k_ of the womb is filled with a
morbid growth, or the walls of its canal are adherent, as the result of
inflammation, and may be separated by a small silver or ivory probe, and
the menses be thus liberated.

IMPERFORATE HYMEN. The hymen is a circular, or semilunar membrane, which
imperfectly closes the outer orifice of the vagina in the virgin. When
of a semilunar shape, it usually occupies the lower or posterior portion
of the canal, leaving an opening in the upper or anterior portion,
varying from the size of a quill to that of a thimble, through which the
menstrual fluid exudes. This membrane is usually ruptured and destroyed
by the first sexual intercourse, and, hence, its presence has been
considered evidence of virginity. Its absence, however, must not be
considered a conclusive evidence of sexual intercourse, for, as Dr.
Dunglison says, "many circumstances of an innocent character may
occasion a rupture or destruction of this membrane. It is often absent
in children soon after birth; while it may remain entire after
copulation. Hence, the presence of the hymen does not _absolutely_ prove
virginity; nor does its absence prove incontinence, although its
presence would be _prima facie_ evidence of continence."

Sometimes this membrane, when not imperforate, is so thick and strong as
to render sexual intercourse impossible, and requires a cutting
operation to open the vagina. Several such cases have been operated upon
at the Invalids' Hotel and Surgical Institute.

It occasionally happens that the hymen is entire, or imperforate, at
birth. This may not be discovered before puberty. But when this period
arrives and the menstrual discharge takes place into the vagina, the
female will suffer from the retention and accumulation of this
secretion, and ultimately a tumor or a protrusion of the membrane which
closes the vagina will occur, giving rise to severe pain and other
serious symptoms. The retained menstrual fluid, increasing in quantity
at every monthly period, dilates the womb as well as the vagina, and
even the Fallopian tubes become distended, presenting at length an
urgent necessity for relief.

TREATMENT. This condition admits of relief only by operative surgery.
The operation consists in dividing the hymen by a crucial incision, thus
allowing the accumulated fluid to be discharged, after which the vagina
is cleansed by syringing it with warm water.

ABSENCE OF THE OVARIES. Let us suppose the case of a you