Cycle recognition
In addition to measuring body temperature, there are other ways to find out how your cycle works. For example, you can check your cervix yourself. By placing one or two fingers in your vagina, you can feel at your uterus where in the cycle you are.
Instructions:
- Do it every day;
- At about the same time;
- In the same way as you insert a tampon;
- With the same finger;
- Carefully move in with your (clean) finger (s) until you can't continue, then turn around and take note of what you feel.
What you should feel:
- Begin on the 1st day after your menstrual period, the uterus is hard, it feels a bit like the tip of your nose and protrudes slightly. Your uterus is closed.
- Closer to ovulation, the more open the uterus is. The uterus feels softer like your earlobe and sticks inwards.
Not everyone is the same, though:
-
Once you have given birth, your uterus may always be open
-
If you have scar tissue on the uterus, it may feel different;
-
You may not feel anything.
If you keep to a schedule and take notes on what you feel each day, and do this for a few months, you'll get a good insight into your cycle. Note each day:
- How your breasts feel;
- If you have pain this month (menstrual cramps or headache);
- What consistency the mucus from your vagina has
Do this for a few months and you'll get a feel for when you're fertile and more likely to become pregnant.
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