The best way to care for your cervix starts with learning all about it. The cervix is about an inch long and located 3-6 inches from the vaginal opening, depending on menstrual cycles and hormone changes. This tube-like structure is essential for reproduction because it allows microscopic sperm to enter the uterus, while protecting it from harmful bacteria and foreign objects. During childbirth, the cervix shortens to allow for easier labor.

There are two types of cells found in the cervix. Glandular cells, which support the production of protective mucus and natural lubricant; and squamous cells, which protect the cervix and uterus from friction, infection, and vaginal dryness.

The Importance of Pap Smears

Once a woman hits 21 (US Standard) they are often urged to begin regular Pap smears, which sweep the inside of the cervix to test these cell types. This is an essential part of cervical healthcare; it is a way to check to see if the cells are behaving normally. If the test comes back abnormal, this could be because of a variety of things, but the main thing your healthcare provider will be concerned about is human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer amongst women globally, and is mostly caused by HPV, which is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but is not always as dangerous as it sounds, depending on the strain of HPV (20/130 strains are cancer-related). If HPV is treated right away, the risk of cancer is much lower. Additionally, the abnormal cells may reveal cervical dysplasia, which is what happens before cervical cancer and looks like rapid cell growth.

Luckily, not all abnormal Pap smears mean one of these things. An abnormal result could be from hormonal changes (time of period cycle), recent sexual activity, or even the type of birth control someone is taking. It’s likely that a gynecologist may invite their patient back to the office a year later for a second Pap smear to confirm if the abnormal cells are persistent.

Non-Cancerous Cervical Conditions

Other conditions that could affect the cervix are polyps, fibroids, or cysts. These are usually undetectable until a routine pelvic exam and are usually non-cancerous growths that can be removed pretty easily in a clinic setting. Polyps are the most common of these three conditions, and may present with abnormal vaginal bleeding, but symptoms may not always show.

Cervicitis appears to be a catchall term for inflammation of the cervix. This can be caused by certain STIs, or by foreign objects, such as sexual aids and certain contraceptive measures, like condoms. Typically, cervicitis is treated with antibiotics for any STIs.

Some pregnancy-related cervical conditions can affect labor and delivery. Placenta previa happens when the placenta (organ that helps feed a fetus) partly or completely blocks the cervical entrance, often resulting in a cesarean delivery (c-section).

Another pregnancy complication may be cervical insufficiency, which causes the cervix to open too early, which may result in miscarriage or premature birth. Management for cervical insufficiency may include progesterone gel for the vagina, in order to trick the cervix into behaving appropriately.

Finally, while rare, cervical pregnancies can occur. This is when an egg implants in the cervix instead of the uterus. This pregnancy cannot continue without risking life-threatening hemorrhage (extreme blood loss).

Steps to Take for Cervical Care

There are certain basic steps that women can take to care for their cervix:

• Regular pelvic exams and Pap smears (recommended every 5 years beginning at age 21 in the US, unless a healthcare provider says otherwise).
  • These may also include HPV screening, if abnormal results are frequent.
• Ask a healthcare provider for the HPV vaccine. This is recommended for college-aged patients (between 18-21) as they may be more likely to get HPV. The vaccine usually comes in three doses, a few months apart and is currently one of the best defenses against HPV and cervical cancer.
  • This vaccination may also be offered to minors as young as 9 years old as a preventative measure, and can be recommended through age 26, with some individuals being recommended the vaccine through age 45.
• Practice safe sex using barrier methods. Condoms, diaphragms, and other devices are not only effective in preventing unwanted pregnancies, they are also effective at lowering the risk of STIs, including HPV.
• Avoid tobacco products. Tobacco products can contribute toward cancer growth.

If Pap smears frequently come back as abnormal, gynecologists may begin the process of testing for cancer, and treating cancer if necessary:

• Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), which involves electricity and a metal loop to scrape away the abnormal cells and avoid further growth. This also allows for care teams to test the cells for cancer.
• If cancer is found, then the normal course of action is radiation, cryotherapy, and chemotherapy.

Key Points

• Preventative cervix care is important and easy, beginning around the age of 21 in the US.
• Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider about the best ways to care for your cervix.

Resources

Alkilani YG, Gomez Lopez LF, Apodaca-Ramos I. Cervical Polyps. [Updated 2025 May 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562185/

Anderson-Bagga FM, Sze A. Placenta Previa. [Updated 2023 Jun 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539818/

Binder, U., Wenzl, A., Lafleur, J., Tempfer, C., & Hefler, L. (2025). Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) under Local Anesthesia: A retrospective analysis of 435 subsequent cases under a Quality Assurance Program. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 312(2), 621–625. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-025-08060-0

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, November 16). HPV vaccination recommendations. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/hpv/hcp/recommendations.html

Cooper DB, McCathran CE. Cervical Dysplasia. [Updated 2023 Jul 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430859/

Fowler JR, Maani EV, Dunton CJ, et al. Cervical Cancer. [Updated 2023 Nov 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431093/

Iqbal U, Carlson K, Wills C. Cervicitis. [Updated 2025 Jan 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562193/

Thakur M, Jenkins SM, Mahajan K. Cervical Insufficiency. [Updated 2024 Oct 6]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525954/