Elongation or hypertrophy of the cervix of the uterus is the third
variety of prolapses that Professor Schroeder includes in the group.
This form is consequent upon a falling or prolapse of the vagina,
and it occurs in the following manner. The body of the uterus
being retained by its natural supports or by adhesion of a former
inflammatory process in the pelvic cavity, remains stationary where
it naturally belongs, while the upper end of the vaginal canal being
attached to and surrounding the cervix or neck of the womb, gradually
draws or stretches the cervix out, so that it grows one or two inches
longer than it is natural for it to be. The cervix of the womb projects
under these circumstances down into the vagina, and in some cases it
may be seen between the lips of the vulva. This condition is mistaken
for falling of the womb, when in reality it is a falling of the vagina
with an incidental lengthening of the cervix of the womb. To recognize
and make these distinctions is of the greatest practical importance,
for thus alone can the measures adopted for the relief of these
distressing complaints be successful.
The symptoms of prolapsus grow principally out of the changed relations
of the uterus to the surrounding organs and tissues. The mechanical
interference and pressure of the womb on neighboring parts, and the
changes that are induced in the organ itself by the altered circulation
in its tissues, cause the inflammatory enlargement or hypertrophy that
is characteristic of one variety of the affection.
In some persons the development of the disease is so gradual that it
has progressed for years without any serious inconvenience and the
symptoms that did exist were generally attributed to other causes. In
the course of time there is such a combination of morbid processes,
like painful menstruation, inflammatory enlargement of the womb and
erosions of the cervix with profuse leucorrhœa, as to render the parts
painful and sensitive to pressure and friction. These symptoms excite
in the end suspicion, so that the sufferer may seek advice that will
reveal to her the real condition of her case.
Other signs of these affections are a dragging down or a feeling as
though a weight pulled the pelvic organs downwards; there is also
traction on the bladder, making this viscus exceedingly irritable,
so that there is a frequent desire to micturate; the rectum suffers
also from similar traction. There is another sign that is very often
present, and particularly in the early stages, and this is a feeling as
if the vagina was open; this is due to the relaxation of the vaginal
walls. Walking for any distance becomes burdensome and causes great
fatigue; pain in the back and loins is hardly ever absent. There is
an inability to lift weights, because the pelvic floor cannot endure
the extra strain that is superimposed on the intra-abdominal pressure;
ascending or descending stairs aggravates the symptoms much more than
walking on the level floor.