Reference to an abnormal cervix can encompass many things, although it generally refers to the position of the cervix in the body. The most common forms of an abnormal cervix are a posterior cervix, also known as a tilted cervix, and a high cervix. There are other forms of abnormal cervix, including an incompetent cervix and a precancerous cervix, which are much more serious conditions. The severity of these conditions varies, although they can affect a woman during her menstrual cycle, when trying to conceive, and during pregnancy.
While the cervix is typically anterior, meaning it points toward a woman's belly, a posterior cervix points toward the woman's rear. This type of abnormal cervix can make conception more difficult than usual, as it makes it harder for sperm to pass through the cervix into the uterus. This condition can also make labor more difficult, increasing the risk of cesarean section (C-section), because the baby's head can get stuck while trying to get out of the birth canal.
A high cervix simply means that the uterus is located higher than normal in the pelvic cavity. This condition, although it has no real effect on conception or pregnancy, can make pelvic exams difficult. A high cervix can sit higher than a speculum can reach, making a woman's pelvic exam and annual pelvic exams much more uncomfortable than usual.
An incompetent cervix is usually diagnosed during pregnancy and means that the cervix is not strong enough to support the weight of an unborn baby. This condition, also known as a weakened cervix, can lead to miscarriage or premature labor. An incompetent cervix only occurs in 1 percent to 2 percent of pregnancies, and it can be caused by a previous difficult delivery, surgery that damaged the cervix, or a birth defect.
A precancerous cervix is possibly one of the most serious forms of an abnormal cervix. Also known as cervical dysplasia, this condition describes the appearance of abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix, indicating a progression to cervical cancer. Although it can take up to 10 years for a precancerous cervix to become cancerous, immediate treatment is necessary to ensure that cervical cancer does not develop.
An abnormal cervix does not guarantee that a woman will have problems with her menstrual cycle, conception, or pregnancy. However, it makes such problems more likely. Regular Pap tests and pelvic exams are the best way to determine if a woman has an abnormal cervix and to ensure that she has every opportunity to protect her reproductive health.