At a recent appointment, my doctor noticed my cervix was slightly opened. She asked me if I had any abortions or miscarriages in my past. Is there any reason to be alarmed? What, if anything, should I be concerned about with my cervix being this way? What do abortions or miscarriages have to do with the shape of your cervix?

--A.R.

Most -- but not all -- women who have never had a child or any instrumentation of their cervix (such as from a D&C) have a small, round cervical opening. After a woman gives birth (or even just goes through labor) or after the cervix is dilated for a procedure, the opening may be larger and more oval in shape.

The size and shape of the cervical opening is a problem only if the opening is pinpoint (stenotic); this may impede menstrual flow, leading to increased cramping and a higher chance of endometriosis. Stenosis of the cervix is usually a consequence of procedures such as a LEEP (done to remove significantly abnormal cells, or dysplasia) or multiple D&Cs. Other than stenosis, it does not matter what shape the opening is.