Position of the cervix and fertile days

This system, among the methods to determine the day of ovulation , is probably the most annoying and uncomfortable but it can be useful for women who have difficulty assessing their cervical mucus.

The changes in the cervix are, as always, due to the hormonal changes that occur during the cycle and allow it to open the way for sperm.

Where is the cervix and what does it do?

The cervix is ​​the connection point between the uterus and the vagina .

On infertile days, the cervix acts like a wall (the orifice is closed by a thick, acid mucous plug) which prevents the passage of sperm, but also of bacteria and viruses, protecting the female reproductive system from possible infections.

In fertile days the cervix allows and favors the passage of sperm  towards the uterus and then towards the fallopian tubes where they can meet the oocyte emitted with ovulation.

How it changes during the cycle

During ovulation the cervix produces an increased amount of mucus called cervical mucus which is made up of a higher percentage of water. This mucus is also less acidic and therefore less hostile to sperm. Its consistency also allows it to guide the sperm towards the uterus.

In the days preceding ovulation, the cervix becomes soft, open and higher than the vaginal canal, while it returns closed, hard and low in the days immediately following ovulation.

Here is a diagram to help you understand the changes:

To evaluate the position of the cervix, some precautions must be taken.

First of all, it is necessary to wash your hands very well in order to guarantee hygiene and avoid possible infections .

So you have to find a comfortable position to make the observation. Once the best one has been found, it is important to always adopt the same one for all evaluations in order to have the same references.

The best position for checking your cervix is ​​in a squat position with your back straight and legs bent .

The middle finger (no long nails or you could create small wounds) is inserted into the vagina until it touches the bottom of the vaginal canal: that is the cervix.

Only around ovulation does the cervix feel soft to the touch, high, open and lubricated (cervical mucus is transparent and elastic as in the photo).

Throughout the rest of the cycle, the cervix feels hard, low, and closed .

If possible, you can seek help for the first time from a midwife or gynecologist.

Combining the various observations: cervix, cervical mucus and basal temperature you will become very good at identifying your fertile days!

The diagram below shows all the phases of the cycle, from one menstruation to the next, with the trend of hormones, changes in mucus and cervix and the trend of basal temperature.