Treatment.—Operation is needed when the symptoms are pressing. The sub-mucus variety may make an early operation necessary on account of their location.
Symptoms Calling for an Operation.—Size of the tumor; from the pressure symptoms; persistent bleeding from the womb. Sometimes it is necessary to remove the entire womb, especially in the interstitial variety, for the walls of the womb may be filled with the tumors.
[502 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
SUBINVOLUTION OF THE WOMB.—This simply means that the womb, after miscarriage or child-birth, fails to return to its normal size and weight.
Causes.—This is frequently due to getting up too soon after labor.
Symptoms.—Menstruation or too much flow of blood (menorrhagia), dull, heavy feeling in the pelvis, backache or leucorrhea.
Results.—The womb frequently becomes misplaced.
Treatment.—Proper supports should be put in after the womb has been placed in its proper position.
If seen early enough some cases can be cured by tampons of ichthyol used three times a week and prolonged hot water injections at bed time. Cotton soaked in ichthyol and glycerin are frequently of benefit three times a week used as a tampon. The patient should not be on her feet much, or be active. Witch-hazel water can be added to the hot water injection if so desired.
DISEASES OF THE FALLOPIAN TUBES.—These are named after their discoverer, Fallopian, an Italian anatomist. These tubes begin at the part of the body of the womb that extends out like a horn. This is on the sides near the top of the body of the womb. They are two in number and extend outward on each side for about four inches; each end forms a fringe or finger shape to catch the egg, as it emerges from the ovary. Through the center there is a tube or canal, and the inner lining of the womb continues on and lines this canal, the mucous membrane of the Fallopian tubes. When this lining or membrane becomes inflamed it is called Salpingitis or Inflammation of the Fallopian tubes. Salpingitis is derived from two words: Salping, meaning tube; ltis, meaning inflammation; Fallopian was the discoverer. Thus we have Salping(x)itis, or Inflammation of the Fallopian tubes. Unfortunately in medical description it is generally called Salpingitis.