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The following drawing shows the extent of mischief and annoyance to the external organs of female generation consequent upon neglect. The external labiæ are studded with chancres. The thighs, buttocks, and rectum, are dotted and overspread with excoriations. The person from whom this sketch is taken was an unfortunate woman of the town. As it is not my intention to particularize cases, although from my peculiar province I could fill up as many pages as this book contains, with details of such histories, I have only to add, by way of summary, that the topical and constitutional treatment being alike in both sexes, the only modifications required will be the regulating of the doses of the medicines, which must be done with reference to the idiosyncrasy, age, and temperament, of the patient. The frail system of woman is less able to withstand the dire effects of the disease, or the potent means for its extirpation, than her stronger brotherhood, and therefore the abler and more experienced the counsel, the fairer the chance of her recovery; a hint that the writer feels assured will not be received by those to whom his pages are addressed, as a vain appeal to repose confidence in other advice than their own.
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LEUCORRHŒA, FLUOR ALBUS, OR THE WHITES
This is the most prevalent of all derangements of the female economy, connected with the uterine system; and from its debilitating effects, induces a train of maladies that tend to embitter personal comfort more than any other human ill. Leucorrhœa consists of a discharge of acrid, or bland, but variously-colored mucus from the vagina, differing in intensity according to the cause and duration. It would be idle to offer the many arguments set up to prove whence it proceeds, or to examine the discussions as to whether it is the produce of the uterine vessels, or the vaginal secretives. That both aid in its formation is doubtless the case (as the employment of the speculum has satisfactorily proved); and equally certain that, according to the amount of irritability existing therein, so depends the quantity and character of the discharge. It exists in the married and single—in the moral and unchaste; and therefore the cause should be cautiously divined, it being evident that other than sexual indulgences establish this annoying and distressing affliction. It may be fairly conceded to be a vitiated secretion, depending upon a weakened state of the local vessels, and, moreover, in particular habits, to be a salutary evacuation. On the other hand, it must not be denied that it is oftentimes, where it occurs to persons living sub judice mariti, the result of sexual intemperance, or disease springing from an indiscriminate indulgence in the same.
However, as my purpose is more with the symptoms and treatment, the following may be received as a summary of what occurs, and what should be done for the removal thereof:—
In addition to the discharge, which at one time is scanty, at another profuse, there are usually severe pains in the loins and lower part of the abdomen: there is a sense of bearing down, as though the womb were descending and even protruding. The general health of the patient is disturbed, loss of appetite, excessive languor, a pale and emaciated look, sleepless nights, dark areola around the eyes, various hysterical and other nervous affections, and numerous disturbances indicating a weakened and impaired state of mind and body. Among other causes beside those alluded to, may be enumerated irregular living, late hours, mental and bodily fatigue, deficient exercise, impure air, and neglect of personal ablution. Among the consequences of a long-continued leucorrhœa, an almost certainty of sterility should not be omitted.