Feel the cervix before menstruation: home examination

More about menstruation

The premenstrual period is characterized by certain changes in the female body and reproductive system.
Before menstruation, the cervix drops, its edges become loose, and it itself is soft and slightly open. All practicing gynecologists know exactly how the cervix should correspond to a certain period of the menstrual cycle. Shortly before menstruation, a woman’s body prepares to reject the old uterine epithelium and blood fibers, which is why the cervix smoothes out a little and opens slightly, allowing all secretions to leave the uterus. Thus, a complete menstrual cycle passes, and after the completion of menstruation and the ovulation period, menstruation begins again.

Before menstruation, the cervix becomes loose and soft to the touch. It descends lower and slightly misses the tip of the finger (in women who have given birth this is more pronounced). That is why during menstruation you need to be especially careful about personal hygiene, use natural, comfortable underwear and regularly change your sanitary pad or tampon.

When the cervix is slightly open, there is a possibility of infections being introduced inside, which can cause the development of dangerous diseases or inflammation of the genital organs, which can subsequently cause adhesions in the fallopian tubes and lead to infertility.

During pregnancy, the cervix rises as high as possible in the vagina; upon examination, it can only be felt with a fingertip. It will be very hard and dense, and the hole will look like a small flat slit. Knowing what the cervix is like before menstruation, you can compare whether it is prepared for the start of the cycle.

During pregnancy, the length of the cervix also increases (becomes more than 2.5 cm). If it begins to decrease before the appointed time, it means that the risk of premature birth or spontaneous abortion increases.

During pregnancy, an examination allows you to determine the likelihood of a miscarriage, since the cervix during this period should be long and dense, but if its length becomes less than 2.5 cm, the doctor should prescribe additional examinations or hospitalization of the pregnant woman to prevent premature birth or miscarriage.

Shortly before childbirth, examination of the cervix allows you to determine the readiness of a woman’s birth canal for the start of labor. At this time, the neck should be shortened, smoothed and allow 1-2 fingers into the pharynx.

The cervix before menstruation and during pregnancy has its own characteristics that allow doctors to determine a woman’s condition without conducting additional examinations, if they are not currently possible. The doctor can make a final conclusion only after a complete examination of the body.

Every month there is a complex interaction between the pituitary gland in the brain, the ovaries and the uterus. Signals caused by hormones are sent throughout the body to prepare it for a possible pregnancy. An egg is produced, the lining of the uterus thickens, and hormones prepare the vagina and cervix to receive and support sperm.

After menstruation, the inner lining begins to grow again to become a thick, loose “nest” in preparation for a possible pregnancy. On day 14-15 (for most women), one of your ovaries will release an egg that will eventually enter your fallopian tube (called ovulation).

Before the egg matures, the cervix rises slightly, becomes softer and opens slightly. A woman can feel these signs of ovulation herself, not excluding clear mucous discharge. Immediately at the moment of ovulation, the female organ becomes even more loose, and the canal, accordingly, opens wider.

This creates favorable conditions for the passage of sperm. If conception does not occur, after a few days the body prepares for menstruation. At this point, the cervix becomes firmer and more elastic, and the cervical canal, in turn, closes. About a day before menstruation, the position of the uterus changes from slightly elevated to lowered, and the elastic cervix softens.

Below in the photo is the cervix before menstruation. It becomes hard to the touch in a few days.

There are three changes you feel when you check your cervix. First, the position of the cervix is high, medium or low. As you approach ovulation, the cervix moves up and back. It may be so high that you cannot reach it.

The article presents a photo of the uterus. To the touch before menstruation, it has a dense structure.

Estrogen softens the tissue of the cervix, making it softer when the body is most ready to conceive. Some say it feels a bit like the tip of your nose when you are “not fertile,” and like the hardness of your lips when you are “fertile.”

Open or closed? The cervix will be slightly open shortly before ovulation. The hole is tiny - no more than a thin slit. It will open again just before and during your period. However, during this period the cervix will be lower (not higher as before ovulation).

Above is a model (photo) of the cervix. Before menstruation, the organ becomes hard to the touch.

If the cervix is always slightly open, don't worry. Especially if you have ever given birth (which may include a miscarriage). The hole simply cannot close completely. As you approach ovulation, you may still notice a change in the height and softness of your cervix.

A cervix that is high, soft and open is fertile. Low, hard and closed are not fertile characteristics and you are probably not ovulating yet or have already ovulated.

In this case, the cervix is in the most elevated position in the vagina, and you can only feel it with your fingertip. During this period, the organ is dense, hard, and the canal takes on the appearance of a small flat slit.

A woman immediately knows that ovulation is approaching. There are several main components for an accurate diagnosis, namely, the cervix rises, the canal opens a little and softens. In addition, sticky discharge appears. When the days most likely for conception arrive, the cervix is high, reaches a loose consistency, and the canal opens even more for better penetration of sperm.

These days, upon independent examination, women notice increased humidity in the cervical canal, and the entire surface of the uterus, upon deep palpation, is soft.

To properly visualize the picture, let’s create an analogy: with dry soil, not enriched with useful substances and water, it is impossible to even plant a seed. Something similar happens in the female body recently before menstruation.

After the time of ovulation has safely passed and fertilization has not occurred, the female genital organs begin to prepare for menstruation. This happens approximately on the 16-17th day of the menstrual cycle. The cervical canal quickly closes, the level of location drops, and the structure of the tissue changes to the touch - hard, elastic.

Thus, the time after ovulation or the body’s preparation for menstruation is characterized by a “closed,” hard, elastic, dry cervical canal. Unfavorable time for “reception” of sperm and fertilization.

The uterus is an important female reproductive organ. It is where the growth and development of the fetus occurs. Thanks to its special structure, it prevents harmful microorganisms from reaching it and protects the child from external factors and shocks.

The cervix of the reproductive organ is a tube that connects the vagina to the uterus (you can see what it looks like in the photo). Depending on the period of the cycle and the age of the woman, it changes. In women who have not given birth, the cervix is more elastic and has the shape of a cylinder and is located low. After childbirth, it softens and takes on a more rounded shape. The length of the neck reaches 4 cm, width – 2.5 cm.

The cervix consists of the vaginal and supravaginal zones. In its center is the cervical canal with the internal and external pharynx. The internal pharynx is directed towards the cavity of the reproductive organ, the external pharynx is visible from the side of the vagina upon examination.

There is always a special fluid in the cervical canal. It is necessary to protect the uterus from the effects and penetration of pathological microorganisms. During and before menstruation, fluid ensures complete release of blood discharge.

Experienced gynecologists can understand what is happening in a woman’s body after examination. The main criteria are density, openness of the channel and released fluid. During examination, it is important to determine which part of the organ is located most highly or pathologically low. At different times, the color of the internal genital organs also changes. They have a pink tint on normal days and a bright red and blue color when pregnant.

During ovulation

Ovulation is the process of releasing a mature egg. She prepares for fertilization from the beginning of the menstrual cycle and fully matures on days 14–16. During ovulation, the cervix is high and has a loose structure. The pharynx of the reproductive organ opens slightly. A large amount of fluid is released from the cervical canal, which facilitates the rapid penetration of sperm into the uterine cavity.

Many women note the appearance of nagging pain in the lower abdomen at this time. This is due to the release of the egg. Many experience an increase in sexual desire, swelling of the mammary glands and an increase in their sensitivity.

After ovulation, the body produces large amounts of the hormone progesterone. Under its influence, the uterus is located low, hardens and closes. The amount of mucus secreted decreases, the cervix becomes dry. This is necessary to block the entry of germs. At this time, it is also difficult for sperm to reach the egg; this period is considered unsuitable for conception.

On the eve of menstruation

Position of the cervix in different phases of the cycle

The entrance to the uterine cavity changes in different periods of the cycle. The cyclic work of the ovaries goes through the ovulatory, follicular and luteal phases. Uterine functions change from secretory to menstrual and proliferative.

The composition of the fluid in the cervical canal also changes. It can be studied in detail in laboratory conditions. At home, a woman can analyze the consistency.

The cervix feels like this:

Soft.
Elastic.
Dense.
Loose.
Solid.

Its position is either high or low.

Secretory stage

The tone of the uterus in the 2nd half of the cycle decreases and after ovulation, closer to menstruation, the cervix becomes soft. The external pharynx opens to such an extent that the tip of the finger penetrates inside.

The high position of the cervix helps sperm reach the fallopian tube faster. The glandular part of the cervical canal intensively produces transparent whitish mucus. The alkaline index of the secretion reaches 8 units. The mucus doesn't stretch.

In the absence of a fertilized egg, the body begins to prepare for endometrial rejection. A plug forms in the canal, the neck hardens and falls. The pharynx closes, the cervical canal narrows. In case of pregnancy, the cervix does not change its position. It will be difficult to feel the pharynx manually at home.

Experts know exactly what the cervix looks like on the eve of menstruation, and characterize it as follows:

Located below.
It has a loose soft surface.
The external pharynx is open, the canal is expanded.
Little cervical mucus is produced.
The secretion has a sticky, thick consistency.
pH < 6.5 units.

Thus, before the start of menstruation, the cervix becomes completely ready to reject bloody discharge. Along with internal changes, symptoms of PMS appear - nagging pain in the lower abdomen and deterioration in general well-being.

Proliferative stage

At the proliferation stage, the endometrium is restored in the uterus. It forms its own connective substances and blood network. The proliferative stage lasts until ovulation occurs. It begins in the 2nd half of the follicular phase.

After menstruation, the cervix undergoes changes again:

Descends into the vagina.
The external pharynx narrows greatly.
The endocervix becomes denser.
The amount of cervical fluid increases.
The pH level gradually increases to 7.3 units.

The endocervix is the mucous part of the canal. Its epithelium produces cervical fluid. Its role is to protect the uterine cavity from microbial invasion. When the egg is released, the mucus thins and makes it easier for the male seed to penetrate the uterus.

Menstrual stage

Critical days are a difficult stage for the body. You are not feeling well and your genitals are at risk of infection. For this reason, it is not recommended to examine the uterus manually, and it is not recommended to constantly use hygienic tampons.

During the menstrual period, the cervix has other characteristics:

She's hanging low.
He is in low tone.
The acidity level is approaching 7 units.
The vaginal epithelium is slightly flaky.
Cervical fluid is secreted in moderate volumes.
The external pharynx is slightly open, the opening is directed towards the vaginal vault.

Menstruation occurs during the first segment of the follicular phase of the ovaries. Next, the reproductive system begins to prepare for the next ovulation.

The value of cervical palpation as a diagnostic method

Daily palpation of the cervix, including before menstruation, helps to track cyclic changes. In order not to injure or infect a delicate organ, it is necessary to cut off the nail on the desired finger and polish the edge of the plate.

For greater safety, it is better to perform the procedure with sterile gloves or a fingertip. It is recommended to record all data collected before the onset of bleeding in a notebook.

The purpose of diagnosis is to assess the position of the cervix before menstruation and during other phases of the cycle, as well as during pregnancy, if it has occurred. It is also important to know the density of the organ at the proliferative and secretory stages of MC.

The information collected over several months will help the woman with family planning and will signal the need to see a doctor if there are any abnormalities.

The structure of the female reproductive system

The internal reproductive organs in women include:

The vagina is the canal that connects the cervix (lower part of the uterus) to the outside of the body. It is also known as the birth canal.
The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ that is the “home” for the developing fetus. The uterus is divided into two parts: the cervix, which is the lower part that opens into the vagina, and the main organ of the uterus, called the corpus or body of the uterus. The housing can easily expand to support a developing baby. The canal through the cervix allows sperm to enter and menstrual blood to exit.

The ovaries are small oval glands located on either side of the uterus. The ovaries produce eggs and hormones.
Fallopian tubes: These are narrow tubes that attach to the top of the uterus and serve as tunnels for eggs from the ovary to the uterus. Conception, the fertilization of an egg by sperm, usually occurs in the fallopian tubes. The fertilized egg then moves to the uterus, where it is implanted into the mucous wall.

Where is the cervix located?

The uterus is an internal organ and is therefore not visible. The lower part of the cervix extends into the vagina; this is the visible part, which is used to make a visual diagnosis of the organ. It is tightly rooted in the vagina, so all sensations are transmitted from the walls of one organ to another (during PA and touching).

You can detect pregnancy by palpation by the uterus, and visually by the cervix. The internal cavity of the uterus constantly produces mucus, including spotting during menstruation. A plug is formed in its neck, clogging the internal organ to protect against infections and moisture from the external environment.

Attention: Do not think that the cervix is a secondary organ; the level of protection of the fetus and its retention during pregnancy depends on its condition. If it has lost firmness and elasticity, the doctor, upon examination, can determine an upcoming miscarriage and take measures to preserve the pregnancy. The specialist also knows how to determine pregnancy with uterine fibroids (internal neoplasm from pathological tissue proliferation). During a visual examination, the doctor can evaluate only the cervical part, but this is enough to assess the health of the entire reproductive organ.

The cervix has the simplest structure - a rounded muscular body, slightly protruding in the upper part of the vagina. It differs in tissue structure and color from the vaginal walls. This pinkish lump is covered with mucus and has a small hole in the center - the cervical canal. It is closed in the normal state, but expands slightly during menstruation.

The passage to the uterus is filled with a mucus plug. The size of the cervix is small - approximately 2.5 cm in circumference to 4 cm in length. It's amazing how this miniature light pink "tunnel" opens and widens during childbirth to allow the baby's head to emerge into the passage!

During ovulation, the mucus plug liquefies so that the most active sperm can overcome this barrier. The cervix rises slightly and becomes softer, making the vagina more free for penetration of the male organ.

We carry out home diagnostics

It will not be possible to examine the genitals as at a gynecological appointment at home due to their location. The doctor uses special instruments that allow you to carefully examine the surface of the vagina and the condition of the cervix. You can examine them yourself only by palpation (you shouldn’t do this before your period).

Technique:

wash your hands thoroughly with soap;
cut your nails;
put on gynecological gloves;
take a comfortable position;
gently insert the middle and index fingers into the vagina;
feel the tubercle.

Based on the condition of this tubercle, a preliminary conclusion can be made about a possible pregnancy. The uterus before menstruation is located lower, the cervix is easy to find. It is slightly open and soft to the touch. When pregnancy occurs, the cervix rises high and can only be felt with a fingertip. The pharynx is closed and does not allow a finger to enter.

Experts do not recommend palpation at home without the necessary knowledge and experience. The reasons for this are explained by the following risks:

Getting infected. An open cervix before menstruation promotes infection.
Cervical injury. Quick and rough movements can easily scratch the inside of your cervix, which increases the risk of serious infection before your period.

There are situations when a woman does not have the opportunity to visit a gynecologist in a timely manner if discomfort occurs in the lower abdomen. In these situations, you should know how to properly conduct an examination on your own, what the cervix may feel like normally and under various pathologies or conditions, as well as what features of the organ may indicate impending changes or the onset of conception.

Before palpation, it is advisable to trim the nails on the hand; it is enough to do this on the index and middle finger of the right or left hand, depending on whether the woman is right-handed or left-handed. It is recommended to carry out the inspection only with sterile gloves. For diagnosis, you can choose one of the following positions:

sitting on the toilet or bidet;
squatting;
standing with one leg placed on a higher surface (sofa, bed, edge of the bathroom, etc.);
a position that deals with a woman in a gynecological chair.

Palpation is carried out with two fingers, which are inserted into the vagina until the tubercle is felt. This should be done without sudden movements, so as not to injure the organ. It is very difficult to assess the structure of the cervix on your own without some experience. A beginner in this kind of diagnosis will be helped by the comparison method.

It should be remembered that immediately before and during menstruation, palpation is prohibited.

It is not recommended to conduct a self-examination 2-3 days before the procedure. Even in an examination room, doctors prefer to postpone the procedure until after the critical days. This is due to the following reasons:

from this moment, the cervix gradually opens, and at the same time the risk of infection and the development of inflammatory processes in the ovaries or fallopian tubes increases significantly. This can trigger the occurrence of adhesions, which subsequently lead to infertility;
even wearing sterile gloves, you can damage the delicate tissue of an organ; normally, such damage heals quickly, but if an infection occurs, the situation can worsen, and minor erosion can ultimately develop into cancer;
independent palpation examination provides too little information about the pathologies a woman has. In addition to palpating, the doctor can also examine the cervix using a speculum.

Self-assessment of the condition of the cervix is not prohibited, but it is not very informative, so to find out the cause of discomfort, it is better for a woman to seek help from a gynecologist.

Now that a woman knows what the uterus feels like before menstruation, she is able to independently determine whether conception has occurred or whether she should prepare for her period.

Before menstruation, the cervix becomes softer to the touch and does not provide reliable protection against infections, so the examination must be carried out carefully and all safety recommendations must be followed.

To avoid introducing infection into the uterus, you need to cut your legs short, wash your hands (it is better to wear sterile medical gloves) and insert two fingers into the vagina. Before menstruation, when the cervix is slightly lowered and slightly open, with the middle phalanx of the finger you can feel a small tubercle, in the center of which there is a small round hole.

If pregnancy occurs in the last cycle, then on the due date of the start of menstruation, the cervix will be located very high in the vagina. In addition, it will have a very hard and dense consistency and will not let your finger through even a millimeter (that is, the hole is tightly closed and represents a small gap).

Knowing what the cervix should be like before menstruation, you can easily determine its onset, the period of ovulation, and the presence of pregnancy. But you need to know that even an examination will not allow you to draw a final conclusion, since each female body is individual.

Most often, gynecologists do not recommend examining the cervix yourself. This is due to several reasons:

Due to the slightly open opening, there is an increased risk of pathogenic bacteria entering the uterus, which can cause gynecological diseases, in particular, such as tubal adhesions, inflammation of the ovaries, which can ultimately lead to infertility in a woman.
The position of the cervix before menstruation changes, and it lowers slightly into the vagina, so with a careless examination, you can easily injure the cervix, thereby causing the development of erosion, which, if there is any infection in the woman’s vagina, will cause a deterioration in the condition and, in some cases, contribute to the appearance of tumors.

It is impossible to accurately assess the condition of the cervix on your own, since the gynecologist, in addition to his fingers, uses a special mirror for examination, which allows him to accurately determine the condition of the cervix.
Even the most experienced doctor will never make a conclusion about an existing pregnancy only on the basis of an examination, since it is necessary to take into account other facts and individual characteristics of the body.

The cervix before menstruation only suggests the imminent onset of menstruation or the presence of pregnancy, which is a reason to undergo additional examinations. Most often this is a pregnancy test and a blood test for hCG.

Regular examination is primarily necessary for the timely detection of developing tumors, malignant or benign, since even at an early stage of the development of the disease there are certain signs, and it is at this time that treatment can be most effectively carried out.

Since modern technologies have not yet reached all corners of the Earth and in some villages there are no ultrasound machines familiar to us, gynecologists, through examination, determine the condition of a woman’s reproductive system by the shape of the pharynx. The cervix before menstruation has the shape of a pupil, but if the shape changes, then we can conclude that there is a lack of estrogen or a dysfunction of the corpus luteum.

In order for you to be able to differentiate what an open or closed cervix is, soft, hard or loose, you will need experience that lasts for 3 to 4 cycles. The difference will be noticeable when the cervix is before and after menstruation. Only time and constant training will help you become an excellent diagnostician for your own body.

Research rules:

Of course, only after menstruation!;
Don't abuse it! Once a day is enough;
Regularity. Always perform manipulations at the same time;
If there are infections or inflammatory processes, self-diagnosis will have to be postponed indefinitely.

If you decide to check what the cervix is like before your period, we first advise you to repeat the anatomy of the female reproductive system again, study the structure of the uterus and its appendages from a photo. After active intellectual preparation, move on to practice.

For work, prepare your own hands - remove long nails, thoroughly disinfect your hands, put on disposable gloves. Choose a position that is comfortable for you - squatting, on the toilet, or raising one leg on the edge of the bathtub for support.

Insert two fingers slowly into the vagina, feeling the peculiar tubercle will tell you that you have reached the uterus. Determining the consistency and accessibility of the cervical canal is a matter of time, as mentioned above, and therefore, for comparison, a study should be carried out every day.

What can the self-diagnosis result say? Let's try to answer this question:

The uterine canal is slightly open the day before and during menstruation, which means the risk of infection increases. Afterwards, this may manifest itself as inflammation of the uterine appendages, and subsequent complications, including infertility;
A careless inspection at home can lead to a seemingly minor injury. Afterwards, erosions appear in such places, which can be complicated by infection;
Even extensive experience in independent examinations will not help to give an adequate assessment of the condition of the uterus. Remember that even a doctor, in addition to his hands, uses additional tools;
The doctor is able to visually see changes by combining them with palpation data. It is impossible to see the condition of the cervical canal on your own.

General information about the cervix and its examination

The cervix is a part of the reproductive organ, which is a hollow body measuring 2.5 x 3 cm. It can be called the connecting link between the vagina and the uterus.

A woman can independently feel this area at home by completely immersing her middle finger into the genital tract. As soon as the fingertip touches the bulge, there is no need to move further - the desired element has been found.

By doing such diagnostics every day for several cycles, a woman will learn to determine the position of the cervix before menstruation, calculate ovulation and select days favorable for conception. Or vice versa, he will understand on which days it is necessary to strengthen contraceptive measures.

The doctor examines the patient's genital tract on a chair using a special mirror. At home, it will be convenient for a woman to examine the cervix in several positions:

Sitting on the toilet.
Squatting.
Standing, but one leg placed high.

The study is not carried out during menstruation. On “clean” days, the organ is felt once a day before bed at the same time. If a gynecological disease of an infectious-inflammatory nature is suspected or with the onset of bleeding, the diagnosis is canceled.

The speed of its detection helps determine whether the cervix is high or low on a particular day. If the location is high, the area is difficult to palpate; if it is low, it can be detected immediately. The amount of openness is judged by the recess. If a small gap is felt, the uterus is closed. If the hole is round and deep, then the organ is open.

Despite the simplicity of this method, doctors do not recommend examining internal organs yourself. The ban is justified for the following reasons:

When the hole is open, there is a risk of damage to the uterus by pathogenic bacteria. Because of them, the ovaries become inflamed and obstruction of the fallopian tubes develops. In advanced cases, the disease can result in infertility.
Since the cervix drops slightly before menstruation, inept palpation can injure it and provoke the development of erosion. The pathological focus is susceptible to infection and is dangerous in terms of oncological degeneration.
The woman does not see the true state of the uterus. The gynecologist evaluates the real picture visually using a mirror.

The shape of the cervix before menstruation should resemble a pupil. Deviation indicates estrogen deficiency and improper functioning of the corpus luteum.

Video:

What happens to the cervix during pregnancy?

On the eve of menstruation

During menstruation, the cervix drops and becomes soft. The uterus itself increases in size during menstruation. The throat of the cervix opens slightly, the edges are smoothed. In this case, such a condition is necessary not for rapid fertilization, but for the release of menstrual flow. In the uterus, the outer layer of the mucous surface is rejected. The endometrium comes out gradually, separating in layers.

During this period, special attention must be paid to hygiene. A slightly open pharynx allows microorganisms to easily penetrate the internal genital organs. To avoid infection you should:

wash yourself after each urination, moving from the vagina to the anus;
change sanitary pads or tampons promptly;
wear comfortable underwear made from natural fabrics;
Avoid swimming in open water and visiting public baths and saunas.

After conception in the early stages, characteristic changes begin in a woman’s body. First of all, the uterus changes: it becomes softer, and the pharynx becomes harder. Visible signs appear a few weeks after fertilization. This time is necessary for the egg to enter the uterine cavity from the fallopian tubes and attach to its surface. After this, changes occur under the influence of the hCG hormone.

The neck of the reproductive organ is located high, while the pharynx does not allow a finger to pass through during examination. Upon examination, it can only be felt with the tip of a finger; the pharynx is compressed. The color of the neck changes, it acquires a bluish tint. This is due to an increase in the intensity of blood supply to the organ.

Before you start, you first need to take care of hygiene. Since the entire procedure will be done with your hands, they must be washed thoroughly. It is advisable not to have a manicure on your hands with excessively long nails, in order to avoid damage to the mucous membranes, as well as a manicure without decorative elements (rhinestones, beads, etc.).

), since at any moment they can come off the nail plate and remain in any part of the internal organs, which can lead to not the most favorable consequences. So, having decided on the hygienic condition, you should move on to choosing a position that is convenient for the examination. This is completely individual for each woman.

The most successful positions:

sitting on the toilet;
squatting;
raising one leg to an elevated position, such as a chair.

Using one or two fingers, the cervix is examined by touch.

Due to the fact that many women know what the uterus should feel like before menstruation, they try to feel the organ themselves. But still this should not be done.

Firstly, if hygiene is not observed, there is a risk of infection, because through the hole, microbes can enter the uterus itself and cause inflammation.

Secondly, on different days of the menstrual cycle the position of the uterus and its cervix may change. The neck can either fall or rise slightly. Therefore, without additional information, a woman can injure her cervix. And of course, no matter how much experience the girl has, for accurate results, especially if pregnancy is suspected, you need to contact a gynecologist, an experienced specialist who has all the necessary knowledge and modern equipment for examination.

Cervix a week before menstruation

We recommend reading the article about the condition of the vagina in different phases of menstruation. From it you will learn about the vagina during menstruation, the condition of the uterus after menstruation, and the factors that cause pain.

What is the cervix like before menstruation? This is of interest to women who are trying to independently determine whether pregnancy has occurred or not. But you need to know not only what the uterus looks like before menstruation, but also what the uterus looks like after menstruation, as well as in the middle of the menstrual cycle. Only knowledge of the different states of the female reproductive organ at different periods of the cycle will allow us to draw correct conclusions about whether the cervix is located before menstruation or after conception with an embryo. It is not difficult to find out all this on your own, for which you will have to check your own vagina by touch. If this option does not suit you, you should not despair, because no one has canceled a trip to the gynecologist. A doctor is able to give a much more accurate assessment of a woman's condition.

In the human body, the work of all systems is interconnected. And the female body is completely coded to carry out a strictly defined program: to conceive, bear and give birth to offspring. Every month, the woman’s condition returns to its original state, reaching the ovulation phase. And after this, there are two ways for the female body:

fertilization of the egg;

setting the body to repeat all the familiar phases of the menstrual cycle.

Menstruation is understood as a completely natural process in the physiology of the female body, which gets rid of an unclaimed egg in such an intricate way and strives to start a new cycle.

And every representative of the fair half of humanity is simply obliged to study her anatomy and know all its subtleties, especially those related to the reproductive system, menstruation and ovulation. And even more so, every woman should know what the cervix looks like before menstruation: its density and size before and after menstruation, at the time of ovulation, what is the standard position of the cervix before and during menstruation.

Few people know how to properly examine the vagina. Those interested can familiarize themselves with this in more detail.

The cervix is a hollow body (2.5 by 3 cm), forming a kind of “bridge” between the vagina and the uterus. Any woman can feel the cervix on her own. The examination is performed by inserting the entire length of the middle finger into the vagina. When a finger touches a certain bulge or tubercle, we can say that the cervix has been detected.

By conducting regular (over several months) self-diagnosis in different phases of the menstrual cycle, a woman can learn to identify different assessments of the condition and position of the cervix. And such an examination will serve her as a true help in determining such a moment as the onset of pregnancy or its absence. This kind of self-study will allow you to calculate the most suitable (or unfavorable) phases for conception.

The most convenient positions for examining the vagina are the following:

in a squatting position;
sitting on the toilet;
from a standing position, with one leg placed on an elevated platform (stool, edge of the toilet, bathtub).

To ensure the reliability of the home examination results, it must be performed in the same position each time.

It is better to explore your genital tract after your period ends.

This should be done no more than once a day and always at the same time. The procedure is not recommended if there is a suspicion of an inflammatory process or infection in the genital organ and if bleeding has begun.

You can determine whether the cervix is high or not by how quickly it is felt with the center of the fingertip. When it is raised high, it is difficult to feel; when it is low, the opposite is true. The amount of openness is studied as follows: when the uterus closes, the notch in the middle looks like a small gap, and when it opens, this hole becomes deeper and more rounded.

A woman can guess that ovulation is imminent based on several signs. The approach of the ovulatory process is indicated by:

raising the cervix upward;
the channel opens slightly and softens;
the presence of sticky secretions.

On peak days for conception, the position of the cervix also reaches its maximum point, while its consistency becomes very loose, and the canal opens to the maximum possible width to ensure better passage for sperm.

An independent examination of the cervical canal these days allows us to establish its high degree of humidity and, at the same time, a very soft surface of the entire uterus.

For a more complete understanding of how the uterus prepares for menstruation, you can recreate the following image in your mind: on dry soil, depleted of nutrients and moisture, few seeds will be able to germinate and subsequently produce a harvest. A similar picture occurs in the female body at the time closest to menstruation.

After the time of ovulation has passed and fertilization has not occurred, the female genital organs begin to successfully prepare for menstruation. This already becomes possible on the 16-17th day of the cycle. The cervix closes, the uterus takes a lower position in the vagina, the tissue again acquires an elastic and solid structure.

Moreover, after ovulation, when preparing the female organs for a new process, the cervix can be characterized as follows: the canal is dry, hard, closed, elastic. At this time, the uterus loses its ability to pass sperm and activate the fertilization process.

On the eve of the next menstruation, the uterus and its cervical region again undergo some physiological changes. It is better to diagnose them the day before menstruation: the uterus occupies the lowest position, it can be compared with what is called “high” before the ovulatory process. At the same time, the circumference of the cervical canal expands slightly and softens in order to better allow the passage of released menstrual blood.

When palpated during the premenstrual period, the uterus is perceived as something solid, resembling the tip of the nose.

A woman’s body creates all the conditions to regulate the monthly cycle herself and protect herself from unwanted pregnancy or for someone who needs to determine the most convenient day for conception.

To differentiate the state of the cervix by touch (open, closed, loose, soft, hard) you will need a little practice. That is, you need to stock up on time (3-4 months) and patience. And also adjust your tactile sensations in the best way to make it easier to create associations in your mind.

Requirements for performing the procedure:

The procedure should be planned for those days that precede or immediately follow menstruation.
A one-time study is enough to remember the sensations.
Always perform the procedure at the same time.
Contraindications to diagnostics are existing inflammatory processes or infections in the vagina. Testing should be postponed during treatment.

Technique for performing the procedure:

First of all, before performing the procedure, it is advisable for every woman to remember how the female genital organs are structured (the uterus itself and its appendages). To do this, you can refer to the atlas or textbook on anatomy, which contains the necessary materials.
After thorough mental preparation, you can move directly to practical actions. The manipulations will be carried out using your own hand, so it should be prepared in advance. Overgrown nails should be trimmed on the fingers, and then the hands should be thoroughly disinfected and covered with rubber disposable gloves. Take one of the most comfortable positions: on the toilet, squatting, or standing with your leg elevated on the edge of the bathtub.
Then slowly insert one finger into the vagina. A peculiar tubercle will indicate that the uterus has been found. Quickly determining the structure and location of the cervical canal is a matter of time, and therefore, to gain some experience, studies of the organ should be carried out regularly (but not more than once a day).

General information about the cervix and its examination. Position of the organ in different phases of the cycle. The value of palpation for diagnosis.

Women are about the same. This is pain in the lower abdomen and lumbar region, malaise, irritability, and digestive system disorders. Their severity depends on the characteristics of the organism.

However, there is another interesting symptom that not every woman knows about. Today we will talk about what the cervix should be like before menstruation - its density, position and other indicators.

The cervix is a part of the reproductive organ, which is a hollow body measuring 2.5 x 3 cm. It can be called the connecting link between the vagina and the uterus.

The doctor examines the patient's genital tract on a chair using a special mirror. At home, it will be convenient for a woman to examine the cervix in several positions:

Sitting on the toilet.
Squatting.
Standing, but one leg placed high.

Despite the simplicity of this method, doctors do not recommend examining internal organs yourself. The ban is justified for the following reasons:

When the hole is open, there is a risk of damage to the uterus by pathogenic bacteria. Because of them, the ovaries become inflamed and obstruction of the fallopian tubes develops. In advanced cases, the disease can result in infertility.
Since the cervix drops slightly before menstruation, inept palpation can injure it and provoke the development of erosion. The pathological focus is susceptible to infection and is dangerous in terms of oncological degeneration.
The woman does not see the true state of the uterus. The gynecologist evaluates the real picture visually using a mirror.

The shape of the cervix before menstruation should resemble a pupil. Deviation indicates estrogen deficiency and improper functioning of the corpus luteum.

The composition of the fluid in the cervical canal also changes. It can be studied in detail in laboratory conditions. At home, a woman can analyze the consistency.

The cervix feels like this:

Its position is either high or low.

Experts know exactly what the cervix looks like on the eve of menstruation, and characterize it as follows:

Located below.
It has a loose soft surface.
The external pharynx is open, the canal is expanded.
Little cervical mucus is produced.
The secretion has a sticky, thick consistency.
pH

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The cervix changes before menstruation, and it is this feature that makes it possible to determine the imminent onset of menstruation. Some women practice self-examination, but for this you need to know the rules, maintain hygiene, and still visit a gynecologist at least twice a year.

The cervix is a hollow organ that connects the uterus and vagina. You can feel the organ yourself with your fingers by inserting your middle finger into the vagina to its full depth. Tactilely it feels like a bulge.

The cervix changes during different days of the female cycle. By examining it, a woman can independently find out about conception or the imminent onset of menstruation. Also, such an inspection allows you to determine “dangerous” and “safe” days.

You can feel the genital organ in the following positions:

sitting on the toilet;
squatting;
raising one leg on a chair, that is, on a raised platform.

Before the egg matures, the cervix rises, becomes softer and opens slightly. During this period, a woman can feel all the signs of ovulation, including the appearance of mucous transparent discharge.

During ovulation, the organ becomes even more loose, and the canal opens wider. These are favorable conditions for the passage of sperm.

If conception does not occur, after a few days the body begins preparing for menstruation. Before menstruation, the cervix becomes firmer and more elastic to the touch, and the cervical canal closes. The day before menstruation, the position of the uterus becomes more prolapsed, and the cervix softens a little.

Knowing what the position of the cervix should be before menstruation, a woman has the opportunity to independently determine whether conception has occurred or whether her period should be expected.

The cervix becomes loose and soft before the onset of menstruation. The channel is widened, the tip of the finger passes through it. It is wider in those women who have given birth.

For this reason, on the days of menstruation, it is important to especially carefully observe personal hygiene and change the tampon or pad on time. This will prevent infection and pathogenic bacteria from entering.

What does the cervix look like during pregnancy? It is in the maximum raised position in the vagina, and during palpation it can only be felt with the very tip of the finger.

During pregnancy, the organ becomes dense, hard, and the canal takes on the appearance of a small flat slit.

What are the signs before menstruation? Read the article about the signs of menstruation in girls and women, symptoms of PMS, possible causes of delay, why cycle disruption occurs and how to treat it.

Is it possible to get pregnant 3 days before your period? Details here.

Many women, knowing what the cervix should look like before menstruation, when it descends, when it changes its structure, strive to palpate the organ themselves.

And yet gynecologists are against such “examinations”. Let's find out why:

The presence of a hole in the organ is always a risk of infection entering the uterine cavity. This is especially dangerous if hygiene is not observed. Consequences - inflammatory and infectious diseases, ovarian damage, infertility.
The position of the organ changes on different days of the menstrual cycle. On some days it is located high, on others it is much lower. Without the necessary information, a woman can penetrate too deeply and damage the organ, which is fraught with infections and the development of erosion.

Still, it is impossible to independently assess the condition of such an important organ, even after gaining experience. It is better if a qualified doctor does this, because when making diagnoses, he relies not only on visual examination and palpation data, but also uses special tools.

In addition, to confirm various assumptions, for example, pregnancy or any diseases, tests will be required.

https://youtu.be/642YpJJUeLA

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There are different ways to determine if you are pregnant at a very early stage. For this purpose, some measure basal temperature, some do tests (although the instructions say that you need to test only after the start of a missed period), and some try to determine the position, consistency and condition of the external os of their cervix.

We have already written in this material about how the cervix behaves, changes and looks when palpated before and after ovulation. A schematic representation of it is also given there. But metamorphoses with the cervix occur again at the end of the menstrual cycle,

So, if you are not pregnant, before your period your cervix looks like this:

high (located deep in the vagina, felt like the tip of the nose);
hard (can be compared to a small dense tubercle or unripe fruit);
dry (due to low hormone levels);
slightly open (preparing for endometrial detachment).

In the event of fertilization (if conception has occurred), that is, before a delay in menstruation during pregnancy:

low or at an average depth, but in any case does not rise as much as when menstruation approaches (it is determined quite easily if the woman keeps observations for more than one cycle);
soft or even loose;
closed (infectious pathogens should not get inside the uterus);
wet (heavy discharge is characteristic of the entire period of pregnancy).

Experienced women say that if the cervix drops before menstruation, this is a sure sign of pregnancy. However, many gynecologists do not agree with this and believe that it is much more reliable to do a test. Modern tests are highly sensitive and can show weak second stripes as early as 8-9 days after ovulation. That is, 5-7 days before the start of a missed period. Of greater importance for gynecologists is the color of the cervix and vaginal walls. If the situation is interesting, they become bluish.

Why is the uterus so poorly protected after conceiving a child? Why is it soft and enlarged? Is this a risk of miscarriage? In fact, whether the cervix is hard or soft depends on the action of the hormone progesterone. It is he who relaxes the entire uterus, due to which the embryo remains in its cavity and develops calmly. A very dense uterus is a sign of hypertonicity. This is not a good symptom. If at the same time there is pain or bloody discharge from the vagina, this can be considered a threat of miscarriage.

The condition of the cervix changes to the touch during pregnancy. Gradually it becomes denser and rises higher. Future mothers know how difficult it is for gynecologists to reach and probe her.

It’s bad if in the second and third trimester the cervix opens slightly and softens. Then this is a sign of a threat of late miscarriage or premature birth. Usually in this case, if cervicometry also shows shortening of the cervix, sutures are placed on it or a pessary is installed. If stitches are not applied and the ring is not installed, then doctors then monitor how the cervix behaves once every 2-4 weeks using a vaginal ultrasound.

You should only feel or palpate the cervix before pregnancy. Then this can be dangerous, causing miscarriage or damage to the amniotic sac. Even doctors try not to look at the woman on the chair again. If, upon examination, the cervix bleeds, this means that you injured it and erosion (ulcer) has formed. Do not practice this method of self-diagnosis anymore and avoid sexual activity for several days. Lumps, bumps, pimples and peas on the cervix can be a symptom of nabothian cysts and other problems.

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The cervix is an important organ of the female reproductive system. Just by its appearance and type alone, any doctor will be able to determine any violations. The cervix changes depending on the situation that happens to it.

The cervix before menstruation and during pregnancy will have a completely different appearance. Her examination is carried out both at home and by a gynecologist. Some women don't realize that the tightness of their cervix can tell a lot. This article will help you learn more about the cervix.

The cervix is located at the very bottom of the uterus. In appearance, it resembles a tube that connects the cavity of the uterus itself and the vagina. The average woman's cervix is 4 centimeters long and 2.5 centimeters wide.

Changes that begin in the cervix indicate upcoming menstruation, pregnancy, ovulation and even some gynecological diseases. However, not every doctor will be able to determine this or that change. Therefore, such a matter must first be trusted to a qualified specialist.

During this period, the cervix is located quite low. When you feel it, you feel that it is hard and unmoisturized. The gynecologist also notices that the cervical canal is quite compressed, as it is not going to accept sperm because menstruation will begin soon.

One day before the onset of menstruation, the cervical canal becomes enlarged and slightly dilated. However, this happens not due to the release of sperm into the body for fertilization, but in order to cause the endometrial layer to be rejected.

During menstruation, the cervix looks quite swollen. In addition, her throat opens slightly. This is necessary for the endometrial layer to come out. It is located as low as before menstruation. Due to such a small opening, infection can easily enter the uterine cavity. To prevent this from happening, special precautions must be taken.

Maintain personal hygiene. At this moment it is very important that the genitals are clean. You need to wash yourself at least 2 times a day, using special products that have a beneficial effect on the vaginal microflora.
Do not swim in the pool or any body of water. When the cervix dilates, the infection contained in the water can easily enter the cervical canal, causing an inflammatory process.
Change tampons in a timely manner. Each tampon should not be in the vagina for more than 4 hours, otherwise bacteria, including pathogenic ones, begin to develop on it.
Refusal to douche. For some inflammatory processes, douching is used. However, during menstruation it can only harm a woman.

After the end of menstruation, the uterus begins to prepare for future fertilization. The discharge stops completely, the cervical canal becomes narrower. The cervix rises. At this moment, the endometrium grows in the uterus. After menstruation, the cervix becomes hard and dry. Because of all this, the infection can no longer enter the uterine cavity.

During ovulation, the cervix is ready to receive sperm. Because of this, it becomes soft and loose. The cervical canal opens even more than during menstruation. The cervix becomes moist and rises slightly. It is during this period that a woman can easily determine ovulation during a home examination.

Also, during ovulation, mucus is released. Mucus is necessary to make it easier for sperm to pass to the egg. When the cervix is completely dry, sperm will definitely not be able to get to the right place. If fertilization has occurred, the cervix changes its location. If not, then the uterus begins to prepare for the upcoming menstruation.

When fertilization occurs, the cervix immediately becomes different from what it should have been in the absence of fertilization. A woman may not yet suspect pregnancy, since she has not yet had a delay, and the period is very short.

The cervix becomes low before pregnancy delays. A woman, in principle, will be able to feel this, since usually after ovulation the cervix rises. The cervix remains loose and loose, as during ovulation. But at the same time, the cervical canal closes. This is necessary to prevent the infection from entering the uterine cavity.

A small amount of mucus is released from the cervix. Usually, during ovulation there should be much more such mucus, and before preparing for menstruation, mucus is completely absent. If a woman has been monitoring her cervix for a long time, then she herself will be able to determine pregnancy.

The looseness of the uterus during the initial stage of pregnancy is determined by its relaxation. With a relaxed uterus, the embryo successfully attaches and develops. If at the beginning of pregnancy the cervix is hard, then this is very bad. This means that hypertonicity occurs, which can lead to complications during pregnancy or even miscarriage.

As soon as a woman finds out that she is pregnant, she should not feel the cervix on her own, as there is a risk of infection, because the cervix is soft and loose.

With the onset of delay, the cervix becomes harder and harder. She rises higher. It becomes difficult for even a gynecologist to reach her. The cervix begins to have a bluish tint. It swells and gets redder. Due to this, you may get the feeling that this is some kind of disease.

Until the end of pregnancy, the cervix should be in a solid state. If it softens and opens slightly in the second or third trimester, then this poses a threat to the life and health of the child. To prevent this, sutures or a pessary are used.

A pessary is a special gynecological ring that is installed directly on the cervix. With such procedures, pregnancy proceeds normally. During childbirth, the sutures or pessary are removed, and the woman gives birth safely.

During pregnancy, you should not feel the cervix yourself. There is a risk of miscarriage or rupture of amniotic fluid. All manipulations should be carried out only by a doctor.

In some cases, independent palpation has a beneficial effect. However, you should not do this during menstruation, so as not to introduce an infection inside. Before palpation, certain rules must be followed:

Trim your nails. This must be done not only to avoid scratching the delicate surface of the cervix, but also to avoid unnecessary infection. A large amount of dirt and bacteria collects under the nails. Cleaning the area under your nails can be very difficult. That is why they need to be trimmed and filed.
Wash the hands. Hands should be as clean as in an operating room. They should not only be washed with soap, but also treated with Chlorohexidine or Miramistin in order to kill all bacteria. If a woman has sterile gloves at home, then she can wear them too.
Wash up. In order to begin the examination, the genitals must be clean, otherwise it will be impossible to feel, for example, mucus. Moreover, during palpation the cervical canal will be touched, which means that infection can get there.

After these manipulations, the palpation procedure can be carried out. Palpation is carried out in several positions: squatting, sitting on the toilet or raising one hand up, for example, on a chair.

If a woman has been conducting such examinations for more than one month, then she must always do them in the same position, otherwise the results will not be as reliable. Palpation should be carried out immediately after the end of menstruation. It is enough to do this once a day. It will be even better if the examinations take place at the same time.

Two fingers are inserted directly into the vagina. Once the woman has reached the tubercle, it means that she has reached the desired goal.

If the cervix is low, then it will be easy to reach it with the middle of the fingertip. If the cervix is high, then it will be difficult to reach it with just a fingertip, no more. The force of its opening is determined by the size of the pharynx. If the gap is well felt, then the cervix is open, but if not, then it is closed.

If cervical self-examination before menstruation or during pregnancy is not performed correctly, serious complications can occur:

Getting infected. Even if a woman washes her hands thoroughly, this does not mean that her hands are clean. Some germs may still remain on the skin. Because of this, there is a risk of infection in the cervical canal, as well as the occurrence of various diseases. Such diseases in some cases lead to complications, including infertility and miscarriage.
Injury to the cervix. The cervix is a very delicate organ that is easily injured. But not every woman knows about this. One awkward movement leads to injury to the tissue of the cervix. And this leads to various inflammatory diseases, infections, for example, cervical erosion. Because of this unremarkable disease, cancer occurs in some cases.

Inaccurate diagnosis. Even if a woman feels her cervix more than once, she still will not be able to say with certainty what is happening to her cervix. After all, she relies only on her tactile sensations, but she cannot see the cervix itself.

Still, a trip to the doctor is inevitable. If a woman performs independent palpations, then if she suspects pregnancy, she still needs to visit a doctor. The doctor performs palpation more professionally and will also be able to examine the cervix.

During palpation, a woman in some cases can feel a small tubercle, which will immediately attract her attention. Such a tubercle is not felt at all during a woman’s normal life, however, it can mean some inflammatory processes or diseases. The following are the main ones:

Nabothian cysts. These are small cysts that are usually present in large numbers.
Ectropion. When it occurs, the mucous membrane of the cervical canal is everted. This disease occurs quite rarely, mainly after childbirth.
Polyp. This is a benign formation that begins with a small outgrowth from the cervical canal. Its danger lies in the fact that it can only be removed if it is small in size, and then it turns into cancer.
Malignant tumor. With it, the mucus from the cervical canal becomes foul-smelling, purulent or bloody. The cervix itself will have tubercles of sufficient size.
Condylomas. These are viral warts, which are pathological growths.

From this we can conclude that palpation at home also has a good effect. It allows you to promptly identify some diseases that would not have bothered a woman at the very beginning. And with any disease, it is important that its treatment occurs as quickly as possible, otherwise there will be complications and a threat to the woman’s health.

Palpation of the cervix is a fairly effective technique that has both pros and cons. With the help of palpation, a woman determines certain diseases, the onset of menstruation, ovulation or pregnancy, and the end of menstruation.

At the same time, she must first of all follow safety rules in order not to harm herself. Also, in addition to self-examination, you should still visit a gynecologist at least twice a year, because some changes in the cervix are not visible by palpation.

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Step-by-step instructions for checking the cervix

How to understand where the cervix is? This can be done by studying simple diagrams of the structure of the uterus. If you imagine that the vagina is a corridor, then the cervix is the door at the end. While your vagina has a sort of spongy structure that gives in to pressure, your cervix is like a hard, round dimple.

Insert your index or middle finger inside the vagina and slowly move it to the cervix. You will feel it because it is very different from the vagina. If you are not close to ovulating, you should be able to find your cervix easily. If you're ovulating, your cervix may be higher in your body and more difficult to reach.

What changes occur in the cervix after conception?

Only a specialist can determine minor deviations in the condition of the reproductive organs. There are individual characteristics of the body and pathology, but usually you have to focus on average indicators before determining pregnancy by the cervix. It is very difficult to assess tissue density on your own without medical education and palpation experience.

Attention: If something “appeared” during self-examination, do not rush to inflate your fantasies and make a diagnosis for yourself! Up to 6 weeks, it is difficult to understand by self-feeling whether you are pregnant or not. Even if there is a pathology, this should be dealt with by a specialist who can really determine the condition of the reproductive organs. For example, a too hard cervix may indicate hypertonicity (muscle tension) and may “signal” an impending spontaneous miscarriage. This rarely happens in early pregnancy, so don't panic after feeling it. The best way to avoid pregnancy loss is to go to the nearest medical center.

During the examination, the specialist will pay attention to other signs of pregnancy:

Blueness of the cervix and vaginal walls.
Slight swelling of the external genitalia.
Changes in the size, shape and consistency of the uterine walls (rounded and enlarged, becoming soft, called the “Horwitz-Hegar symptom”) over a period of 4–6 weeks.
After conception, the uterus becomes easily excitable, prone to sudden contractions, becomes dense and sags when examined with both hands - from the vagina and from the abdominal side, this is “Snegirev’s symptom”, a little later it takes its primary position.
Some mobility of the cervix or “Gubarev-Gaus symptom”, some women have a “Genter symptom”, this is a forward deviation of the uterus with a comb-like thickening in the center.
Uterine asymmetry or “Piskáček’s sign” is observed in a bicornuate uterus, with one horn slightly larger than the other - a normal phenomenon as long as the embryo develops on one side of the organ. It will become rounder over time, around the 8th week of pregnancy.

These are the features - how can they be determined by touch during pregnancy, if not a specialist? Any pathology is examined using ultrasound. There may be an increase in watery and bloody discharge, rapid heartbeat (from an increasing load on the bloodstream), and frequent urination (due to displacement of the uterus). There are congenital pathologies and hormonal disorders. Only a doctor can assess the real condition of a pregnant woman. Especially if there is a suspicion of an ectopic pregnancy, when the embryo is stuck in the fallopian tubes. We hope you are doing well!

Vaginal infections

Vaginal infections occur when bacteria, fungi, or viruses grow in and around the vaginal area. Anything that reduces the acidity of the vagina can cause a vaginal infection, while some other infections are sexually transmitted. No one is safe from them.

What are some causes of vaginal infections?

Some types of bacteria live inside the vagina naturally. They produce acid that helps keep the environment at a certain pH level to help the body fight infections. However, hormonal changes and even the use of soap to cleanse the genital area can change the acid levels in the vagina.

This can cause bacteria that lives naturally inside the vagina, which usually doesn't cause problems, to grow erratically and cause harm. A foreign body, such as a forgotten tampon, can also stimulate bacterial growth and cause infection. This can lead to life-threatening complications known as toxic shock syndrome, but this is usually rare. Vaginal infections can also be caused by unprotected sex.

Symptoms of uterine prolapse

There are quite a lot of signs indicating a change in the position of the uterus.

A woman feels severe nagging pain in the lower abdomen (as during menstruation), pressure in the lower abdomen, constipation, frequent urination or urinary incontinence when coughing, laughing, sneezing.

There may be a sensation of a foreign body in the vagina (as if you are sitting on a small ball), and the amount of white or mucous discharge increases.

The menstrual cycle gets confused, periods become more painful and heavier than usual . Also, a woman feels severe pain during intercourse, and the more the uterus is prolapsed, the more impossible it becomes.

During sexual intercourse, the partner's penis is not completely covered; air enters the vagina and comes out with a characteristic sound.

Cervix - classic changes

On the eve of possible menstruation, the uterus and its cervix undergo the following physiological changes. Changes can be diagnosed the day before the start of menstruation - the uterus descends (the difference can be felt when comparing the uterus in the “high” position before ovulation), the diameter of the cervix increases slightly (for adequate discharge of menstrual blood) and softens.

Some people ask the question: “What does the uterus look like before menstruation or what does it feel like?” The visual image is quite problematic, and when palpated, the uterus before menstruation (that is, during the infertile period) is hard, resembling the tip of the nose.

Thus, the woman’s body creates all the conditions for monitoring the regularity of her cycle, as well as protecting herself from unwanted pregnancy or, conversely, helping to identify the day with the maximum opportunity for conception.

How the cervix changes after conception

When pregnancy occurs, physiological changes occur in a woman's body. The process can be monitored using a two-manual examination method during a gynecological examination. The changes are:

Weeks 1–16. At the beginning of pregnancy, the cervix softens a little and becomes mobile. The color changes from pink to deep red. The muscular organ descends and moves towards the posterior uterine wall, and the cervical canal decreases in diameter.
Weeks 16–28. There is slight swelling of the tissues. The organ descends lower, becomes softer in density, and its length decreases slightly. The cervical canal is tightly closed.
Weeks 28–39. The internal pharynx expands. The cervix softens as much as possible, its internal segments are smoothed out. The opening of the organ begins before childbirth.

Cervical length in early pregnancy

The growth of the organ in the first weeks after conception is due to changing hormonal levels. Normally, the cervix in the early stages of pregnancy is 3.5–4 cm in length, as in the photo in gynecology textbooks. Changes in this indicator are monitored using ultrasound. Dilatation of the cervix during pregnancy according to the norms:

10–14 weeks – 3.5–3.6 cm;
15–10 – 3.8–3.9 cm;
20–24 – 4 cm;
25–29 – 4.1 cm;
30–34 – 3.7 cm;
35–40 – shortening to 2.9–2.7 cm.