How to Check Your Cervix & Why You Might Want To

At certain times in a woman’s life, the cervix becomes a frequent topic—whether you’re tracking fertility, preparing for childbirth, or exploring alternative period care. Understanding how to check your cervix can help you manage your reproductive health, use a menstrual cup more comfortably, and better understand your body’s natural cycles.

What Is the Cervix?

The cervix is the cylinder-shaped neck of tissue connecting the uterus and vagina, with openings at both ends. It’s typically about 2–3 centimeters long (about 1 inch), with the lower part bulging into the top of the vaginal canal.

The cervix changes in texture and position throughout your menstrual cycle and flattens and dilates during childbirth to allow for vaginal birth.

High vs. Low Cervix

Every woman’s cervix sits at a unique height. Some have a high cervix, while others have a lower one—both are healthy and normal. Checking your cervix at different points in your cycle helps you learn what’s “high” or “low” for you.

• High cervix: 2.25" (55 mm) or more from the vaginal opening.
• Low cervix: 1.6" (44 mm) or less from the vaginal opening.

Period Care Tip: Cervix height can influence your comfort with a period cup. Getting familiar with your anatomy helps you choose the right cup and stem length.

Curious about alternative period care? Learn more about finding the best menstrual cup and how to use a period cup.

How to Find Your Cervix Position

1. Wash your hands thoroughly and trim your nails.
2. Find a comfortable position—sitting on the toilet, squatting, or standing with one leg on the bathtub edge.
3. Insert your index or middle finger into your vagina, sliding it upward and inward.
4. Feel for something firm and bumpy, like the tip of your nose—this is your cervix. If you can’t reach it, your cervix may be high.
5. To measure, use your thumb as a marker and then use a ruler to see how deep your cervix is.

Cervix Changes During Your Cycle

• Day 1 (Start of Period): Cervix is low, hard, and slightly open for menstrual flow. Feels like the tip of your nose.
• After Period: Cervix remains low and firm; opening closes.
• Approaching Ovulation: Cervix rises, becomes softer and moist. Cervical mucus increases.
• At Ovulation: Cervix is soft, high, open, and wet (SHOW). Feels more like your lips.
• After Ovulation: Cervix descends, becomes firmer, and the opening closes tightly.
• During Pregnancy: Cervix stays high, soft, and closed due to increased blood flow.

Timing of these changes varies for each woman. Cervix position alone is not a reliable way to confirm pregnancy.

When and How Often to Check Your Cervix

• For period cup use: Check during your period or immediately after.
• For fertility tracking: Check daily at the same time to monitor changes.
• Avoid checking: After sex (arousal changes position) or if you have an infection.

Step-by-Step: How to Check Your Cervix

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Trim your nails to avoid discomfort or injury.
3. Find a comfortable position (sitting, squatting, or standing with one leg raised).
4. Insert your index or middle finger into your vagina, moving upward and inward.
5. Feel for your cervix and note:
   • Height: How far in is it? Lower means easy to reach; higher may be difficult to feel.
   • Firmness: Hard (like your nose) or soft (like your lips)?
   • Openness: Slightly open near ovulation and menstruation; tightly closed at other times.
6. Record your observations in a fertility chart or app.

If you’ve given birth, your cervix may always feel slightly open—this is normal.

Checking Your Cervix During Labor

If you are near your due date and want to check your cervix, be cautious. Even with clean hands, repeated checks can introduce bacteria, especially if your water has broken.

• During pregnancy and early labor, the cervix may feel like puckered lips.
• As dilation progresses, you may be able to insert one or more fingers into the opening. One centimeter is roughly the width of a finger.
• Be gentle, especially if you feel your amniotic sac beyond the cervix.

Knowing Your Normal

Regularly checking your cervix helps you understand your body, support fertility awareness, and improve period care. Combine this practice with tracking cervical mucus and basal body temperature for a more complete picture of your cycle.

• Always wash your hands before checking.
• Don’t worry if it takes time to learn what you’re feeling—practice and patience help.
• Avoid checking when aroused or right after sex, as this can affect your observations.
• Be especially careful about hygiene if you’re pregnant.

The female body is remarkable and capable of amazing things. Understanding your cervix empowers you to care for your health at every stage of life.

Follow along with the Femallay Wellness Blog for more ways to naturally care for your feminine health!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I check my cervix?

Checking your cervix can help you track your menstrual cycle, identify fertile days, choose the best menstrual cup, and understand changes during pregnancy or labor.

How often should I check my cervix?

For fertility tracking, check daily at the same time. For period cup sizing, check during your period or just after. Avoid checking after sex or when you have an infection.

What does a high or low cervix mean?

A high cervix is 2.25" (55 mm) or more from the vaginal opening; a low cervix is 1.6" (44 mm) or less. This affects menstrual cup fit and can vary during your cycle.

Can cervix position confirm pregnancy?

No, cervix position changes are not a reliable way to confirm pregnancy. Use a pregnancy test for confirmation.

Is it safe to check my cervix during pregnancy or labor?

It’s generally safe if you follow strict hygiene, but repeated checks can introduce bacteria, especially after your water breaks. Always consult your healthcare provider if unsure.

What should my cervix feel like during ovulation?

At ovulation, your cervix is typically soft, high, open, and wet (SHOW). It may feel more like your lips than your nose.