How to See Your Own Cervix: A Step-by-Step Visual Guide
Introduction to Cervical Self-Exams
Your cervix - the gateway between your vagina and uterus - is a fascinating part of your anatomy that changes throughout your menstrual cycle. By learning to visualize it yourself, you gain powerful insights into your reproductive health. This guide will show you three comfortable positions to see your cervix at home, plus explain what you're actually looking at.
What You'll Need
Make it stand out
✔ Clean speculum (plastic ones are great for beginners)
✔ Water-based lubricant
✔ Bright flashlight or phone light
✔ Handheld mirror (or smartphone camera)
✔ 15-20 minutes of private time
Understanding Your Cervix: A Quick Anatomy Lesson
Before we begin, let's talk about what you'll be looking for:
🔹 The Cervical Os - The small opening where:
• Menstrual blood exits
• Sperm enter for conception
• Changes from tightly closed to slightly open during ovulation
🔹 Cervical Mucus - Changes consistency:
• Stretchy and clear (like egg white) when fertile
• Thick and sticky when not fertile
Beautiful Cervix Project. Cervix Photo Galleries. Beautiful Cervix Project. Accessed July 31, 2025.
3 Easy Positions to Visualize Your Cervix
Position 1: Semi-Reclined (Best for Beginners)
(Can be done alone)
Step 1: Lie back with pillows under your hips to tilt your pelvis forward
Step 2: Bend knees and let legs fall open comfortably
Step 3: Hold mirror between thighs to see vaginal opening
Step 4: Apply lube to speculum, insert gently angled toward your lower back
Step 5: Slowly open speculum while looking in mirror
📌 What to Look For:
• Smooth, round structure about the size of a quarter
• Small opening (os) in the center
• May see cervical mucus at the opening
Position 2: Propped-Up Leg (Great for Adjusting Angle)
(Can be done alone)
Step 1: Lie flat and prop one leg up on a stool or chair edge
Step 2: Use free hand to hold light source
Step 3: Insert speculum gently toward tailbone
Step 4: Open speculum and adjust mirror as needed
📌 Fertility Clue:
• Around ovulation, the os may look slightly open
• Fertile mucus appears clear and stretchy
Position 3: Knee-Chest (Easier with Helper)
(Best with assistance)
Step 1: Kneel on soft surface, lower chest while keeping hips high
Step 2: Have helper hold mirror and light below you
Step 3: Insert speculum carefully - cervix may appear lower in this position
📌 Pro Tip:
• Great position if you have a "tilted uterus"
• Helper can take photos if you want to document changes
Troubleshooting & Safety
🔹 If you can't see your cervix:
• Try adjusting the speculum angle
• Wait a few days - cervical position changes in your cycle
• Ensure good lighting
🔹 If uncomfortable:
• Use more lubricant
• Try a smaller speculum
• Stop if you feel pain
🔹 When to see a doctor:
• Unusual bleeding
• Foul odor
• Persistent pain
Why This Matters
Learning to observe your cervix:
• Builds body literacy and empowerment
• Helps track fertility naturally
• Lets you monitor health changes
• Is your fundamental reproductive right
Your body, your knowledge, your power.
