Did you know that the cervix changes position and texture depending on when you are during your ovulation cycle? Feeling your cervix can help you determine whether or not you are ovulating, and is a great way to better understand your reproductive system. You don't need special equipment to feel your cervix. See step one for guidance.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Find Your Cervix
Step 1. Know where your cervix is located
The cervix is the lowest part of the uterus, where it connects to the vaginal wall. It is located 3 inches (7.5 cm) to 6 inches (15 cm) inside the vagina, at the end of the vaginal tunnel. It is shaped like a small donut with a small hole in the center. The position and texture of the cervix change throughout the ovulation cycle.
The inner canal of the cervix contains glands that secrete vaginal mucus. The color and texture of the mucus also change throughout the cycle
Step 2. Wash your hands with soap and hot water
Since you will be using your fingers to feel your cervix, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly to prevent the transmission of bacteria to your reproductive system. Avoid using a hand lotion or cream before feeling your cervix, as the ingredients in these products can lead to vaginal infections.
If you have long nails, you might consider cutting them before feeling your cervix. A long, sharp fingernail could scratch your vagina
Step 3. Get into a comfortable position
Most women find that a sitting position (rather than standing or lying down) allows easy access to the cervix with minimal discomfort. Sit on the edge of your bed or tub with your knees open.
Step 4. Insert your longest finger into your vagina
Gently move your finger at the opening of your vagina and let it slide into your vagina. Depending on where you are in your ovulation cycle, your finger may advance several inches into your vagina before you feel your cervix.
If you want, you can lubricate your finger with a water-based lube to help it slide more easily. Do not use petroleum jelly, lotion or any other product that is not specifically specified on its label that can be used on the vagina
Step 5. Feel the cervix
The tip of your finger will touch the donut-shaped opening at the end of your vagina. You will know what your cervix is if your finger cannot move any further. The cervix can be soft, like pursed lips, or firm, like the tip of your nose, depending on whether you are ovulating or not.
Method 2 of 2: Know the signs of ovulation
Step 1. Determine if your cervix is down or up
If your cervix is "down", that is, a few inches from the opening of your vagina, this means that you are probably not ovulating. If it is "up", located deep in the vagina, you may be ovulating.
The first few times you feel your cervix, it will be difficult to determine if it is up or down. Keep feeling it every day for a month or two, observe the differences in the position of your cervix from week to week. You will finally be able to tell if your cervix is down or up
Step 2. Determine if your cervix is firm or soft
If your cervix is firm and hard, you are probably not ovulating. If it's soft and has a little stretch, you may be ovulating.
The texture of your cervix during ovulation has been described as the sensation of a pair of lips. During other periods, before and after ovulation, it looks more like the tip of your nose; slightly hard with less elasticity
Step 3. Determine if your cervix is wet
During ovulation, the cervix will feel very wet with fluids, and you will likely have a greater amount of vaginal discharge. After ovulation, the cervix will feel drier until menstruation occurs.
Step 4. Use other methods to check if you are ovulating
Additionally, feeling your cervix, monitoring your cervical fluids, and recording your basal temperature can help you determine when you are ovulating. This combination of monitoring methods is called fertility awareness and, if done correctly, it is an effective way to determine when you are fertile. However, it will not be very effective if you want to avoid pregnancy.
- Right before and during ovulation, your vaginal discharge will become thick and slippery.
- When ovulation occurs, your basal temperature will rise slightly. You need to take your temperature using a basal thermometer each morning to record the rise in temperature.