The cervix is the lowest portion of the uterus which connects the uterus to the vagina. It produces cervical mucus that cleans and hydrates the vagina. The cervix is about one inch in diameter, and is circular with a hole in the middle, like a donut or puckered lips.
When screening for cervical cancer with the Teal Wand, cells are collected from the vagina, up near the cervix, and tested for high-risk HPV.
Because it responds to hormonal changes, cervical mucus changes throughout the menstrual cycle. If you’ve tracked your cycles, you may have noticed or looked for changes in your cervical mucus. Near the time of ovulation, the mucus is thin and slippery. The cervix also plays an important part in pregnancy and birth. During pregnancy, it develops a protective thick mucus plug that helps prevent infections. It is the part of the uterus that opens or dilates during labor, allowing the fetus to move through the birth canal during a vaginal delivery. “Fully dilated” means your cervix is fully open.