Have you ever had rough or noisy – but enjoyable – sex and felt a throbbing pain that radiated throughout your pelvis afterwards? Doesn’t sound very sexy, does it?
Technically a sex injury, it’s not desirable to have a bruised cervix. The cervix may feel tender or tender after a penis, sex toyor other object is constantly bumping and therefore “bruising” the cervix during deep penetration.
A bruised cervix can also be caused by reasons other than intercourse, such as endometriosis, vaginal dryness, ovarian cysts, creekyeast infection or previous injuries.
The pain is often felt deep in the body and may also be accompanied by spotting, nausea, back pain and bleeding.
It is important to note that the cervix is not actually bruised. There is no discoloration like what we see in the skin outside the body, this term is used to describe pain.
What is the cervix?
THE cervixsometimes called the “female doughnut,” it connects the vagina to the uterus and pushes sperm through the canal into the uterus. In Latin, cervix it means “the neck of the womb,” because of this connection. It is also what pushes menstrual blood out. If you are pregnantthe cervix creates a mucus plug that prevents bacteria and infections from entering the uterus, protecting your baby.
The cervix is located at the top of the vaginal canal, is about 1 ½ centimeters and is shaped like a doughnut. Since the cervix is close to the opening of the vagina, it’s easy to get “bruised,” especially for women whose cervix sits closer to their vagina.
Your cervix also changes position depending on your cycle or hormonal changes. Just before ovulation, it tilts down and becomes softer and wetter. This can increase your chances of having a bruised cervix.
In addition, when you are aroused, your vagina grows and there is more room for penetration and more separation between the penis and the cervix. If you are less aroused, your vagina may not be as long and there may be a shorter vaginal canal.
How to check your cervix
- Because the cervix changes during arousal and sex, check its position before having sex.
- Wash your hands thoroughly to avoid any unnecessary bacteria. If you have longer nails, trim them or wear body-safe plastic gloves.
- Get into a comfortable position. Maybe this is lying in bed, bending over or in the shower.
- Use whichever finger you feel most comfortable with, although the middle finger is the longest and may be best in this situation. The vaginal canal is anywhere from 3 to 7 inches.
- Slowly push your finger until it touches your cervix, which will feel harder and firmer than the rest of your vagina. If you feel a dimple, your cervix is open.
- Remember to breathe! And don’t continue if you feel pain or discomfort.
Treatment of bruised neck
Time is your best friend when healing a bruised cervix. Pain treatment is different for everyone, but it requires patience and rest. Relief can range from a few hours to a few days. The pain should go away within a week.
A bruised cervix does not require much treatment from a healthcare professional. Ibuprofen or naproxen can help relieve pain and any cramping. Applying a heating pad to your back or abdomen may also be helpful. Wear loose clothing, massage your abdomen or sit on a pillow to relieve any pressure. Avoid sex until the pain is completely gone, as intercourse may worsen the pain or prolong healing.
Prevention of cervical bruising
Although cervical bruising can occur in any sex position, doggy style is a more common culprit that leads to pain after sex.
Try less deep poses such as cowgirl, reverse cowgirl, spoon, lotus or standing.
Check with your partner if sex is too aggressive or if certain positions make it worse. Also make sure you are fully aroused before having sex to make sure there is no tearing. If you’re not aroused, prioritize foreplay or use a vibrator before intercourse to allow your vagina to lengthen.
Once you are ready to penetrate, apply plenty of lubricant to reduce friction.
Pregnancy can also make someone more prone to cervical bruising since the uterus expands during pregnancy and the cervix changes position. As the baby grows, pressure on the cervix can cause further bruising and pain. See your doctor or talk to your midwife about managing discomfort and ways to relieve any pain during pregnancy.
Consider seeing a doctor for a bruised cervix if:
- Your pain lasts more than a week.
- You have blood clots in your underwear.
- You bleed through a pad or tampon every hour.
- You were sexually abused.
- You are pregnant.
- Pain occurs without sex.
Overall, a bruised cervix usually does not require a visit to the doctor. All you need is a break from penetration, a discussion with your partner about alternative positions or gentler sex, and a nice, warm bath.
