It widens during childbirth to allow for the passage of the baby.
Read on to find out more about how the cervix plays an important role in the female reproductive system.
Anatomy
Several key components contribute to cervical function.
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These areas of the cervix are often discussed during pregnancy, Pap smears, andcolposcopy exams.
Location
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb).
It makes up the passage between the vagina and uterus.
What Does the Cervix Do?
The cervix is the lower portion of the uterus.
It is approximately 2 inches long, and it’s tubular in shape.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is cancer that forms in the cells of the cervix.
Most cervical cancer is related to infection by thehuman papillomavirus(HPV).
HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection.
In the early stages, cervical cancer usually has no symptoms.
A Pap smear can identify abnormal cervical changes long before they become cancerous.
It is not cancer, but it is considered a precancerous condition.
Similar to cervical cancer, cervical dysplasia is often related to HPV infection.
It can be detected during a Pap test and will usually resolve with treatment and follow-up care.
Cervical Polyps and Cysts
Acervical polypis a small growth that appears on the surface of the cervix.
Polyps are almost always benign, which means they are not cancerous.
Nabothian cystsare benign, mucus-filled lesions that form when mucus-secreting glands are blocked by dead skin cells.
They don’t usually require treatment, though they can be drained by a healthcare provider.
Cervicitis
Cervicitis is an inflammation of the cervix.
It is usually resulting from a sexually transmitted infection such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Pregnancy Complications
During pregnancy, the cervix helps keep the developing baby inside the uterus.
However, people who have gotten the series of HPV vaccines still need to receive cervical cancer screening.
The vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV that cause cervical cancer.
Summary
The cervix serves as a passageway in and out of the uterus.
Sperm travels through the cervix to the uterus.
It’s helpful to know the basics of reproductive anatomy so that make informed decisions.
Regular Pap smears screen for cervical cancer and any abnormal cell changes.
If you have questions about your cervical health or anatomy, talk with your healthcare provider.
Yes, it is safe to have a Pap smear while pregnant.
People assigned male at birth do not.
However, transgender men can have a cervix and may be at risk for cervical cancer.
Yes, you could.
Place one or two clean fingers deeply into the vagina.
It can feel a little like the tip of your nose.
Depending on where you are in your cycle, it may be further back at certain times.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Colposcopy.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Updated cervical cancer screening guidelines.
doi:10.1136/bmj.b4080
University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Transgender Care.Screening for cervical cancer in transgender men.
