, Pap smears, andcolposcopy exams. It is important to become familiar with the anatomy of your cervix so you can understand possible changes that occur there and to understand what is involved in screening tests of the cervix.
Structure
Having regular Pap smears is imperative to detect any early changes in cervical cells that may lead to cervical cancer; however, you should know that the majority of abnormal Pap smears do not mean you have cancer.
Location
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb). It makes up the passage between the vagina and uterus.
Cramping From Bruised Cervix: How to Manage Pain
What Does the Cervix Do?
The cervix is the lower portion of the uterus. It is approximately 2 inches long, and it’s tubular in shape. The cervix’s three primary functions are:
Associated Conditions
The cervix is vulnerable to several health conditions, such as chronic inflammation,polyps, dysplasia, and cancer.
Cervical Cancer
In the early stages, cervical cancer usually has no symptoms. In later stages, symptoms can include bleeding or spotting between periods, heavier than normal menstrual periods, pelvic pain or pain during sex, and abnormal discharge.
Cervical cancer is easiest to treat in the early stages, so it’s important to have a regular Pap smear. A Pap smear can identify abnormal cervical changes long before they become cancerous.
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Cervical Dysplasia
Cervical dysplasia is a condition in which abnormal cells grow on the surface of the cervix. It is not cancer, but it is considered a precancerous condition. Similar to cervical cancer, cervical dysplasia is often related to HPV infection. It can be detected during a Pap test and will usually resolve with treatment and follow-up care.
Cervical Polyps and Cysts
Acervical polypis a small growth that appears on the surface of the cervix. Polyps are almost always benign, which means they are not cancerous. A small number of them, however, may become cancerous over time, which is why healthcare providers usually recommend removing them.
Cervicitis
Pregnancy Complications
TheHPV vaccinesdo prevent cervical cancer and are an important way to protect yourself from getting it. However, people who have gotten the series of HPV vaccines still need to receive cervical cancer screening. The vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV that cause cervical cancer.
Summary
It is an important part of the female reproductive anatomy, and can also be associated with certain medical conditions. It’s helpful to know the basics of reproductive anatomy in order to make informed decisions.
Regular Pap smears screen for cervical cancer and any abnormal cell changes. If you have questions about your cervical health or anatomy, talk with your healthcare provider.
After ejaculation, it can take sperm only one minute or even less to reach the cervix. Studies on sperm migration show that sperm take two to 10 minutes to reach thefallopian tubes, where fertilization occurs.
People assigned male at birth do not. However, transgender men can have a cervix and may be at risk for cervical cancer.
Yes, you can. Place one or two clean fingers deeply into the vagina. It can feel a little like the tip of your nose. Depending on where you are in your cycle, it may be further back at certain times.
4 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.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Colposcopy.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Updated cervical cancer screening guidelines.Custers M, Flierman A, Maas P, et al.Immobilisation versus immediate mobilisation after intrauterine insemination: randomised controlled trial.BMJ2009;339:b4080. doi:10.1136/bmj.b4080University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Transgender Care.Screening for cervical cancer in transgender men.
4 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.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Colposcopy.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Updated cervical cancer screening guidelines.Custers M, Flierman A, Maas P, et al.Immobilisation versus immediate mobilisation after intrauterine insemination: randomised controlled trial.BMJ2009;339:b4080. doi:10.1136/bmj.b4080University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Transgender Care.Screening for cervical cancer in transgender men.
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.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Colposcopy.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Updated cervical cancer screening guidelines.Custers M, Flierman A, Maas P, et al.Immobilisation versus immediate mobilisation after intrauterine insemination: randomised controlled trial.BMJ2009;339:b4080. doi:10.1136/bmj.b4080University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Transgender Care.Screening for cervical cancer in transgender men.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Colposcopy.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Updated cervical cancer screening guidelines.
Custers M, Flierman A, Maas P, et al.Immobilisation versus immediate mobilisation after intrauterine insemination: randomised controlled trial.BMJ2009;339:b4080. doi:10.1136/bmj.b4080
University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Transgender Care.Screening for cervical cancer in transgender men.
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