586 PLAIN PACTS FOR OLD AND YOUNG 



Vaginismus.— This condition is one in which great 

 irritability exists about the mouth of the vagina, caus- 

 ing violent contraction, accompanied by cutting pain. 

 It is often the cause of much suffering as well as in- 

 convenience. The principal causes are inflammation 

 of the vagina, rawness of the mucous membrane, vas- 

 cular growths of the urethra, fissure of the anus, hys- 

 teria, itching of the genitals. This complaint often 

 occasions great distress, and is characterized by in- 

 tense itching, burning, or tingling of the external 

 organs of generation. The itching sometimes extends 

 into the vagina to some extent. The most common 

 cause of the disease is an ichorous discharge from the 

 womb or the vagina, which frequently occurs in old 

 age. This disorder is sometimes present in cases of 

 diabetes. The disease is occasionally wholly nervous 

 in character. 



Treatfnent.—Tlie hot vaginal douche is of great 

 value in many cases of this kind. In some instances, 

 forcible dilatation by means of a surgical operation is 

 required. Diseases of the rectum, when existing, must 

 of course be removed. The same is true of diseased 

 conditions of the urethra. Electricity is occasionally 

 of great value in treating cases of this kind. 



Uterine Catarrh. —This is a catarrhal inflamma- 

 tion of the mucous membrane lining the uterus. The 

 most common causes are taking cold at the menstrual 

 period and self-abuse or sexual excesses. Women who 

 do not nurse their children after childbirth are very 

 apt to suffer with this disease. The general symptoms 

 are a constant discharge, often appearing in adhesive, 

 stringy masses; scanty, suppressed, painful, or pro- 

 fuse menstruation: headache, particularly at the top 

 of the head ; weakness in the back and across the lower 



