The cervix sits on the lower end of the uterus and acts as the gateway between the vagina and the uterus. It is round, almost donut-shaped, with a hole in the center.
- Endocervical canal
- Ectocervix
- Uterus
- Internal Os
- External Os
- Vagina
The cervix changes depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. Hormones tell the cervix to change its position, feel, and produce cervical fluid in connection with your cycle phase and ovulation. The cervix serves to keep the uterus safe from bacteria and allows menstrual blood to flow out. During pregnancy the cervix creates its own plug of fluid that holds the baby in the uterus until it's ready to be born.
Fertile: When outside of the ovulatory/fertile phase the cervix is low, hard, closed and mostly dry.
Non-Fertile: When in the ovulatory/fertile phase the cervix is higher, soft, open, and wet with fertile cervical fluid.
