January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, a reminder that taking care of your cervix is taking care of your whole body. And while cervical health is something a lot of people don’t think about until they have to, it’s actually one of the easiest areas of health to stay on top of with simple, routine care.
Let’s break down what the cervix does, why screening matters, and how to advocate for yourself in a way that feels informed and empowering, not overwhelming.
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects the uterus to the vagina. Think of it like a doorway: it stays closed most of the time, opens during childbirth, and plays a role in menstruation and fertility.
It’s also an area that changes naturally throughout your life with your cycle, pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal shifts, which is exactly why routine check-ins matter.
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Most cervical cancers are caused by high-risk strains of HPV (human papillomavirus), and the great news is that HPV-related cervical changes are usually detectable early through screening.
This is why awareness month matters. It encourages people to stay consistent with their Pap tests, HPV tests, and follow-ups if results come back abnormal. When caught early, cervical changes can be monitored or treated before they ever become cancer.
These two are often talked about together, but they’re not exactly the same.
A Pap smear checks for abnormal cervical cells that could develop into cancer. An HPV test checks for the presence of high-risk HPV types that are most likely to lead to cervical cancer.
Depending on your age and your doctor’s recommendations, you may receive one test or both, sometimes called co-testing.
Pap smears are quick, typically under a few minutes. A healthcare provider uses a speculum to gently open the vagina and then collects a small sample of cervical cells using a soft brush.
It can feel uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t feel unbearable. If it does, it’s completely valid to speak up and ask for adjustments like a smaller speculum, extra time, different positioning, or a pause if you need it.
Your comfort matters. You deserve care that feels respectful.
Not every issue causes symptoms, which is why screening is so important, but it’s still worth knowing when something feels off.
Talk to a healthcare provider if you notice bleeding between periods, bleeding after sex, pelvic pain or discomfort, unusual discharge (strong smell, different color, or persistent change), or pain during penetration.
These symptoms don’t automatically mean something serious, but they’re always worth checking in about.
HPV is extremely common. Most sexually active people will have it at some point, and in many cases, the body clears it naturally.
Having HPV isn’t a reflection of being careless. It’s a normal part of sexual health for many adults. What matters is getting screened, keeping follow-up appointments if needed, and asking about the HPV vaccine if you’re eligible.
The most powerful things you can do are also the simplest.
Stay up to date on screenings, even if you feel fine. Regular screening is how early changes are found.
Follow up if results are abnormal. Abnormal results can be scary, but they often mean let’s keep an eye on this, not something is wrong.
Practice safer sex. Barrier methods help reduce the spread of HPV and other STIs.
Consider the HPV vaccine. Ask your doctor if you’re eligible. It can protect against high-risk HPV strains.
Listen to your body. If something feels off, it’s worth a conversation. You know your normal.
Sometimes cervical discomfort shows up during deeper penetration, certain angles, or around specific times in your cycle, and that’s more common than people talk about.
A few gentle ways to support comfort include going slower and communicating during penetration, using plenty of lubricant, trying positions that let you control depth, and stopping if pain persists. Pain isn’t something you should have to push through.
If pain is frequent or worsening, it’s a sign to talk with a medical professional, not something you have to just deal with.
Cervical health is all about knowing your body, staying consistent with screenings, and feeling empowered to ask questions.
So if you’ve been putting off a check-up, consider this your gentle nudge. Your health deserves attention, and you deserve care that feels supportive, respectful, and informed.
This month, let’s normalize cervical health. Not with fear, with knowledge.
If you’re due for a screening, make the appointment. If you’ve been nervous, bring a friend for support. And if you’ve been avoiding it because past experiences weren’t comfortable, you have every right to ask for better care.
Your wellness is yours, and it’s always worth prioritizing.
