Uterus
The uterus is a small organ in your abdominal cavity. It is the size of your fist and is shaped like a pear. The base of the uterus, also called the cervix, is located deep inside the vagina.
What does the uterus do?
A fertilised egg can grow into a baby in the uterus, and is usually delivered through the vagina 9 months later. If the egg hasn’t been fertilised, you have a period. Then blood from your uterus is discharged through your vagina. As long as no egg is fertilised, this is repeated once a month. Read more about your fertility cycle.
Feel it yourself
The cervix is at the base of the uterus. You can feel it yourself.
- Go deep inside your vagina with your finger.
- The cervix is at the top of your vaginal canal.
- It will usually feel quite firm and not particularly sensitive, except when you’re ovulating.
- A man may be able to feel the cervix during penetrative sex. As long as this doesn’t hurt either of you, it’s not a problem. If it does hurt, you could try another position.
Fertility cycle
If you aren't pregnant, you have a period. Blood and mucus from your uterus are discharged instead of being used for pregnancy. Read more here.
Ovaries, fallopian tubes and eggs
Your ovaries and fallopian tubes are on either side of your uterus. They produce eggs. Each month an egg travels down your fallopian tube to your uterus.
Female body
Read how the body changes during puberty, and what happens when a girl gets her periods. Also, read about how the vagina, vulva and clitoris work.