Does Your Cervix Change Its Shape Throughout Your Life?

Did you know your cervix moves and changes during your menstrual cycle? If you're trying to get pregnant or just want to understand your body better, learning about your cervix can be really helpful. Here’s how you can check it yourself, what those changes mean, and how to keep it healthy.

What and Where Is the Cervix?

The cervix is the lower part of your uterus, connecting it to your vagina. It’s about an inch wide and looks a bit like a small donut with a tiny hole in the center. The word "cervix" comes from Latin, meaning the “neck” of the womb. You’ll find it deep inside your vagina, and its position changes depending on where you are in your cycle.

Why Is the Cervix Important?

The cervix does a lot for your body:

• Lets blood flow out during your period
• Helps sperm enter your uterus during ovulation
• Keeps out bacteria with a protective mucus barrier
• Seals shut during pregnancy to protect the baby
• Opens up during birth to allow the baby to pass

How the Cervix Changes During Your Cycle

Your cervix moves and feels different at various times in your cycle:

• During ovulation (when you're most fertile), it moves higher up, feels soft (like lips), and opens slightly to let sperm in.
• After ovulation, it lowers again, feels firmer (like the tip of your nose), and the opening closes.
• Right before your period, it drops even lower and stays firm.
• During your period, it stays low and slightly open so blood can flow out.

How to Check Your Cervix?

You can check your cervix at home using clean hands and a gentle touch. Here's how:

• Wash your hands well – this helps avoid infections.
• Get into a comfortable position – like sitting on the toilet, squatting, or standing with one leg raised.
• Gently insert a finger into your vagina and reach upward.
• Feel for the cervix – it’s round and firmer than the rest of your vaginal walls.

Take note of what you feel:

Is it soft or firm?

Is it high or low?

Is it open or closed?

Your cervix may feel softer and higher during ovulation and lower and firmer before your period. If you've given birth before, your cervix might always feel slightly open.

Tip: Don’t check your cervix right after sexual activity—it can move due to arousal. Try checking it at the same time every day to track changes more easily.

What Cervix Changes Can Tell You

Noticing how your cervix feels and where it is can give clues about your fertile window, especially if you're trying to get pregnant. During ovulation, you may also see more clear, slippery cervical mucus, which helps sperm travel easily.

Learning how your cervix changes is a simple, natural way to understand your cycle better. Whether you're planning for pregnancy or just curious about your body, this self-check is a helpful tool. Be patient—it may take a few tries to get familiar with how your cervix feels, but it’s a great step toward body awareness and better reproductive health.