Locating and Measuring your Cervix

What exactly is a Cervix?

The Cervix is the lower portion of the uterus. It’s narrow and tubular in shape and connects the uterine cavity to the vaginal canal. The tip of the cervix can be seen from inside of the vagina during exams and can be reached and felt by a fingertip. During menstruation, the cervix opens a small amount to allow the shedding of the endometrium (mucous membrane lining the uterus) to pass through – menstrual flow.

Where is it?

We are all different so there is no “exact” placement that the cervix is going to be. However, you may be able to locate it back towards the tailbone but at the top of the front vaginal wall (More details under “How do I measure it?”).

To the side – Most people notice that their cervix isn’t perfectly centered. It may be off to one side more than the other – right or left.
Prolapse – If you do have a prolapse, depending on how severe, the cervix may be felt lower in the vaginal canal. If you can feel your cervix just inside of the vaginal opening, you may want to seek medical attention to diagnose and/or treat you if you do have a uterine prolapse.
Tipped/Tilted, Retroflexed/Retroverted – Your uterus most likely won’t look like any of the mass photos that can be found on the internet, and that goes for the cervix, as well. It’s still there, but may be positioned a little more forward or back than where you were searching.

Why is it important to measure my cervix?

Measuring the height of your cervix can be a very helpful factor in choosing which size might work for you for ease and comfort, and menstrual flow needs.

Examples:

Different sizes and/or shapes may feel more comfortable for one person than another.
A smaller cup may not have the capacity a person is seeking.
A short cup may be hard to reach for someone with a high cervix.
A long cup may sit too low and be uncomfortable to wear.

Does the Cervix move?

The cervix is always on the move throughout the menstrual cycle.
As you approach ovulation and at the height of ovulation, the cervix moves up to its highest position. It may move so high that it’s hard to reach or can’t be found.
As you near your period, the cervix drops lower. This can happen immediately after ovulation or may take several days, even a few days into your period.
At the middle to end of your period, the cervix may start to rise back up in preparation for ovulation, once again.
Some people notice a definite difference in location while checking the position of their cervix between the start and end of their period. Others might not notice a difference at all.

What does it feel like?

During the menstrual cycle, the cervix goes through many changes.
When you’re fertile and ovulating, the cervix will become softer and may feel similar to your earlobe or lips. It will be much more moist from cervical secretions and a dimple may be felt from the slight opening that allows semen to enter into the uterus.
Other times, the cervix may feel more firm like the tip of a nose. The cervical opening is closed and you might not be able to feel a dimple at all.

When to Measure?

It’s best to measure your cervix a couple of times throughout your period. As mentioned above (under, “Does the Cervix move?) the cervix may be in a different position at the start of the period, then at the middle to end of the period.
Measuring during these two times will give you an idea if your cervix migrates noticeably or not much at all.
If your cervix should move a noticeable amount, two cups in two different sizes or shapes might be more comfortable for each position.

How do I Measure it?

Again, measure your cervix right before your period starts or at the beginning of your period, and then again at the middle or end of your period. Step-by-step:

Find a comfortable position – squat on the ground, or prop a foot on the toilet or side of the tub.
With a clean hand and your palm facing up, gently spread your labia and insert your longest finger into the vagina back towards the tailbone. (Personal lubricant may be helpful.)
Press your finger to the front vaginal wall (closer to your bladder or belly button) and feel around for a raised area with a dimple in the center (You may not feel the dimple).
Measurement:

Knuckle Measurement (approximate measurement) – Once you have located your cervix, take a mental note as to how much of your finger was inserted before you reached it.

Low to a very low cervix – If you could feel the cervix by inserting your finger to the first knuckle closest to the fingertip, you have a low to a very low cervix.
Medium cervix – If you could feel the cervix by inserting your finger to the second/middle knuckle, you have a medium cervix.
High to a very high cervix – If you needed to insert your finger completely to the knuckle on your fist, needed to push further in to reach it, or can’t feel it at all, you have a high to a very high cervix.

Ruler Measurement (exact measurement) – Some people like a more exact measurement and/or a number to follow. The following can be achieved by taking note of how far the finger was inserted and then measuring that against a ruler or tape measure. Most cups are measured in millimeters (mm) . Please use an online conversion if needed.

Vaginal Fornix

The Vaginal Fornix is the area around the cervix. This area expands upward and outward to accommodate a wide variety of shapes and sizes.
Whether a measurement was taken by using the “knuckle” or “ruler” method, this area may allow for a longer cup than the measurement suggests. Taking that into consideration, you may choose to try a Venus Cup size that is slightly longer in length than what was measured.
Remember that you can leave the stem intact or trim it until you’re comfortable, so focus on the length of the cup itself (The Small Venus cup length is 47mm and the Large Venus cup length is 56mm).

Venus Cup Sizes:

Most cups are measured in millimeters (mm) . Please use an online conversion if needed.

What size is better for a low cervix?

The size SMALL Venus Cup would be more comfortable for someone with a medium to a low cervix.

What size is better for a high cervix?

The size LARGE Venus Cup would be easier to reach for someone with a high cervix.

Are you between the two sizes?

If you are between the two sizes and unsure of which one to get, you may want to pick up the “Starter Kit” and try both sizes to see which one feels more comfortable. You never know, one might be more comfortable at the beginning of your period and the other during the middle to the end of your period.

What if I have a low cervix but a heavy flow?

The size SMALL Venus Cup would be more comfortable to use for those with a medium to a low cervix. It holds 22ml to the air holes and 29ml to the rim – about 10% more than the average small sized cup and is equal to approximately 5 average tampons.

Age & Pregnancies

It’s common to see cup companies suggest a small sized cup for people who are under the age of 30 and who has never been pregnant, and a large sized cups for people who are over the age of 30 and/or who have had children.
These guidelines are based on the belief that a person under the age of 30 has more toned Pelvic Floor Muscles or are “tighter”, or that they likely might never have been pregnant. While it’s believed that a person over the age of 30 who may have been pregnant or had children have weakened Pelvic Floor Muscles or are “looser”. While the PFM may weaken with age, weight, pregnancies, etc., Kegel exercises may be done to help tone them once again.
These guidelines have nothing to do with cervical height and may pose a problem when the user tries a size that might not be right for them.