Cervix – function, structure & symptoms

Cervix

Between the uterine cavity and the vagina is what is known as the cervix . The main task occurs during the birth and conception of the unborn child.

Definition

Under the cervix is ​​the area that is present at the lower part of the uterus and merges into the upper part of the vagina. The cervix itself is conical or cylindrical and protrudes above the upper wall of the vagina. Thanks to various medical devices, the cervix is ​​visible; however, the doctor can only see a good 50 percent of the cervix.

The rest of the cervix is ​​too far into the vagina to be seen. The cervix also has an opening to the vagina so that menstrual fluid and semen can pass through. During the birth process, the cervix expands relatively; further expansion also takes place during the period. In many women, the cervix dilates too early, resulting in premature birth.

Anatomy

The cervix consists of an anterior and a posterior part. The front part is called the ectocervix; that is three centimeters long and has a width of 2.5 centimeters. The shape is reminiscent of an ellipse and is divided into front and rear lips. At the end of the ectocervix is ​​the opening of the cervix.

The size and shape are different, change with age and are also changed by any vaginal births or by the hormone balance. If women do not give birth vaginally, the opening is smaller and rounder. If the woman has already had a vaginal birth, the opening will be much wider. Between the opening and the uterine cavity lies the uterine canal. Again, there are glaring differences; the length and the width also vary here.

Function

When a woman starts menstruating, the uterus begins to open so that the endometrium can be poured out. According to the doctors, this stretching should trigger the well-known ” menstrual pains “. The cervix also opens during the birth process; the diameter of the opening is up to 10 centimeters.

However, the cervix also ensures that no pests or bacteria that can harm the unborn child enter during pregnancy . When a woman has an orgasm, the cervix contracts, causing the ectocervix to dilate.

Doctors assume that this process is intended to make it easier for the man’s semen to get into the uterus, so that the chance of pregnancy is increased. So far, however, there are no studies that have confirmed this procedure 100 percent.

Diseases

  • Trichomaniasis
  • Chlamydiose

Complaints related to the cervix are mainly expressed by the following symptoms: discharge , pain, feeling of pressure, heavy discharge and bleeding. Such symptoms are mainly triggered by infections , injuries, inflammations as well as allergies and precancerous stages .

Allergy and inflammation can also be triggered by lubricants, chemicals, condoms, or other products and materials that come into direct contact with the cervix. Sometimes infections can also occur that are transmitted during sexual intercourse.

These include infections caused by trichomaniasis, gonorrhea, chlamydiosis, the human papilloma virus or herpes. Sometimes altered cells can also lead to infections; in many cases, these also ensure the development of cancer.

The woman complains – in the context of an allergy, an infection or an inflammation – mainly about stinging, itching and also about an unpleasant smell. If the woman has cervical cancer, the bladder function may be impaired, so that the patient complains of incontinence and blood in the urine .

Dorothy Farrar

Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.

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