What is the term used to describe the protrusion of the cervix from the vaginal canal?

Uterine prolapse specifically refers to the descent of the uterus into the vaginal canal, which can include the cervix protruding from the vaginal opening. This condition typically occurs due to weakness in the pelvic support structures, which can result from factors such as childbirth, age, or hormonal changes.

Understanding this term is important in the context of gynecological health, especially when evaluating the symptoms and diagnosis related to pelvic support issues. Cervical insufficiency, on the other hand, involves the inability of the cervix to maintain a pregnancy and is not characterized by protrusion, but rather by its premature dilation. Uterine inversion refers to a rare condition where the uterus turns inside out, typically during or after childbirth, while pelvic organ prolapse is a broader term that encompasses the descent of any pelvic organ, not exclusively involving the cervix.

Thus, uterine prolapse is the most accurate term for the specific situation described regarding the cervix protruding from the vaginal canal.