The constant use of preparations of iron is binding; and while, at the same time, they may tone up the muscular fibre, they may but invite a renewal of the discharges, by reason of pressure upon the vaginal walls from the loaded rectum. It is a complaint which may at any time give rise to evil imaginations, therefore should be cured as soon as possible. It has been thought, that using the treadle sewing-machines has increased the liabilities to leucorrhœa; but I have yet to conclude whether it is from the use of the machines or the manner in which they are used by most women.
In the first place, the operator sits too far from the machine, thereby causing a motion of the whole body, while she leans too much forward; secondly, operates too fast; thirdly, works too long at a time; fourthly, allows herself but little time to eat or sleep. And, what is more than all, frequently gets angry with the machine, unstrings it, and gets it in as bad condition as she has her own nerves.
I would suggest, that weakly women use a sewing machine that is turned by hand. Whatever causes a discharge, should be speedily removed, as the first means of cure.
FALLING OF THE WOMB.
Numbers of women persist in saying their womb is down; I must admit that there are many who suffer from a partial prolapsus, or protrusion of the mouth of the womb; the causes of which are usually traceable to hasty deliveries, miscarriages, over-lifting, pressure from a distended bladder, or constipated bowels. But the most frequent cause of a bearing down or a dragging sensation, is from weakness of the whole muscular system. The walls of the canal that leads to the womb, partakes largely of this weakness, which of course is increased by the retention of urine or fecal accumulations in the lower bowels.
There are a variety of uterine difficulties that afflict women of all classes and conditions of life. Yet it is somewhat encouraging to know that the cure of each is possible when rightly understood.
Treatment.—If the bowels are kept free by taking a teaspoonful of Epsom salts, dissolved in warm water, about three times a week, bathing frequently, and absolute rest observed, relief will be certain.
A pessary or ring should never be worn if avoidable. There are other means to resort to less unpleasant and more certain to give permanent relief. All misplacements of the womb should be rectified at once.
CHANGE OF LIFE.
The appearance of the menses in girls, denotes the beginning of womanhood; but the irregularities which the periods sometimes exhibit from the ages, of 35 to 50, have given rise to the term “change of life.”