People Often Ask — Uterus and cervix
People often wonder if it’s safe to feel their own cervix, whether post-sex bleeding is normal, if tampons or sex can damage the uterus, how much stress really affects cycles, and if exams are necessary when you’re not having sex—here’s how to sort what’s normal from what needs a checkup.
What’s the real difference between period cramps vs something like endo/fibroids/PCOS, and when should I stop Googling and actually get my uterus checked?
Normal period cramps are annoying but manageable; when the pain is severe, lasts much of the month, or comes with heavy bleeding, pain with sex, or very irregular cycles, it can point to endometriosis, fibroids, or PCOS—and that’s your cue to get evaluated, not just keep Googling.
If I got the HPV vaccine, do I still need Pap smears—and how often—because I’m confused about what’s actually recommended now?
Yes, you still need Pap or HPV screening even if you got the HPV vaccine. The shots lower your risk but don’t replace regular cervical cancer checks, which usually start at 21 and continue every 3–5 years depending on your age and test type.
What does a “normal” cervix actually look/feel like, and is it supposed to change during my cycle (because I swear it feels different sometimes)?
A healthy cervix is usually firm but a bit squishy (think the tip of your nose or your lip, depending on the cycle phase), smooth, and about 2–3 cm long. You *can* sometimes feel it with a clean finger—and yes, it absolutely changes position and texture throughout your cycle.
What’s the deal with blocked fallopian tubes—can you have them and not know, and how would a doctor even test for that without it being a whole invasive situation?
Blocked fallopian tubes often cause no obvious symptoms and many people only discover them during fertility testing or after an ectopic pregnancy. Doctors usually start with non-surgical dye or contrast tests like HSG or HyCoSy, which use a small catheter through the cervix and brief cramping—not incisions—to see if the tubes are open.
If you have PCOS/endometriosis, how does that affect your ovaries and fallopian tubes long-term—and what does it realistically mean for fertility if I’m not trying for kids right now but maybe later?
PCOS mostly disrupts how often you ovulate, while endometriosis can inflame and scar ovaries and fallopian tubes—but neither automatically means you’ll be infertile. Managing hormones, pain, and inflammation now and getting baseline testing gives you more options for future fertility even if you’re not trying for pregnancy yet.
How do I know if pain on one side is just normal ovulation stuff vs something going on with my ovary or fallopian tube (like a cyst or an infection) that I should actually get checked out?
One-sided pelvic pain around mid-cycle that’s mild, short-lived, and not paired with fever, vomiting, or strange discharge is usually normal ovulation pain. Sudden severe pain, worsening pain, or pain with fever, heavy discharge, nausea, or a positive pregnancy test can signal cysts, torsion, infection, or ectopic pregnancy and should be checked urgently.