Prolapsus uteri.
a, a—Vagina.
b—Uterus.
The treatment in these cases is chiefly mechanical, beside supporting the general health. The first symptoms, however, demand efficient attention, and the medical attendant should be made acquainted with every particular.
It is a question whether the weakened condition of the supports of the womb, and the consequent relaxed state of the vagina, are not owing to the manner in which women clothe themselves. The pelvic part of the female is kept always in a state of unnatural warmth, from the load of petticoats and other unnameable female attire. Contrast but the difference between the simple unlined trowsers of the male and five or six-fold clothing of the other sex: either the one must yield too much warmth, or the other must strike too cold. The sedentary habits of women have of course much influence.
When retention of urine follows the falling down or partial descent of the womb, the female should lie on her back, press the uterus into the pelvis, and urinate in that position.
The womb, beside becoming displaced, is subject to an eversion, or a turning inside out. Happily, such cases are unfrequent, but any disturbance of so important an organ demands the promptest attention.