The cervix is the lowest part of the uterus and protrudes into the vagina. During the menstrual cycle, it changes position to help facilitate conception. As an egg is released from one ovary, the body releases hormones that prepare the lining of the uterus for possible pregnancy. This process causes the cervix to rise and become softer, making intercourse more likely to result in pregnancy. If the egg is not fertilized, the body stops producing these hormones and the lining of the uterus sheds. The cervix then lowers back down.
A woman can feel her cervix during self-examination, which may be useful for tracking fertility. However, the cervix moves naturally throughout the month, even when she isn't trying to conceive. Some women notice their cervix feels higher when they are most fertile, while others do not. There is no scientific evidence to support this claim, but some experts believe that the shape or texture of the cervix may change during different phases of the menstrual cycle. For example, some women report feeling a soft, wet, or slightly open cervix around the time of ovulation, indicating high fertility. Others notice a closed, hardened, dry cervix at this time, suggesting low fertility.
Fertility awareness methods rely on detecting subtle physical cues like these to predict when a woman is most likely to get pregnant. By tracking the position of the cervix as well as other signs such as basal body temperature, cervical mucus consistency, and changes in the vulva and breasts, couples can increase their chances of conception without medical intervention. While there is limited research on the reliability of this method, it has been used successfully by millions of people worldwide.
Interestingly, many cultures have believed in the power of the cervix for centuries. In ancient Greece, midwives would examine a mother's cervix before childbirth to determine if the baby was male or female based on its size and shape. Similarly, African healers once used the appearance of the cervix to diagnose diseases. Modern medicine still recognizes the importance of the cervix, which plays an essential role in maintaining reproductive health. Doctors may perform Pap smears to screen for cancer, cervical biopsies to test for abnormalities, and procedures like cryotherapy and LEEP to treat conditions affecting the cervix.