620 PLAIN FACTS FOR OLD AND YOUNG 



distended, they allow the stomach and intestines to 

 fall into the lower portion of the abdominal cavity, 

 thus bringing pressure upon the pelvic organs, which 

 in turn become displaced, and otherwise diseased. 

 Tight-lacing or the wearing of heavy skirts suspended 

 from the waist, and the wearing of corsets, are very 

 common predisposing causes of this condition. 



Treatment.— The measures of treatment suggested 

 for the relief of ''prolapsus," or "falling of the 

 womb," and other forms of displacement, are appli- 

 cable to this condition, although, of course, no surgical 

 measures are required. A^i abdominal supporter 

 should be worn, and measures to strengthen the ab- 

 dominal muscles are needed. 



Imperforate Hymen.— Through overdevelopment, 

 the hymen is sometimes imperforate, thus retaining 

 the menstrual flow, and producing the appearance of 

 delayed menstruation, when the function is really 

 properly performed, the menstrual flow accumulating 

 within the cavity of the womb or vagina. These cases 

 of course require the services of a surgeon. A condi- 

 tion much more frequent than the foregoing, is one in 

 which the hymen, while not imperforate, is developed 

 to such an extent that the vaginal orifice is nearly 

 closed, and the membrane sufficiently firm and unyield- 

 ing to present an obstacle to coitus, requiring the serv- 

 ices of a surgeon, though occasioning no difficulty be- 

 fore marriage. 



Tumor of the Breast.— The most common tumors 

 of the breast are fibrous, encysted growths. These 

 growths are usually attended by more or less pain, 

 but are not dangerous to life, and rarely if ever develop 

 into cancer. Sometimes, however, they occasion so 

 much distress that a surgical operation is necessary.^ 



