Cervix Definition: 3 Steps to Answer, Where Is the Cervix?
The cervix comes up a lot in conversation when talking about period cups, tampons and women's health more broadly. But where is the cervix, how deep is it, and what is a cervix? Before you can figure out whether yours is high or low, let's go back to the basics. The following content is information and not meant as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your health, please speak with your physician.
What Is a Cervix? Your Guide to Cervix Anatomy
In simple terms, it’s the lower, rounded part of the uterus and a key part of a woman’s reproductive system. It connects the vagina to the uterine cavity. During pregnancy, it changes shape to allow for childbirth. In order for pregnancy to occur, the sperm must pass from the vagina through this cylindrical canal to fertilize the egg. Menstrual fluid also passes through it in order to be discharged.
Where Is the Cervix?
Located between the uterus and the vagina, it’s located near the uterus and the bladder. Typically, it’s 2 cm in length, which is around 1.2 inches.
Keep in mind that its position changes throughout your menstrual cycle. Every woman’s body is different, so it’s up to you to choose what’s comfortable. It may be easier to answer, where is the cervix, when you are on your period as it may be lower down.
Cervix Anatomy
There are several different parts that come together to create this crucial part of the female anatomy. These are important to keep in mind whether you’re learning about menstrual cups, Pap smears, or pregnancy:
- Internal Orifice: Connects the cervical canal to the uterine canal. Typically, it’s discussed during pregnancy.
- External Orifice: The lower part connecting to the vaginal canal. The External Orifice, also known as the External Os, has two lips that separate it from the vaginal canal.
- Ectocervix: The lining within it that produces mucus, which increases during ovulation.
Where Is the Cervix?
Why does it matter where it is if you’re learning how to use a menstrual cup? For many women, the question of cervix position may not affect which EverCup works best for them. However, some with a low or high cervix may prefer a smaller or larger size. Why would it matter? For someone whose is high, it may be difficult to reach your cup to empty it. For those with a low cervix, a large size cup may poke out or be uncomfortable.
How to Find It:
The following is not medical advice. If you want to answer, how deep is the cervix, it’s best not to have long, jagged or pointy nails.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with a gentle soap. Some women may prefer doing so in the shower.
- Gently insert your index finger into your vagina. If you can touch it by the first knuckle, you have a low cervix. If you can find your cervix position by the second knuckle, it’s most likely of average height. And if you cannot din it or only reach it by the highest knuckle, you have a high cervix.
The above method is known as the “knuckle” approach. If you want more specifics, measure your finger against a first. Then, insert your finger.
Ask, Where Is the Cervix? Then Choose Your Menstrual Cup.
There are three different sizes recognized by most menstrual cup uses:
- Low
- Average
- High
Low Height:
Women with a low cervix typically prefer a Mini EverCup. Though some women, especially those who have given birth, may want a larger diameter, the Mini size is great for women who find larger cups to be uncomfortable. In particular, younger women may prefer this smaller size.
Pro Tip: If you find the stem protrudes or is uncomfortable with any of the cups, you can cut the stem off - just be sure not to make a hole in your EverCup.
Average Height:
Average women have a lot of flexibility when it comes to menstrual cup sizes. If you believe that your cervix position is average, you may prefer a Mid cup, which is a great halfway point between the Mini and the Standard. It isn’t too big to be uncomfortable, nor is it too small.
High Cervix Height:
Women with a high cervix have a lot of flexibility when it comes to choosing an EverCup. Those who have given birth may prefer a standard as it has a wider diameter. However, others may opt for a Mid since it offers large capacity while still being easier to reach than the mini.
With that in mind, EverCup has designed three unique sizes for women of all shapes and sizes. Now that you can answer, where is the cervix, you have a better sense of whether a Mini, Mid or Standard is right for you.
Please note: All fingers and cervices are different, so these are just general guidelines. If you have any questions, please contact your gynecologist for more information. Worried about your health? See the Center for Disease Control's website for information of cervix health.
