The tear should be repaired after child-birth, if possible. If not then, and if it does not heal, it should be repaired later when the tear extends through the internal (opening) or in case of extensive raw surface on the cervix.
INFLAMMATION OF THE CERVIX.—This is an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the canal of the cervix (cervical canal), known as Endocervicitis; it may be acute or chronic. The acute form is seen most often as a part of a general infection involving both womb and cervix, and will be described later. The chronic form is a very common condition and it is difficult to treat.
Cause.—Injury and tear of the cervix.
Symptoms.—Leucorrhea, profuse and frequent menstruation, pain in the back and loins. On examination a string of thick mucus is seen at the external opening (os) of the cervix; and of women who have borne children there are usually signs of tear and rawness of the cervix present; (Endometritis usually produces a thin watery discharge, while gonorrhea produces a thick, pus-like discharge).
Treatment.—Hot vaginal douches, containing one dram of sulphate of zinc to one pint of water, used every night for ten minutes. Hot water with witch-hazel, about four drams to the pint, is also good. Tincture of iodine applied locally twice each month. White oakbark tea used as an injection once a day for this trouble; also good for vaginitis.
INFLAMMATION OF THE LINING OF THE WOMB. Endometritis.—Endometritis is an inflammation of the lining membrane of the womb, with a tendency to extend to the lining membrane of the fallopian tubes and to the peritoneum. These are the acute and chronic varieties.
Causes.—It may occur during an acute skin disease eruption, like that of scarlet fever, and occasionally upon exposure to cold during menstruation. The most frequent exciting causes are the microorganisms, like the gonorrhea poison, etc.
Acute Variety.—The whole mucous lining is inflamed. In severe cases the whole mucous lining is destroyed and the deeper muscular tissues of the womb are invaded.
Gonorrheal Variety. Symptoms.—There is general pain in the lower bowel region, in spells at first, later constant, with rapid rise of temperature and pulse. A purulent (pus) discharge appears early from the cervix, usually about the second day, and difficult and burning passing of urine are early symptoms. There is inflammation of the vagina accompanying it in about fifteen per cent of the cases, while inflammation of the fallopian tubes, pus in the tubes, and local peritonitis are common results.