The cervix, according to Verywell Health, is the lower portion (or the “neck”) of the uterus. It is approximately one inch long and one inch wide and opens into the vagina. The cervix functions as the entrance for sperm to enter the uterus. During menstruation, the cervix opens slightly to allow menstrual blood to flow out of the uterus. 

Services Of The Cervix — A Gatekeeper

The cervix does an excellent job, deciding what and when things go in and come out of the most vital piece of your reproductive system. Yet, despite benefiting from its work, day in and day out, chances are you don’t know much about it.

The primary duty of a gatekeeper is to ensure that there are no trespassers. The cervix ensures that things like tampons, fingers, penises, sex toys, bathwater, and other germ-carrying items don’t get past it. They can get to your cervix, but they aren’t getting past it. Your cervix, in its 24-hours, 7-days role of keeping your uterus happy and healthy, won’t let that happen.

In addition to the above, it also ensures that things like mucous, menstrual blood, and the occasional baby — that need to get out of your uterus — do so safely. The cervix acts as the door to the uterus which sperm can travel through to fertilize eggs. When you’re pregnant, the cervix helps keep the baby in place until it’s fully developed. 

“The cervix has many functions,” Dr. Root says. “Probably the most important is its role in childbirth. The cervix is needed to prevent preterm labor and cue the body to dilate at the right time and enable a child to be born vaginally.”

 Dr. Gregory Root

The shape and color of every individual’s cervix vary slightly throughout the menstrual and life cycles. Many women have walked, so you can fly and the beautiful people at Beautiful Cervix Project have made it a point of duty to document several women’s services at different stages in their lives. You can have a look here.

Servicing The Cervix — Cervical Cancer Awareness

The importance of the cervix in feminine wellness cannot be overstated. It is advised to do your best to keep it healthy and functioning properly. Cervices are slightly different from person to person. However, they all go through similar changes during the monthly cycle, pregnancy, during labor and delivery, and after giving birth. 

The cervix is prone to a couple of risks. One of which is the cancer-causing risks of attracting the human papillomaviruses (HPV) through unprotected sexual intercourse. It’s believed that more than 90 percent of cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV. Being infected with a cancer-causing strain of HPV doesn’t mean you’ll get cervical cancer. The vast majority of HPV infections are eliminated by the immune system, often within two years. 

Intergis Health says; “Even though cervical cancer is extremely deadly if not detected until it has advanced, it’s easy to prevent and treat with early detection. Once a woman is 21 years old, or when she becomes sexually active, it’s important to see an OB-GYN, to begin screening with Pap smears. If abnormal cells are detected in the early stages, actions can be taken to remove them before they even turn into cancer”.

Another step to prevent cervical cancer is to get a series of highly effective HPV vaccine shots developed for cervical, vaginal, penile, and anal cancer protection. The HPV vaccine is available for both men and women and is most effective if given to a person before he or she becomes sexually active. “It’s so important,” says Dr. Root.

 “The CDC recommends all women should receive the vaccination. Around the age of 12 years old is the ideal time to receive it, but it is thought to be beneficial up to the age of 40.”

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

_{The views expressed in this article intend to inform and induce conversation. They are the views of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Red Edit Magazine. They are for informational purposes only, even if and to the extent that this article features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.}

We are a sex-positive community. If any of our articles on here appeal to you, there’s more. Let’s connect us on Instagram & Medium

The post Servicing The Cervix — On Cervical Cancer Awareness appeared first on Rededit Magazine.

When I got the inspiration to write this piece, my intention was to write about how men see this as an opportunity to be even more perverted. However, I changed my mind and decided to focus on the hydra-headed monster, Breast Cancer. Before I delve fully into Breast Cancer Awareness, ‘Dear men, what women do or not with their bodies is none of your business.’

Moving on, it is no news that one of the most orgasmic feelings in the world for many women is taking off their bras (and wigs) once they get home. Imagine the great joy when a whole day is dedicated to wearing no bras. Not only is it a pleasurable act for parties concerned, but it is also in solidarity with people who are battling with or have survived the monster. It is a “hey sister, I see you, I may not totally understand your struggles, but I am rooting for you” moment and we are happy to champion the cause. 

The bra has a long history as an important piece in a woman’s wardrobe. In reality though, of what value is this fashion accessory? Personally, I am a team no bra. In the last two years, I have worn them just a couple of times as I go on with my day. However, the number of stares I get from people as a result of not wearing a bra is ridiculous, but I do not care. 

In my search, I found that although the research on whether or not bras are breast cancer-causing is inconclusive, there are several reasons to go braless. Today, however, with respect to breast cancer awareness, I’ll be highlighting what breast cancer is, how to self-test and how you can play a part in creating awareness. 

What Is Breast Cancer?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. There are different kinds of breast cancer. The kind of breast cancer depends on which cells in the breast turn into cancer.

Breast cancer can begin in different parts of the breast. A breast is made up of three main parts: lobules, ducts, and connective tissue. The lobules are the glands that produce milk. The ducts are tubes that carry milk to the nipple. The connective tissue (which consists of fibrous and fatty tissue) surrounds and holds everything together. Most breast cancers begin in the ducts or lobules.

Breast cancer can spread outside the breast through blood vessels and lymph vessels. When breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it is said to have metastasized.

Breast Cancer Symptoms and Signs

• a lump in the breast or armpit,
• bloody nipple discharge,
• inverted nipple,
• orange-peel texture or dimpling of the breast’s skin (peau d’orange),
• breast pain or sore nipple,
• swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpit, and
• a change in the size or shape of the breast or nipple.
• Breast cancer can also be symptom free, which makes following national screening recommendations an important practice.

Diagnosis

Breast cancer is diagnosed during a physical exam, by a self-exam of the breasts, mammography, ultrasound testing, and biopsy. Women should do a breast self-exam every month to look and feel for changes. Regular breast exams can help you maintain breast health and detect cancer early when it is easier to treat and more likely to be cured. Most lumps and abnormalities aren’t cancer, but you should still report changes to your doctor. Self-exams are important for breast health. But they should not replace exams and screening tests (such as mammograms) recommended by doctors. You should still see your primary care provider and/or gynecologist regularly.

Breast Self Examination

A breast self-exam is a step-by-step method women can use to examine their breasts. By looking at and feeling your breasts regularly, you can notice anything that seems abnormal. With each breast self-exam, you will become more familiar with your body. When you know what’s normal for you, you will be more aware when changes occur.

A breast self-exam takes only a few minutes and can easily be built into your daily schedule. You can do a breast exam when you’re:

• Dressing for the day or undressing at night.
• Lying in bed in the morning or at bedtime.
• Taking a shower.

How To Do The Breast Self-Exam

_{The views expressed in this article intend to inform and induce conversation. They are the views of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Red Edit Magazine. They are for informational purposes only, even if and to the extent that this article features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.}

We are a sex positive community. If any of our articles on here appeal to you, there’s more. Let’s connect us on Instagram & Medium

The post No Bra Day : Breast Cancer Awareness appeared first on Rededit Magazine.