The other thing is, really wash your hands before checking the cervix. The vagina is one of the cleanest spots in the body, with specific flora that keep it healthy, and hands are able to be one of the most bacteria-laden parts of the body besides the anus, pretty much. Don't introduce foreign bacteria, viruses, fingernail dirt, sweat, funguses, yeasts, anything if you can help it. Better not to check the cervix at all than to give yourself an infection. Good luck!