HYGIENE FOR WOMEN IN ADVANCED LIFE 501 



cations to the spine, and the avoidance of all sources of 

 physical, mental, or nervous excitement. 



5. Most of the local symptoms v^^hicli give annoy- 

 ance at this period may be relieved by the hot vaginal 

 douche. The distressing leucorrheal discharge, accom- 

 panied by violent itching, v^hich often makes its ap- 

 pearance just after the change of life, may usually be 

 relieved by appropriate treatment, though there is no 

 one method which will answer for all cases. 



Vaginal Douche.— This consists in the injection 

 of water into the vagina by means of a proper instru- 

 ment. The temperature of the water should usually 

 be from 105° to 115° F. The water should not be 

 injected with too much force. On this account, a foun- 

 tain or syphon syringe is best for the purpose. An 

 instrument with all accessory appliances may be ob 

 tained from any druggist. Many druggists also keep 

 fountain syringes which are very serviceable for this 

 purpose. The tube should enter the parts far enough 

 to bring the water in contact with the deeper parts of 

 the vaginal mucous membrane. The patient should be 

 in a reclining position while the douche is being taken ; 

 if taken in a sitting position, it is of very little use. 

 In cases of acute inflammation, the douche should be 

 taken daily, or even two or three times a day, and 

 from three to six quarts of water should ordinarily 

 be employed. 



