Charting Your Fertility Signs: Cervical Position
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By charting your cervical position (CP), you can confirm when ovulation occurs. CP is an optional primary fertility sign. I must state honestly that I've opted out of charting CP. I never got the hang of it, and basal body temperature and cervical fluid give me all the information I need. However, if you have confusing cycles, if you need confirmation of the other fertility signs, if you want to be extra safe, or if you're just plain curious about your body, charting your CP may be your cup of tea.
To check your CP:
*Wash your hands thoroughly. If you have any kind of vaginal infection or outbreak, don't check your cervix.
*Squat, sit, or put one foot up on a chair - just be sure to use the same position each time. Insert your middle finger into your vagina until it bumps your cervix.
*For most of your cycle, your cervix is low, hard (like the tip of your nose), and closed. Around the time of ovulation, estrogen causes the cervix to become higher, softer (like the inside of your cheek), and open. After ovulation, your cervix returns to its low, hard, and closed position. Note these subtle changes on your chart.
If you have vaginally delivered children, then your cervix will always be slightly open. If so, try to note the changes in your cervix throughout your cycle rather than being alarmed by its "open" quality throughout the cycle.
Once again, I am indebted to Toni Weschler's book, Taking Charge of Your Fertility, for all that it has taught me about cervical position and natural fertility. To see dramatic photos of the changes in CP, check out the photos in the center of her book, between pages 144 and 145.
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