A CHAPTER FOR YOUNG WOMEN 475 



the uterus becomes congested, and painful menstrual 

 derangements ensue. 



(3) Tight-lacing, or compressing the waist with a 

 corset, is a barbarous practice which produces the same 

 results as the one last mentioned. Reform in all these 

 particulars is an imperative necessity for every woman 

 who desires to secure or retain sexual health. 



It is of the greatest importance that careful atten- 

 tion should be given to the proper establishment of the 

 menstrual function at the outset of a woman's life of 

 sexual activity. The first two years will be quite likely 

 to have a deciding influence respecting her health dur- 

 ing her whole future life. If a girl can get through 

 the first two years after puberty without acquiring 

 any serious uterine or ovarian disease, she will stand 

 a fair chance of enjoying a good degree of sexual 

 health during the balance of her life. The foundation 

 of a great share of the many thousands of cases of 

 uterine disease is laid during this period. 



At this early period the daughter is usually too 

 young to appreciate the importance of observing slight 

 deviations from the standard of health, even if she 

 were sufficiently informed to be able to recognize them; 

 hence it is a duty which no mother should neglect, to 

 inquire into the exact frequency of the periods, the 

 amount and character of the discharge, and other points 

 necessary to ascertain whether or not there is any devi- 

 ation from the natural condition of health. If there is 

 pain, it is a certain evidence of something seriously 

 wrong. If there is irregularity in any particular, it is 

 a matter well deserving serious attention. 



Other Perils. —After passing through the dangers 

 incident to the establishment of the menstrual function, 

 the young lady encounters dangers of a no less perilous 



