Tokology : $b A book for every womanStockham, Alice B. (Alice Bunker)
Science
Tokology : $b A book for every woman
Stockham, Alice B. (Alice Bunker)
Women -- Health and hygiene
THE DISPLACEMENTS of the uterus most frequently found are prolapsus,
retroversion and anteversion. Very much the same causes induce these
different deviations. The supporting muscles in the perineum become
weakened, it may be from a lack of exercise, or from the constant
pressure of hardened feces, consequent upon constipation, or sometimes
as the result of long continued inflammation.
The viscera are pressed down from above by the stricture and weight of
clothing. The mobility of the organ renders it susceptible to change of
position under these circumstances.
These conditions must be overcome, or treatment will prove futile. In
most cases the uterus can be readily restored to its natural position.
First remove the pressure from above, and then take the exercises
prescribed on page 267. This will give room for the pelvic viscera, and
strengthen the supporting muscles. Nature’s recuperative powers are
never more remarkably demonstrated.
The prevailing custom of introducing pessaries of rubber, glass,
etc., is to be deprecated. While they may give temporary relief, they
increase the relaxation of the vagina and muscles, besides constantly
drawing the attention of the patient to her ailment.
The connection of mind and thought with pelvic disorders is close,
and is susceptible of becoming permanently fixed upon any organ. The
effect is highly injurious. It must result in increasing this kind of
morbid action, thus fixing and perpetuating the disease. This should
most carefully be guarded against. In every way divert her mind from
the subject. Let her but forget that she has a womb, and she will have
found the best remedy for her affection.
HYSTERIA is only a culmination or exaggeration of the reflex or nervous
symptoms in diseases of the uterus. It is simply temporary insanity,
and should be treated as such. The patient loses self-control, and
gives way to violent paroxysms of laughing or crying, possibly fainting
fits and convulsions.
Some quiet, decisive means will restore her. Inhalation of ammonia,
cold water on the head, a hot foot bath, a full bath, or even a decided
word from a friend readily establishes her balance. The spoken word
must not be given in a combative spirit, but simply with cheerfulness
and decision. Banish fear from your own heart, and agitation from your
manner, and then say to the patient, “Why, you are all right! Listen to
me a moment.” Get her attention, then with tact relate some incident,
or make some startling statement that will change the current of her
thought. To prevent the attacks, treat the uterine affection from which
they arise.
_The mind can rise_ superior to the body in uterine affections, as in
all other bodily ailments, and thus aid in establishing harmony. One
can, by persistent argument with himself, conquer or dispel the thought
of pain or disease. Also, by engaging in some work which calls forth
the highest impulses.
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