Cervical Health Awareness Month 2023

• Many people, including those with a cervix, are unaware of its importance in daily life, reproductive health, and overall wellness. 
• Because the cervix is not readily visible, it is easily ignored. As a result, we often forget just how important of an organ it is. 
• Nurses play a critical role in cervical health concerns since they often educate patients extensively. 

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month.  

The cervix is a canal located at the lower end of the womb (also known as the uterus) and sits on the vagina. Many people, including those with a cervix, are unaware of its importance in daily life, reproductive health, and overall wellness. 

So, let’s take a closer look at this overlooked yet crucial organ.

What Is the Role of the Cervix?

Simply put, near the end of the vagina lies the cervix. Depending on someone’s anatomy, their cervix may be tilted toward one side. The cervix can also move during sexual arousal.  

Most people are born with one cervix; however, some are born without a cervix or with two cervices. These are considered medical anomalies and are often not diagnosed until a healthcare provider observes them.  

The cervix is firm and about two inches long. The cervix naturally dilates during the menstrual cycle, allowing blood and menstrual tissue to leave the body. Cervical dilation is why menstrual cramps and labor can be painful. 

During menstruation, the cervix dilates for less than a centimeter for a few days. However, in childbirth, the cervix can dilate up to ten centimeters!  

The cervix is essential since it is the passageway that flows things out of the uterus through the vagina and out of the body. However, because it sits near the end of the vagina, it also is a body part that people cannot typically see and is often only observed by a healthcare provider.  

Because the cervix is not readily visible, it is easily ignored. As a result, we often forget just how important of an organ it is.  

Additionally, because of its location inside the vagina, most people do not regularly discuss its importance because society is uncomfortable talking about vaginas, uteri, or anything seemingly pertaining to women’s health.  

What Does Cervical Health Include?

Cervical health includes all things related to the cervix!  

Since the cervix sits between the vagina and uterus, it can be prone to many health concerns, such as chronic cervical inflammation, cervical polyps, and cervical cancer. Regular cervical health screening is crucial for individuals with a cervix, as several cervical conditions often do not present any signs or symptoms during their initial stages, and many people do not regularly examine their cervix. 

The gold standard for cervical health screening is a pap smear and visual examination.

What Issues Can Arise?

The cervix is crucial to overall pelvic, reproductive, and sexual health. For instance, someone with a cervix contracts a sexually transmitted infection (STI) vaginally, such as chlamydia. If this person does not treat chlamydia appropriately, this bacterial infection can spread and cause cervix inflammation, known as cervicitis. Long-term consequences of cervicitis are infertility and chronic pelvic pain. 

Another concerning STI is the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). HPV is the most common STI in America, a virus with many strains. Some of these strains can cause cervical cancer. Unfortunately, there is no cure for HPV. Once an individual contracts HPV, it can remain dormant in their body for years without ever showing signs and symptoms. 

Nurisng Role In Cervical Health Awareness Month

Healthcare professionals need to ask themselves if they are comfortable discussing cervical health concerns, including reproductive and sexual health concerns.  

Even in a healthcare setting, talking about sexual health, pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, and more can be challenging. Nurses play a critical role in cervical health concerns since they often educate patients extensively.  

Ways for nurses to take an active role in cervical health awareness include:  

• Providing educational materials on safe sex 
• Addressing any concerns patients have about their cervical health  
• Offering HPV vaccinations 
• Discussing the importance of pap smears 
• Reviewing patients’ health records  
• Discussing with nursing management any cervical health efforts at the workplace for both patients and staff
  

How Can I Learn More About Cervical Health?

Some evidence-based organizations that can provide you with the latest information and patient education tools on gynecological health include:  

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 
• U.S. Office on Women’s Health 
• The Society of Gynecologic Oncology 

The Bottom Line

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month.  

Oftentimes, there are mixed messages on social media and from community members regarding health. Nurses are the most trusted profession, which is why often turn to nurses for medical information to clarify these health misconceptions. 

Nurses must recognize that there are several reasons why someone would not want to discuss their health concerns. For example, some people have had negative experiences with the healthcare system. Others hold cultural or religious beliefs and may feel uncomfortable discussing their health concerns. 

By providing that safer space and having a non-judgmental approach, you can work to establish trust between yourself and the patient and provide as much health screening and information as possible.  

If you are intrigued about cervical health or gynecological health in general, check out the Oncology Nursing Society and the American Nurses Association.  

You can also learn about the importance of cervical health by reading Gynecology Oncology or the Journal of Issues in Nursing. 

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