The ovary is exposed to the dangers of congestion and inflammation. Adhesions may result, and suppuration has occurred. In such cases the symptoms of ovaritis are present. The =diagnosis= of hernia of the ovary is made from palpation of the gland; from the determination, by bimanual examination, of its connection with the uterus; from the characteristic sickening pain experienced upon pressure; and from the swelling and increased pain at the menstrual period. The =treatment= is the same as that applied to hernia of any other structure. The hernia should be reduced if possible, and retained by a truss; or the ring may be closed by radical operation for hernia. If the ovary is adherent, operation is necessary before reduction can be accomplished. If the ovary is itself grossly diseased, its removal may be necessary. PROLAPSE OF THE OVARY. Prolapse of the ovary is a downward displacement of this organ behind the uterus. Various degrees of prolapse occur, from a slight descent to complete prolapse in the bottom of Douglas’s pouch. There are two general kinds of ovarian prolapse. In one the uterus is primarily the displaced organ, and when prolapsed, retroverted, or retroflexed, it drags the ovaries out of place with it. Such cases have been referred to in discussing uterine displacement. If the ovaries are not adherent, they usually return to the normal position when the uterus is replaced. Similar to this kind of displacement of the ovary is that which occurs in disease of the Fallopian tubes, which, when enlarged, descend and drag the ovaries with them. In the other variety the displacement is primary in the ovary, and occurs independently of any displacement of the uterus or other structure to which it is attached. It is such prolapse that will be considered here. There are various =causes= of ovarian prolapse. In some cases it is probable that the position of the ovaries in the bottom of Douglas’s pouch is congenital. A sudden strain or effort is said to have produced acute prolapse of the ovary. Anything that increases the weight of the ovary may cause its descent. Prolonged congestion, inflammation, or small ovarian tumors may result in ovarian prolapse. Subinvolution is the most frequent cause of ovarian prolapse. In pregnancy the ovaries become very much enlarged, especially the left one. The ovarian ligament and the infundibulo-pelvic ligament become much increased in length. If, after labor, involution is arrested or is incomplete for any reason, the conditions favorable for prolapse of the ovary will be present--increased weight of the ovary and relaxation and lengthening of its attachments. Sometimes the cause of the prolapse is in the ligaments alone. The ovary may have returned to its normal size, while the ligaments may have remained subinvoluted, permitting undue freedom of movement.