cervix

Of the cervix is located between the vagina and the uterine cavity. It has a central function in the birth and conception of a child.

What is the cervix?

Of the cervix is the lower, narrowed end of the uterus at the point where it merges into the upper part of the vagina. The cervix is ​​cylindrical or conical in shape and protrudes above the upper wall of the vagina.

Over half of its length it is visible with certain medical devices, the rest is too far above the vagina and cannot be seen. The cervix has an opening to the vagina to allow semen and menstrual fluid to penetrate.

The neck can stretch a lot during childbirth and during your period. In some women, the cervix dilates too early during pregnancy, which can lead to premature births. This is also called cervical insufficiency.

Anatomy & structure

The front part of the Cervixthat goes into the vagina is called the ectocervix. On average, the ectocervix is ​​3 inches long and 2.5 inches wide. It has an elliptical shape and is divided into anterior and posterior lips.

At the lower end of the ectocervix is ​​the opening of the cervix. The size and shape of this opening varies widely and changes with age, hormone levels, and whether or not the woman gave birth vaginally. In women without a vaginal birth, the opening appears in a small round shape. During childbirth, the tissue is stretched significantly and the opening becomes wider.

The uterine canal is located between the opening of the cervix and the uterine cavity. Here, too, the length and breadth varies with age and possible births. The largest width is up to 8 mm. The inner cervix is ​​at the inner end of the uterine canal as a transition into the uterine cavity.

Functions & tasks

During menstruation, the uterus opens a little bit to allow the endometrium to discharge. It is believed that this stretching is responsible for the pain women feel during this phase.

During childbirth, the cervix opens up to 10 centimeters in diameter to allow the child to exit the uterus. During pregnancy, the cervix prevents bacteria and other pests from reaching the baby inside the uterus.

During orgasm, the cervix contracts and the ectocervix expands. It is believed that this genital tract response is supposed to help the man's semen enter the vagina and uterus more easily and increase the chance of conception.

Even if this theory of the female orgasm and the connection with the opening of the cervix has become firmly established in medicine, there are many voices that speak against it. It is said that there is not enough research to prove this theory.

Diseases

Many symptoms associated with complaints with the cervix Occurring include: excessive discharge, bleeding, pain, pressure, or other forms of discomfort.

Such symptoms can be triggered by inflammation, infections, injuries, allergies, pre-cancerous stages or already developed cervical cancer. Inflammation and allergies can be triggered by chemicals, lubricants, condoms, and other materials that come into contact with the cervix. Many infections of the cervix, including chlamydiosis, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, the human papillomavirus or herpes, are transmitted through sexual intercourse.

Changes in the cells of the cervix can develop into infections and cancer. Depending on the specific causes, the problems become noticeable differently. Infections, inflammations or allergies usually cause itching, stinging or an unpleasant odor. Cervical cancer that has already developed is also noticeable in the bladder function, through incontinence, blood and stool in the vagina, leg pain, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss.

If abnormal changes within the cervix are suspected (usually detected by a routine smear test), a number of tests may be done to help make a diagnosis. The exact treatment then depends on the findings.