Cervix
Hear this word Cervix
Image description: The location of the cervix.
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What Is It?
The cervix is the lower end of the uterus. The cervix has a small opening that connects the uterus to the vagina.
After puberty begins, menstrual fluid leaves the uterus from the opening in the cervix.
When a baby is born during vaginal delivery, the opening to the cervix increases in size so the baby can come out of the pregnant person’s vagina.
An Example
Madison is curious and wants to know what her cervix feels like. After washing her hands, and while in a private place, Madison carefully and gently inserts her finger a couple inches inside her own vagina. Madison can feel the cervix towards the back and slightly to the side of their vagina. At the bottom of the cervix, there is a small opening with a circular shape. Madison’s cervix kind of feels like the tip of Madison’s nose – firm and soft at the same time.
What to Know
Every glossary word connects to different parts of the Sexuality Wheel. Explore the information below to learn more.
- If sperm enters the vagina of a person with a uterus, the sperm passes through the opening of the cervix. Then it enters the fallopian tubes to possibly fertilize an egg.
- Once a person with a cervix turns 21, a health care provider may complete a pelvic exam which may include a process called a “pap smear.” During a pap smear, a health care provider uses a small brush on the surface of the cervix and sends what’s collected to a lab to test for anything unusual.
Think about
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What did you learn about the cervix?
To learn more about the body, visit the Resource Hub or the anatomy section of Your Sexual Health Toolkit.
What questions do you have about the cervix?
Write down or record an audio note with any questions you have to ask someone you trust.