Inflammation of the Ovary or Ovaritis.--This is an inflammation of the
ovary and it may be either acute or chronic.
In the acute form the ovary is slightly enlarged and the follicles on the
circumference are distended and filled with thick fluid or pus.
In the chronic variety the ovary may be small and contain cysts; there is
a destruction of the follicles and a hardened condition develops. The
function of the ovary is then impaired.
Causes.--Gonorrhea, septic infection from adjacent tissues, acute fever
diseases, mumps, and peritonitis. Falling (prolapse) often gives rise to
chronic inflammation.
Symptoms.--Pain in the lower abdomen (pelvis), difficult and painful
menstruation, too much monthly flow (menorrhagia), and painful
intercourse.
Treatment.--Ichthyol (ten percent) and glycerin tampons placed behind the
lower back part of the womb three times a week. The bowels should be kept
open with salts. The diet should be milk or liquid. Sometimes an operation
is necessary. In the department on operations this subject will be touched
upon in regard to operations.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.--Change of the mode of life, and proper hygienic
measures will generally be all that is needed.
[504 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
TUMORS OF THE OVARY.--Cystoma is the most common tumor of the ovary. The
word "cystoma" means a cyst tumor, or cystic tumor. A cyst means a cavity
containing fluid and surrounded by a covering (capsule). Ovarian cyst or
tumors is often seen in print these days. Ovarian tumor takes in the
cystic variety, cancer and sarcoma, two malignant tumors.
Symptoms.--These depend upon the size of the tumors. The large tumors are
generally cystic. Examination of the vagina shows the pelvis filled by a
tense, watery, fluctuating mass. Examining the abdomen, the abdomen is
seen more or less distended by a regular swelling, and sometimes this is
enormous. The abdomen is rounded and there is no bulging at the sides like
there is in ascites (dropsy). The navel is not prominent. The tumor can be
outlined. It cannot be in ascites.
Treatment.--In bygone years tapping was done for these tumors. If it gets
large or the health fails, an operation should be performed. This is very
successful in uncomplicated cases. Inside of two months the patient is
about well. I know I have saved many lives of women by recommending an
operation for such tumors.
For the congested ovary, treatment by tampons and medicine often helps. I
have frequently given a medicine called Apis-Mel for this condition and
with success. I give it in tablets of 1/100 of a grain regularly four
times a day.
MENSTRUATION AND ITS DISORDERS.--Normal menstruation occurs monthly in the
female. There is a flow of blood from the cavity of the womb. The time for
its beginning is different in different countries, it being earlier in
warm climates, ten to twelve years, and later in cold ones (fifteen to
seventeen years); the average is fourteen years.
Pregnancy suspends menstruation and often nursing the child does, also.
Menstruation continues longer in robust, healthy women. Change of life
(Menopause) occurs usually between forty and fifty years. The healthy girl
and woman comes around every twenty-eight to thirty days. This is the
usual time. The flow lasts from two to eight days and the quantity is
about one ounce each day. A slight feeling of weight and fullness in the
lower abdomen (pelvis) should be the only symptom present in a healthy
female. The blood lost should not cause any special degree of weakness.
PREMATURE MENSTRUATION. Too early menstruation.--Premature or precocious
menstruation is when it occurs before puberty. This is in part hereditary,
but bad associations may be a cause of this early menstruation.
Treatment.--The cause, if possible, should be removed. The nerves should
be kept quiet by rest and, if needed, general tonics like iron, arsenic,
and nux vomica prescribed and given.
[WOMAN'S DEPARTMENT 505]
DELAYED MENSTRUATION.--This is often caused by slow development of the
generative organs. The girl may not come around until seventeenth to
nineteenth year.
Causes.--It may be due to heredity. Lack of proper nourishment and proper
exercise are the most important causative factors.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--l. Obstruction of Monthly Flow.--An herb
combination for.
Poplar Bark 2 ounces
Ginger 1/2 ounces
Bayberry 1 ounce
Cinnamon 1/2 ounce
Anise Seed 1/2 ounce
Golden Seal 1/4 ounce
Mix well and give a teaspoonful in a cup of boiling water sweetened with
sugar two or three times a day. Excellent in obstructions of the monthly
periods, debility, loss of appetite, etc. This combination is fine when
used as a tonic. It is stimulating and has been known to cure many severe
cases.
2. To Promote the Menses, Smartweed for.--"Smartweed is good to promote
the menses. Always steep in cold water; never boil. Dose.--Two
teaspoonsful every hour. Be sure to take warm."
VICARIOUS MENSTRUATION (In place of).--When menstruation is absent or
suppressed, bleeding sometimes occurs periodically, from the ear, nose,
any existing raw surface, leg, ulcer, and from the respiratory (breathing)
tract, and also from the bowels.
AMENORRHEA.--This is absence of menstruation.
Causes.--Delayed puberty, anemia (want of proper blood) chlorosis (green
sickness). diabetes, malaria, tuberculosis and acute illness may cause it.
Sometimes change of climate causes it and nursing baby too long.
Symptoms.--If it is associated with atresia, that is, want of the normal
outlet, of course no signs of flowing can show, but colicky, cramp-like,
monthly pains appear in the lower abdomen. These increase in severity as
the retained blood distends the womb.
Treatment.--If there is no opening for the vagina or cervix one must be
made, by operation. If it is due to anemia or chlorosis, Blaud's pills
will benefit. The following is the formula:
Dried Sulphate of Iron 2 drams
Carbonate of Potash 2 drams
Syrup--Sufficient quantity to make forty-eight pills.
Take one to three pills three times a day, after meals.
MENORRHAGIA.--Too much bleeding at the monthly periods. If it occurs
between the monthly periods it is called Metrorrhagia, womb-bleeding at
any time, especially between the periods.
Causes.--These may be constitutional or local, the latter being the most
important.
Local Causes.--These are inflammation of the womb, displacements of the
womb, malignant disease of the womb, fibroid tumors and disease of the
ovaries.
[506 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
Symptoms.--Sudden or gradual increase in the amount of blood lost at the
monthly periods. Then secondary anemia, weakness and run-down feeling.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT. 1. Profuse Menstruation, an Easily Prepared Herb
Remedy for.--
"Cranesbill Root 1 ounce
White Poplar Bark 2 ounces
Bistort Root 1 ounce
Golden Seal 1 ounce
Geranium 1/2 ounce
Cloves 1/2 ounce
Ginger 1/2 ounce
Ground Sugar 1/2 pound
Mix. This compound is excellent for complaints of weak females, such as
leucorrhea, bearing-down, or profuse menstruation, etc. Dose: One
teaspoonful of the powder, in a half cup of boiling water three times a
day. Drink the clear liquid only." Any woman suffering with, female
trouble will find the above combination very beneficial.
2. In young girls and women who are not married, thirty drops of the fluid
extract of Ergot three times a day. This medicine will cause the womb to
contract. Hot douches can be given to married women. If the bleeding is
severe it may be necessary to pack the vagina with sterile gauze. Ergotin
ten to twenty drops, may be needed, given hypodermically. If it is due to
constitutional causes, like anemia, a played-out feeling, paleness.
weakness, etc., a tonic treatment is needed.