...For Her ...Fertility Charting ...Cervix Position

The opening of the uterus is a thick muscle known as the cervix. As your cycle progresses the position of your cervix will alter. The same hormones that cause cervical fluid to be secreted also cause changes in the position, texture, and opening of the cervix.

The pattern

These changes make it easier for sperm to reach the egg -- if the cervix didn't open, conception wouldn't take place. If the cervix didn't close tightly after ovulation, the uterus and fertilised egg could become infected. The cervix has to open somewhat at menstruation to allow the endometrium to be shed.

How to test the position of your cervix

As soon as menstruation stops start testing. Do it at the same time every day and in the same way. (I check in the shower, squatting down).

You can feel your cervix, either squatting down, sitting on the toilet, one leg raised, or lying down.

Insert one finger into the vagina and feel, make a note of where the knuckle on that finger is in relation to the opening of the vagina, this will help when you first start to recognise the position (little like a ruler).

How to record

If you are using the Ovusoft Software simply enter your findings into the pull down tabs where you also record your temperature.

If you are using a manual chart enter your information in the boxes indicated.

Things which influence the reliability

Planning for or avoiding pregnancy

Depending upon whether you are planning a pregnancy or avoiding one will dictate how you use cervical position

If you are planning a pregnancy then clearly the best time for intercourse is when your cervix is high, soft, wet and open. This is your most fertile time

If you are avoiding pregnancy, then it will be inconjunction with the other methods and when your cervix is firm, low, closed and dry.

• work out your cycle length, e.g. 28 days, always use your shortest cycle
• subtract 20 days (28-20=8)
• day 8 is the last infertile day before ovulation
• check that your cervix, is dry, low, firm and closed

Check that your cervix is low, firm, closed and dry, and double check with the 2 other fertility signs.