Cervix

The third sign of fertility is changes in the cervix. The cervix has an indentation or dimple where the cervical opening, is located, and women sometimes compare it to the narrow end of a pear with the stem removed.

Like the cervical mucus, the cervix changes in response to both estrogen and progesterone. It is closed and hard until the beginning of the fertile time. As ovulation approaches, however, the cervix opens slightly and becomes softer in response to estrogen, feeling somewhat like your lip. These are gradual changes that usually occur over a period of a week or more. After ovulation, in response to progesterone, the cervix closes and hardens again, and feels similar to the tip of the nose.

Although covered in detail in class, CCL actually teaches the cervix as an optional sign, and it is not necessary to observe to practice NFP. However, many couples have found it useful and helpful in times of marginal fertility, or during the postpartum or premenopause transitions.

To learn NFP, find a class near you, and register now!