Cervix Position: How To Measure Your Cervix
Knowing the position of your cervix can help monitor ovulation, find your cervix size, and of course, figure out how to measure your cervix height for a menstrual cup! Finding a menstrual cup can be tricky, and one of the biggest factors you will need to consider is your cervical position. This will help determine which brand, or size of cup you should use, and whether you will need to trim the stem of your cup for comfort. Read on for more information on what is a cervix, how to find it, how to measure your cervix, and why it's important when considering the best menstrual cup for beginners!
Firstly, what is a Cervix?
A cervix is the narrow passage that links the uterus and the vagina. It is cylinder shaped, and located at the bottom of the uterus. It is composed mostly of fibromuscular tissue, and consists of the following;
- The bit that your gynecologist can see when they peer inside of you, is the ectocervix. This almost looks like a pink, fleshy donut, with a hole in the middle.
- The hole in the middle is known as the external os.
- The endocervix, or endocervical canal, is a tunnel through the cervix, from the external os up to the uterus.
- And the bit where the endocervix and ectocervix is called the transformation zone!
The cervix will create cervical mucus according to your menstrual cycle. The cervix can also widely dilate (open up) for childbirth, and will slightly open up during your menstruation to allow your period blood to flow through.
During the first part of your menstrual cycle, the hormone estrogen is made by the ovaries. Estrogen causes the lining of your uterus to grow and thicken to prepare your body for pregnancy.
If there is no pregnancy, then that thicker lining will shed and come off. This will flow through the cervix, and then the vagina. This is your monthly period and the blood you see!
Why is your Cervix Position Important when using a Menstrual Cup?
A menstrual cup will need to sit just under the cervix in order for the cup to collect the menstrual blood. Generally the cervix will sit above, or in some rare cases, can sit inside the menstrual cup comfortably.
It is possible to choose a menstrual cup without knowing your cervix height, but of course, it helps to be better informed about your own body! Especially when beginning to use a cup for the first time.
If a menstrual cup pushes against your cervix it can be very painful, and put you off using a menstrual cup. This is fairly common with new users. Alternatively, if the cup moves too far up, you may have difficulty reaching it when the time comes to removing your cup.
A menstrual cup works best when the cervix position is just hovering above, and the cup's rim sits comfortably against your vaginal wall to create a seal. This will ensure no leaking!
When Should You Check Your Cervix Position?
Cervix positions can change during a woman’s cycle, so the best time to check your positioning would be during your period. Of course this will be messy, but it is always worth knowing your own body!
- You should check it several times over several days, at roughly the same time each day.
- Do not check your cervix position before, during or straight after intercourse or sexual arousal as this may cause the cervix to change positions. The vaginal canal can also length and widen during this time.
- If you currently have a yeast infection or any other kind of vagina infection, you should wait until it is completely cleared up before checking your cervix position.
- Do not check your cervix while lying down as this will not be accurate. Let gravity do its thing!
How Do You Check or Measure Your Cervix Position?
Make sure your hands are clean before attempting to check your cervical position. You may also need to cut your nails to ensure you don’t accidentally scratch yourself!
Find a comfortable position that will make it easier for you to reach inside and find your cervix. You can either squat or lift one leg up onto the toilet seat or the edge of a bathtub. You might want to do this even during your shower, when you are most relaxed.
Put your fore or middle finger into your vagina, and try to reach the end of it. The vagina will be soft and squishy, that you can pass through, and the cervix will be where your finger stops. The cervix may feel like the end of your nose, soft but firm and rigid. The shape of it is like a small doughnut!
Take note of how far your finger is inside the vagina. Use the ‘Knuckle Rule.’
The "Knuckle Rule"
Low Cervix
If you can feel your cervix and your finger only goes in at your 1st knuckle or where you finger bends at the top, then you have a Low Cervix!
Check out some of the Best Menstrual Cups for a Low Cervix
Medium Cervix
If you can feel your cervix and your finger goes in further to reach the 2nd knuckle or about halfway of your fingers, then you have a Medium Cervix!
High Cervix
If you can barely reach your cervix and most of your finger is inside your vagina, then you have a High Cervix!
Check out some of our Best Menstrual Cups for a High Cervix
Of course, everyone’s hands, fingers, and knuckles may differ in length and size. So take this ‘rule’ with a grain of salt. If you want to be more precise, you can use your finger to determine where your cervix sits. Then use a measuring tape to properly see the length of your vaginal canal.
Why Is This Important When Choosing a Menstrual Cup?
Knowing the rough position of your cervix will help determine which menstrual cup will work best for your body. Menstrual cups come in a range of sizes, shapes and diameters, and the choice can be overwhelming. Especially for a first time user. Having the best suited cup for your cervix height is important. This will ensure you minimize any leaking as it fits better for your vaginal canal. It will be more comfortable for you as it won't push painfully against your cervix. And of course, getting the right menstrual cup will make it easier for you to insert and Remove your cup with no mess!
Check out some of the Best Menstrual Cups for Beginners
The Bottom Line
Menstrual cups are an initial monetary investment (which will give you a great return in the future!), so you should consider your cervical position before you choose your correct cup. If a cup is too long, then it may be uncomfortable or painful. The base or stem of the cup might also be sticking out. If the cup is too short for your higher cervix, then it may make removal of the cup very difficult.
Now that you know how to determine your cervix position, you can compare different menstrual cups to figure out whether it will ‘fit’ or not. Remember to also look at the length of the actual cup, not just the overall length, as many stems are designed so that the user may trim or cut it down or completely off.
