The cervix is a part of the uterus that feels like a cylinder with a central opening and has a vaginal and vaginal part. Unlike the body of the uterus, the cervix has certain features in its muscle structure and innervation, for example, there are no receptors on the surface of the cervix, and all manipulations performed are painless.
It plays multiple roles, including:
1. Protective Barrier: The cervix acts as a protective barrier, preventing infections from entering the uterus.
2. Sperm "Bridge": During sexual contact, the cervix opens slightly and helps sperm penetrate further into the uterine cavity, and then into the fallopian tubes where fertilization occurs.
3. Mucus Secretion: The cervix actively produces special mucus depending on the phase of a woman's menstrual cycle. At the beginning of the cycle, the mucus is usually thicker and protects the cervix from infection. In the middle of the cycle, the mucus becomes more liquid and slippery, allowing sperm to move more easily upward through the cervix.
4. Pregnancy and Childbirth: During pregnancy, the cervix undergoes a series of changes to support and protect the growing fetus. During labor, the cervix becomes smooth, relaxed, and thus opens up, allowing the passage of the fetus through the birth canal. During labor, the cervix can stretch to its maximum, and it is precisely by the dilation of the cervix that a doctor determines the stage of labor and how soon the baby will be born. For the active phase of labor (the last of the three stages of labor), the dilation of the cervix up to 10 cm is required!
Different positions of the cervix are also distinguished - high, medium, and low.
At different stages of the menstrual cycle, its position and consistency can change. For example, during menstruation, the cervix is lower, the os (the opening leading to the uterus) is slightly open, which facilitates the outflow from the uterus.
You can determine the height of the cervix yourself by conducting a simple test. To do this, first thoroughly wash your hands, lie on your back, and relax as much as possible. Insert 2 fingers (index and middle) into the vagina and move upward if necessary. You will feel a dense cylinder with an opening inside (this is the cervix). Depending on how deep you need to insert your fingers, you can determine the height of the cervix.
Note: The cervix can be displaced to the left or right relative to the axis of the pelvis, this should not scare you, it is due to the position of the uterus in the pelvis. Each girl has her own, and a central location is not necessary. During the examination, you should not feel any discomfort or have any bloody or brown discharge (unless you are measuring during menstruation). If you experience these symptoms, you should see a doctor. This can indicate the presence of cervical pathology, such as erosion.
Choosing a Menstrual Cup:
Leia Menstrual Cups are designed with a low cervix in mind. With an anatomical shape and optimal capacity, Leia provides comfort, prevents leaks, and considers the unique needs of women during menstruation.
Defining the height of the cervix is an important factor in choosing menstrual cups. There are cups that are not suitable for women with a low cervix position, as they may cause leaks or even fall out.
When creating Leia, we were well aware of this aspect, as our development team included a genuine gynecologist who knows women better than anyone and understands all their specific needs. Taking into account the low position of the cervix, the cup should be as compact and anatomically-shaped as possible to stay in place, prevent leaks, and avoid discomfort for women when wearing and removing the cup from the vagina.
Leia is specifically designed for women with a low cervix, with an anatomical shape and a small yet spacious cup capacity. The cup's capacity does not differ from other well-known brands on the market. Its unique design, developed by a female obstetrician-gynecologist, incredible softness of the medical-grade silicone used to manufacture the cup - all of this provides maximum protection and unbelievable comfort throughout the entire menstrual cycle.