Femina, A Work for Every Woman

by John A. Miller

I believe that the cause of cancer is either due to a ptomaine or organic poison that is generated in the body, or to a specific germ or bacillus. If it be due to the latter, and the germ theory of disease makes that highly probable, there is no doubt that a method of staining will soon be discovered, that will make the specific microbe recognizable in the field of the microscope, but as yet most cancer diagnoses by microscopy are only surmises.

TREATMENT.

Continence in sexual intercourse is one of the prerequisites to the successful treatment of all uterine diseases. This is so often overlooked by those giving advice in such matters, that their otherwise appropriate suggestions for treatment are frustrated. The women who are suffering, appreciate the value of this interdiction without further argument, but the average man does not appear to have the common sense to readily comprehend that the mechanical irritation incident to the sexual act, and the accompanying physiological congestion, will surely aggravate an inflammatory process, no matter of what nature. Men, whose animal instincts dominate their entire being, so that reason, if they ever had any, is dethroned, should stop to consider their immoderate conduct, which perpetuates the suffering of their wives from ailments which men themselves have often inflicted, and for which women are innocent martyrs.

The acute variety of uterine catarrh is to be treated like all other acute inflammatory diseases.

The patient should at once take to bed, so that she may keep herself warm and quiet.

If the inflammation is due to cold or exposure during menstruation, and the menstrual flow has been suddenly checked, then three or four leeches, applied to the inguinal regions on both sides, will be of decided advantage. Over the lower abdominal regions hot compresses should be applied; these are made by wringing cloths or a large folded towel out of hot water, over which a piece of oiled silk, rubber, or oilcloth is laid to retain the heat and moisture. At other times, that is, when the inflammation is not due to cold and a sudden stoppage of the menses, the application of ice bags is preferable to the hot compresses, in the manner elsewhere described.

The pains which are felt in different parts of the pelvis are relieved by using the Femina vaginal capsules; say one every six to eight hours, after a hot vaginal injection of plain water, or a hot sitz-bath. If there is nausea or vomiting that too is often relieved from the soothing influence of the capsule which allays the nervous irritability.

Should the stomach not be in a condition to take nourishment from biliousness or other causes, prescription No. II on page 138 should be taken in tablespoonful doses every four hours until the stomach is settled and the system regulated; if any food is taken it should be between times and of a liquid nature.

If there is straining or diarrhœa, I prefer to employ an enema of one pint of warm German chamomile tea, to which half a teaspoonful of McMunn’s elixir of opium or laudanum is added. If the pain and straining are very severe, one teaspoonful of either is not too much; by requesting the patient to retain the enema for ten or fifteen minutes, the medicine is directly absorbed, and the effect is both soothing and healing. This may be repeated several times a day, if the pain does not subside after the first injection.