Sex should never hurt, but does it ever feel like the same position or level of penetration can feel fine one day and then uncomfortable a few days later? What a lot of people don’t realize is that the cervical position actually changes throughout the menstrual cycle. Understanding how it changes can positively affect your sex life and open you up to much more comfortable sexual exploration.
What Is The Cervix?
Starting with the basics, the cervix is the canal that connects the vagina and the uterus. It’s the spongy tissue at the end of the vagina that you can touch with your finger, often described as feeling like a donut in shape. During menstruation, the cervix helps the blood leave the uterus and exit through the vagina. In pregnancy, it stays closed to protect the growing baby, dilating and opening up when it’s time for the baby to be born. The cervix also produces a special type of fluid that changes throughout the month, helping to determine if it’s a suitable time for conception.
Positions of The Cervix
In order to do its job properly, the cervix moves positions depending on the time of the cycle. Dr. Aumatma Simmons, a holistic fertility expert, explains that the cervix is positioned higher up in the vagina during ovulation. During pregnancy, the cervix stays high. Post ovulation and during menstruation, she says, the cervix drops lower. The cervix can also change positions during sex, moving higher up with increased sexual arousal.
How The Cervical Position Can Impact Sex
There are a dozen good reasons to track your cycle, and you can add cervical positioning to the list. Knowing your cervical position can help you be more conscious about the type of sex you’re having.
If you’re curious about cervical stimulation, you can experiment with your fingers or a toy during your menstrual period or right after ovulation when the cervix is lowered and more accessible. If cervical stimulation is uncomfortable, planning around your cycle can allow you to access deeper penetrative positions without hitting up against your cervix and causing pain.
Common Misconceptions
One of the common misconceptions that Dr.Simmons encounters is that a higher cervical position makes it harder to conceive. She points out that because every person’s cervical position is different and unique because of their different sizes, and it won’t impact conception.
She also mentions that those with tilted uterii—when the uterus is tilted backward rather than forward—can sometimes find it difficult to notice the different in cervical positioning.
Understanding your body’s rhythms and being in tune with your cervix can add a layer of intimacy to your sexual experiences. It creates an opportunity for communication with your partner about what feels best and when. This awareness can deepen the connection and pleasure you both derive from your shared moments. So, next time you notice a shift in sensation, consider consulting your menstrual calendar—it might just be your cervix sharing its monthly moves.