Cervix: what it has to do with ovulation and the fertile days

cycle
Cervix: what it has to do with ovulation and the fertile days

After I already explained the contraception with the temperature method and reported about the different properties of the cervical mucus, today we will focus on the cervix – another aspect that can be used in natural contraception with NFP and thus the method as a safer, natural contraceptive without Strengthens hormones. Conversely, regular monitoring of the cervix can also help determine the fertile days if you are planning to have children. Some women do not succeed in evaluating their fertile days using the cervical mucus – the method is just as reliable with evaluating the cervix. But let’s start at the beginning.

What is the cervix?

The cervix is ​​the last piece of the cervix – a tube about four to five centimeters long that connects the uterus with the entrance to the vagina. The cervix therefore protrudes minimally into the vagina. The cervix is ​​very well supplied with blood and is very sensitive. Therefore, light bleeding can sometimes occur during sexual intercourse or after examinations at the gynecologist.

What is the condition of the cervix?

Now we come to the exciting part: The nature of the cervix is ​​actually a little different depending on the state of the cycle. In order to be able to really make a meaningful statement here, one thing is especially important. Namely the consistent documentation. Daily. Always at the same time. We women are dependent on our own experience here. We have no comparison how it feels with others – we need our sensitivity here, which is also able to perceive small changes. These can be noted in an app such as mynfp or a cycle sheet. They should too, because only consistent documentation is helpful here. “By feeling” as we always think so convincingly of ourselves, you are always wrong. So what are the states?

Phase 1: cervix after menstruation:

Immediately after menstruation, the cervix is ​​hard, closed and protrudes further into the vagina. It should now be very easy to feel – a good time to start observing. A hard cervix feels like stiff cartilage, a bit like touching the tip of your nose. This is the clear sign of infertility. At this time, sperm would not be able to penetrate the cervix to get inside the uterus and fertilize an egg there. It is therefore also an indication that there is currently no egg to be fertilized there.

Phase 2: cervix on the fertile days:

If we move closer to ovulation, which takes place around 14 days before the next period, the cervix becomes softer and it is higher up, which means that it is harder for you to use your finger. A soft cervix no longer feels like cartilage, but rather tender like your lips. The closer ovulation approaches or it is even just taking place, it even opens slightly. You can feel it: your finger then carefully touches a slightly opened kissable mouth or a mini donut. Can you imagine, right? Why the cervix opens is only logical: it should be made as easy as possible for the small sperm to get to the egg. Nature makes it happen! The gates are now open for potential offspring. If this is not wanted, extreme caution or additional contraception is called for in this phase! Incidentally, sperm can survive in the uterus for four to five days and wait for the egg.

Phase 3: cervix after ovulation:

However, the egg only survives about 12 to 24 hours after ovulation – therefore every woman has about six days a month that she is fertile. At the same time, the gates are closed again – after all, the hot goods should no longer escape. The cervix closes tightly and thus also ensures that no bacteria or the like can disturb the highly sensitive fertilization and implantation scenario. The cartilaginous tip of the nose reappears. Anyone who measures temperature should have noticed the rise in temperature by now at the latest. The signs are now back to “sterile”.

Phase 4: cervix before menstruation:

A question to which the fingers are tapped in fertility forums: How does the cervix behave in the event of successful fertilization? How nice it would be if you could identify a potential pregnancy before your missed period. Many of them also stop scanning in the second half of the cycle – for fear of “disturbing” or of bacteria. Doctors, too, are often surprised or even skeptical when you tell them that you can feel your cervix yourself. However, some on the forums observed that the cervix continues to stand tall during pregnancy. When the period approaches, the cervix can be felt better again. It slides deeper in the direction of the entrance to the vagina and then finally sheds the built-up uterine lining: the cervix opens and the menstrual period begins.

How is the cervix palpated?

Oh dear, now it’s going to be a little uncomfortable for many. But it doesn’t help: If you want to deal with natural contraception and thus also with the cervix, there is no avoiding touching yourself. Down there. Deep inside. Let’s be honest: We use a tampon every month – it shouldn’t be a problem, shouldn’t it? If you have been wondering through the entire article whether you should really penetrate your vagina with your finger to feel how the cervix is ​​standing: YES! This may be strange the first few times, after a month it’s normal. Of course, washing your hands beforehand is a matter of course. And then just be curious and try it out!

Disclaimer: The Symptothermal NFP method is based on both measuring the temperature and evaluating another symptom: cervical mucus or the cervix. Just observing the cervix is ​​not enough for reliable contraception.

Barbara