Cervical Changes After Intercourse: Symptoms & Concerns

Question
40 yrs old, 2 children 4.5 and 1.5 yrs old. Period ended 2 days ago (aprox.)
Help..I have a strange sensation inside the vagina. It feels as though a tampon is stuck there..which I thought was it since my period just ended. Instead I found that my cervix feels swollen, soft, and dialted whereby I can insert a finger inside. It feels irrated as well. The day of so before I did have intercorse and my husband was a bit forceful also. It is the holidays and I cannot get an appointment anywhere for a week. I am uncomfortable but not in much pain. Is there anything I can do. Does it sound like an infection. I have never heard of a cervix being open when not pregnant..but I just had my period plus it just does not feel right down there.
Thank you.

Answer
If you have had several pregnancies in the past, your cervix can be a bit dilated (at the external opening but not at the internal opening). It does not sound like an infection, but may merely be an inflammation of your cervix t ht is irritating it. You do not have to have immediate evaluation. After the holidays, make an appointment with your doctor and have it checked out. Remember, always note when your period STARTED, not when it ended.