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When the cervix effaces, the mucus plug is loosened and passes out of the vagina. The mucus may be tinged with blood and the passage of the mucus plug is called bloody show (or simply "show"). As effacement takes place, the cervix then shortens, or effaces, pulling up into the uterus and becoming part of the lower uterine wall.
In cases of cervical weakness, dilation and effacement of the cervix may occur without pain or uterine contractions. In a normal pregnancy, dilation and effacement occurs in response to uterine contractions. Cervical weakness becomes a problem when the cervix is pushed to open by the growing pressure in the uterus as pregnancy progresses.
Osmotic dilators are most commonly used to slowly dilate and soften the cervix prior to surgical abortion, a process referred to as cervical preparation. Adequate cervical preparation is important prior to surgical abortions because it helps to prevent complications of dilation and evacuation (D&E), such as laceration of the cervix. [ 5 ]
The ectocervix (also known as the vaginal portion of the cervix) has a convex, elliptical shape and projects into the cervix between the anterior and posterior vaginal fornices. On the rounded part of the ectocervix is a small, depressed external opening , connecting the cervix with the vagina.
Vaginal introital laxity is a symptom of pelvic floor dysfunction characterised by a sensation of looseness at vaginal external opening, also known as the vaginal introitus. [1] Possible causes include pelvic organ prolapse (POP), post- pregnancy and vaginal delivery and menopause . [ 2 ]
Cervical canal widening can be temporarily achieved by the insertion of dilators into the cervix. If the stenosis is caused by scar tissue, a laser treatment can be used to vaporize the scarring. [5] Finally, the surgical enlargement of the cervical canal can be performed by hysteroscopic shaving of the cervical tissue. [6]
Prior to ovulation, the cervical mucus becomes thinner and more hospitable to sperm. Sperm swim rapidly into the uterus upon encountering cervical mucus, though many become lost in the cervical crypts where they either die or are delayed. [6] Further attrition occurs in the uterus, where sperm are attacked by the female immune system.
When the fetus has developed enough to survive outside the uterus, the cervix dilates, and contractions of the uterus propel it through the birth canal (the vagina), where it becomes a newborn. The breasts are not part of the reproductive system, but mammary glands were essential to nourishing infants until the modern advent of infant formula.