Have you ever heard the word "cervix"? You may have heard it from a doctor, during a Pap smear, or during pregnancy. It is a very important, small, yet powerful organ in our body, especially in women. So today, let's talk about exactly what the cervix is, what happens to it, and what we can do to keep it healthy.
Simply put, what is this cervix?
Think of your uterus as a small house. The vagina is the road to that house. The cervix is a small, muscular opening that connects the house to the road. That's why some people call it the "neck of the womb."
This is the small opening through which things enter and exit the uterus . This is important for women and some intersex people. It is also a major site for diseases such as cervical cancer, so it is important to be aware of this. That is why we need to get regular Pap smears.
What service does the cervix provide to our body?
The work done by this little door is no small feat. It's like a wonderful door that opens and closes on time, adapting to the needs of the body. Look at what happens with this.
- Menstruation : Every month, with menstruation, the blood that comes out of the uterus must come out through the vagina. This blood is cleared, or made available, through the cervix.
- Pregnancy and Fertility: The cervix also plays a big role in conceiving a baby. When sperm enter the vagina during sex, the cervix prepares the way for them to travel into the uterus and meet an egg. Especially during ovulation, the mucus secreted by the cervix thins, creating an environment that allows sperm to enter more easily.
- Vaginal Delivery: Throughout pregnancy, the cervix remains tightly closed and sealed with a mucus plug to protect the baby and the uterus. But as the time for delivery approaches, this plug dissolves, the cervix softens , thins, and begins to open (dilate). The baby can come out of the uterus and enter the vagina .This is how the baby is prepared to enter the world. Doctors estimate how long it will take for the baby to be born by looking at how open the cervix is.
- Protecting the uterus: The cervix also acts as a barrier that prevents objects, such as tampons, that you insert into the vagina from going all the way into the uterus.
Where is the cervix located? What is its shape?
The cervix is located inside the pelvic cavity, about 3 to 6 inches inside the vagina. It starts at the lowest part of the uterus and connects to the top of the vagina.
The Latin word "Cervix" means "neck." As the name suggests, it is shaped like a cylinder, slightly wider in the middle, and narrower at the top and bottom. The upper end opens into the uterus, and the lower end opens into the vagina.
There are a few key parts to this. Let's see what they are.
| Part of the Cervix | Simply a description |
|---|---|
| Internal OS | The opening to the uterus. You may have heard doctors talk about this during pregnancy. |
| Endocervical canal | The tunnel-like part that connects the upper gate and the lower gate. |
| Ectocervix | The part of the cervix that protrudes to the side of the vagina and is accessible to us. |
| External OS | The opening to the side of the vagina. |
| Transformation Zone (TZ) | This is the most important place . It is the junction where the type of cells inside the cervix and the type of cells outside meet. This is where abnormal cell changes, such as cervical cancer, occur most often. This is the area that is most closely monitored during a Pap test. |
Can you touch your cervix?
Yes, you can do this depending on where you are in your cycle. If you insert your longest finger into your vagina, there will be a point where you can't go any further. That's your cervix. Sometimes it feels hard and tight, other times it feels like a soft sponge. During ovulation , it becomes very soft and sits very deep in the vagina.
But remember, if you try this, it's imperative to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water before doing so! Otherwise, bacteria on your hands could get inside and cause an infection.
What are the possible diseases associated with the cervix?
The most common cervical conditions we should be concerned about are caused by the Human Papillomavirus, or HPV . This is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). HPV infection can sometimes lead to cervical cancer.
Let's see what are the main medical conditions that affect the cervix.
| Medical condition | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Cervical cancer | The uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells on the cervix. This is often caused by an HPV infection. |
| Cervical intraepithelial dysplasia (CIN) | This is not cancer, but a precursor to cancer. An abnormal change in the cells of the cervix. The main cause of this is HPV. |
| Cervicitis | Swelling and redness of the cervix can be caused by sexually transmitted infections (such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea) or reactions to some birth control methods. |
| Cervical tumors (polyps, fibroids, cysts) | These are usually harmless, fleshy or fluid-filled cysts. Nabothian cysts are a common type. |
| Special conditions that may occur during pregnancy | |
| Cervical insufficiency | The cervix begins to open before the end of pregnancy. This can lead to miscarriage or premature birth. |
| Placenta previa | The placenta, which provides nourishment to the baby, is located in a position where the cervix is partially or completely blocked. In such pregnancies, a cesarean section (c-section) is often required. |
What are the symptoms of a problem with the cervix?
This is the most important thing we all need to be aware of.
Many times, cervical abnormalities, especially early stages of cervical cancer , do not show any outward symptoms. That's why it's important to get tested on time, even if there's no problem.
However, if any symptoms do occur, they may be:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding (heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding between periods, bleeding after intercourse).
- Abnormal vaginal discharge (watery, bloody, with or without a foul odor).
- Feeling overwhelmed for no particular reasonFatigue and discomfort.
- Pain when urinating.
What are the methods for checking the health of the cervix?
There are several tests your doctor can do to check if your cervix is healthy. The most common and important of these is the Pap smear.
| Test | What do you do with this? |
|---|---|
| Pelvic exam | The doctor uses his fingers and a device (speculum) to examine the reproductive organs, including the cervix. |
| Pap smear | A small brush is used to take a few cells from the surface of the cervix and send them to a lab to check for cancer or precancerous conditions. |
| HPV test | Just like a Pap test, cells are taken and tested for the presence of the HPV virus, which can cause cancer. |
| Colposcopy | If the results of a Pap test are abnormal, the doctor will examine the cervix under a microscope. If necessary, a small piece of tissue (biopsy) may be taken. |
| Biopsy | If something suspicious is seen, a small piece of tissue is removed from the cervix and tested for cancer cells. LEEP and Conization are two methods used for this. |
Things we can do for a healthy cervix
Fortunately, there are some simple, yet very important things we can do to keep our cervix healthy.- Get the HPV vaccine: It is very important to get this vaccine to protect against the main types of HPV that cause cervical cancer. Vaccines like Gardasil® are now available in Sri Lanka. Talk to your doctor about this and get advice.
- Get tested on time: It is generally recommended to start Pap tests after the age of 21. After the age of 30, both Pap tests and HPV tests are done together. However, only your doctor can give you the best advice on when to get these tests based on your age and health history. So, do not skip these tests as he or she recommends.
- Practice safe sex: Using safe methods like condoms can protect you from sexually transmitted diseases like HPV.
- Avoid smoking and tobacco use: Studies have shown that women who smoke have a higher risk of developing an HPV infection into cancer.
The cervix is a small organ in your body that plays a huge role in your entire life, so taking care of it is a valuable gift you give yourself.
Take-Home Message
- The cervix is an organ that connects your uterus and vagina and is essential for reproductive health.
- Many cervical diseases, especially cancer, do not show any symptoms in the early stages.
- Getting the HPV vaccine is a very effective way to protect against cervical cancer.
- Even if there is no problem, be sure to get a Pap smear and HPV test on the schedule recommended by your doctor. It's the best way to ensure the health of your cervix.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 🌸 What exactly is this 'Cervix'?
Simply put, the 'Cervix' is the narrowest part of the uterus. In Sinhala, we call it 'gabhgela'. It acts like the entrance between the vagina and the uterus.
💬 🤔 Why is the cervix so important to our body?
The cervix is a very important part of a woman's body. It protects and supports a baby while it's in the womb, and it allows for periods. It's also a place where we need to be very careful about diseases like cervical cancer.
💬 👩⚕️ What should we do to keep the cervix healthy?
To keep your cervix healthy, you need to be well-informed about it. It's especially important to be aware of things like the Pap test and the HPV vaccine. In this article, we'll explain the important things you need to know about your cervix.
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