Get Up-Close-And-Personal With Your Cervix
Many of us have already met our own vulva (think back to the first time you took a look in your mirror), and if you haven’t, we strongly suggest you take a peek. But have you ever stopped to consider your internal anatomy – namely, the height of your cervix? Cervical height isn’t something that’s routinely taught in secondary school sex education (we think it should be), but getting to know your cervix will help you better understand everything from fertility to ovulation, and whether our reusable period cup might be the most comfortable choice for you...
What Is a Cervix?
Right between the uterus and the vagina lies the cervix, which looks like a smooth ‘O’, allowing for sperm to enter the uterus from the vagina, and blood to enter the vagina through the uterus. The word, ‘cervix’ is derived from the Latin term cervix uteri, meaning ‘womb’s neck’, as it’s essentially a passageway between the uterus and vagina. The “average” cervix is about 1 inch in diameter, and it’s known as one of the strongest tissues on earth (cervical tissue has been found to be as strong as stainless steel!).
It’s not just the cervix’s strength that’s impressive, as it does quite a bit of behind-the-scenes work for you, too. The cervix helps keep bacteria from entering the uterus from the vagina, it produces its own lubrication and it even increases to the size of a bagel during childbirth! And like the vagina and clitoris, the cervix is rife with nerves that produce that all-important sexual response.
How to Measure Your Cervix
Not only will understanding the height of your cervix help you select the right period cup, it can help you monitor your ovulation, fertility and overall sexual health. Your cervix does change height during ovulation, when it becomes higher, and menstruation, when it becomes lower, so try measuring just before or just after you bleed for the most accurate result.
To measure your cervix, follow these three easy steps just after taking a bath or shower:
- Wash your hands thoroughly and either squat or put one leg on your bathtub, whichever is most comfortable.
- Insert your index finger (using vegan lubricant if desired) in an upwards direction, until you reach your cervix. This should feel like the tip of your nose.
- Take note of your knuckle position, which will help you determine your overall cervical height.
Low Cervix
A low cervix will reach your first finger joint.
Medium Cervix
A medium cervix will reach your second finger joint.
High Cervix
A high cervix will allow you to insert your whole finger before touching your cervix.
How to Choose the Best Period Care For Your Cervix
Most of our period products will suit anyone with any cervical height, but cervical height becomes more important when selecting a period cup. If you have a medium or high cervix, follow the standard size guide listed on our website to find the right cup for you. If you have a low cervix, you may find that sizing down is more comfortable for you as you go about your day.
Still have questions? We’re here to help. Shoot us an email at talktomesister@andsisters.co.uk
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