both sides (bilateral). Tears on front and
behind are not frequent. Tears are found in about thirty per cent of women
who have had children.

Causes.--The majority of cases are caused by labor, and is due to a cervix
that is not perfectly dilated. Very hurried, quick labors cause it
sometimes, but the greatest injuries are due to the various operations for
delivering the child through a cervix that is not fully dilated.

Symptoms. Immediate and remote.--On the immediate, when the tear is
severe, there is bleeding; later, sub-involution, that is, the womb does
not return to its normal size and weight.

Remote symptoms.--Leucorrhea, thick and mucus in character; profuse
menstruation and inability to become pregnant. When the tear has extended
through the internal opening the woman win not be able to carry the child
to full term, even if she becomes pregnant.

[498 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

Treatment.--Tampons of ichthyol (ten per cent), mixed with glycerin,
introduced twice a week against the cervix and permitted to remain
forty-eight hours will often afford relief.

The tear should be repaired after child-birth, if possible. If not then,
and if it does not heal, it should be repaired later when the tear extends
through the internal (opening) or in case of extensive raw surface on the
cervix.

INFLAMMATION OF THE CERVIX.--This is an inflammation of the mucous
membrane lining the canal of the cervix (cervical canal), known as
Endocervicitis; it may be acute or chronic. The acute form is seen most
often as a part of a general infection involving both womb and cervix, and
will be described later. The chronic form is a very common condition and
it is difficult to treat.

Cause.--Injury and tear of the cervix.

Symptoms.--Leucorrhea, profuse and frequent menstruation, pain in the back
and loins. On examination a string of thick mucus is seen at the external
opening (os) of the cervix; and of women who have borne children there are
usually signs of tear and rawness of the cervix present; (Endometritis
usually produces a thin watery discharge, while gonorrhea produces a
thick, pus-like discharge).

Treatment.--Hot vaginal douches, containing one dram of sulphate of zinc
to one pint of water, used every night for ten minutes. Hot water with
witch-hazel, about four drams to the pint, is also good. Tincture of
iodine applied locally twice each month. White oakbark tea used as an
injection once a day for this trouble; also