DYSMENORRHEA.
I next speak of dysmenorrhea, or painful, difficult, or laborious menstruation. This is not only a very common affection, but one of the most painful to which females are subject. Many a woman has spent almost her whole menstrual life with as much pain occurring at each menstrual period, as though labor itself had been passed through. What untold sufferings, alas! are women brought to endure in this disease. Can we for a moment suppose that it is in accordance with the designs of a benevolent Creator, that woman should thus suffer? I answer unhesitatingly, it cannot be. Neither can reason, analogy, or the facts of experience be brought to prove the contrary of my position.
The most prominent and distinctive feature of this disease is the pain. This is experienced mostly in the loins. There may also be pains in the uterus; pains, in short that resemble, both in character and severity, those of actual labor. These become so severe and agonizing, in some cases, as to cause the patient to faint. This affection is one in which not only great suffering is experienced, but is also often one of great obstinacy.
Dysmenorrhea may, for the sake of convenience, be divided into three species:
1. The inflammatory; which occurs in persons of a full, plethoric, and sanguine temperament.
2. The neuralgic; which occurs in persons of a highly excitable temperament, and of a delicate habit of body; and,
3. Where there is a mechanical difficulty to the passage of the menstrual fluid, as, for instance, a closed, or nearly-closed vagina, and a too small opening of the womb.
Those suffering from the first species of the disease are such as are generally too indolent in their habits, and partake too freely of rich and gross articles of food.
The second variety of the disease is often caused by the too free use of narcotics and stimulants, such as tea, coffee, opium, and, in some cases, tobacco; though, to woman’s credit, it is to be said this last article is not much used by them.
The third species may arise from some congenital impediment, or such as existed from birth. In the treatment of this last, mechanical or surgical means may, therefore, not unfrequently be resorted to with benefit.