cervix

Eva Rudolf-Müller is a freelance writer in the medical team. She studied human medicine and newspaper sciences and has repeatedly worked in both areas - as a doctor in the clinic, as a reviewer, and as a medical journalist for various specialist journals. She is currently working in online journalism, where a wide range of medicine is offered to everyone.

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The cervix (cervix uteri) is the connection from the uterine cavity to the vagina. The inner cervix sits at the upper end and the outer cervix at the lower end. Certain glands in the cervix produce cervical mucus: its amount and consistency change over the course of the menstrual cycle. Read everything you need to know about the cervix!

What is the cervix?

The cervix (cervix uteri) is the lower part of the uterus that merges with the cervix into the vagina. It has a thick layer of mucous membrane and closes the uterus on the outside with the external cervix and on the inside - towards the uterus - with the internal cervix.

The length of the cervix varies from person to person. On average, it is three to five centimeters.

Viewed from the side, the cervix uteri is bent forward against the uterus (anteflexion) and inclined forward again against the axis of the vagina (anteversion). These two positions of the cervix are individually different.

What is the function of the cervix?

The cervix forms a tough, sticky mucus (cervical mucus). On the woman's infertile days, this forms an effective barrier against sperm and germs rising from the vagina. On the fertile days (around ovulation), the mucus formed by the cervix becomes clear and spinnable and permeable for sperm - but also for germs that rise up.

When fertilization occurs, the cervix uteri moves a little forward and thus absorbs the sperm through the external cervix. The sperm pass through the cervix into the uterus and on to the fallopian tubes. During menstruation, blood from the uterus enters the vagina through the cervix.

During pregnancy, not only does the uterus grow, the cervix uteri also changes shape: it is stretched and shortened to one to two centimeters, but should still be around two and a half centimeters long before the due date. The decrease in cervical length is an important indicator of the progression of pregnancy.

Where is the cervix located?

The cervix (cervix uteri) is the connection between the body of the uterus and the vagina. The lowest section protrudes into the vagina as a portio like a peg; the outer cervix sits in its center.

The front surface of the uterus, which points downwards due to the kink of the cervix (anteflexio and anteversion), rests on the urinary bladder. The back surface, facing up, is adjacent to the small intestine. The exact position of the uterus is influenced by the different filling states of the neighboring organs.

What problems can the cervix cause?

Inflammation of the cervix (cervixitis) is caused by pathogens rising from the vagina. Most infections are sexually transmitted. Signs of inflammation of the cervix are purulent discharge and itching and burning of the vagina.

A weakness of the cervix (cervical insufficiency) can lead to premature birth in pregnant women.

The inside of the cervix uteri is lined with a mucous membrane that differs from the mucous membrane of the uterine cavity. Cell changes can easily occur in the transition area between the two types of tissue. If these are malignant, it is cervical cancer:

Cervical cancer usually shows no symptoms in the early and early stages. It is usually only discovered during a gynecological check-up. The first signs can be bleeding between periods and spotting or bleeding after the menopause.

Cervical cancer is often caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which enters the vagina during sexual intercourse. These viruses multiply especially in the cells of the cervix uteri. To prevent infection, there is a vaccination against HPV, which is recommended for nine to four-year-old girls.

Chlamydia infection increases the risk of developing a malignant tumor in the cervix.

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