vitality of the spermatozoa. Suppression of the
menses, or any disorder of the uterine functions, may disqualify the
female for reproduction. Flexions of the uterus, displacements,
congestions, and local debility, may likewise prevent fertility.
Sterility may result from impaired ovarian innervation or undue
excitement of the nerves, either of which deranges the process of
ovulation. Even too frequent indulgence in marital pleasures sometimes
defeats conception. Prostitutes who indulge in excessive and promiscuous
sexual intercourse, seldom become pregnant. Any thing that enfeebles the
functional powers of the system is liable to disqualify the female for
reproduction.

TREATMENT. An extensive observation and experience in the treatment of
sterility, convinces us that, in the majority of cases, barrenness is
due to some form of disease which can be easily remedied. If the
passages through the neck of the uterus be closed or contracted, and
this is the most frequent cause of sterility, a very delicate surgical
operation, which causes little if any pain or inconvenience to the
patient, will remove the impediment to fertility. In many of these
cases, we have succeeded in removing the contraction and stricture of
the neck of the womb by dilatation. When the vaginal walls are so firmly
united as to prevent copulation, a surgical operation may be necessary
to overcome their adhesion. When the hymen obstructs the vaginal
orifice, a similar operation may be necessary to divide it. Vaginismus,
which will be treated elsewhere, sometimes causes sterility.

It is proper that we should suggest to the barren, that if sexual
intercourse be indulged in only very abstemiously, conception will be
more likely to occur than if moderation be not exercised. We may also
very properly allude to the fact that there is greater aptitude to
fecundation immediately before and soon after the menstrual periods than
at other times. In fact, many medical men believe that it is impossible
for conception to occur from the twelfth day following menstruation up
to within two or three days of the return of the menses.

ELONGATION OF THE NECK OF THE WOMB. An elongated condition of the neck
of the womb, illustrated by Fig. 9, is frequently a cause of sterility.
If this part is elongated, slim and pointed, as shown in the
illustration, it is apt to curve or bend upon itself, thus constricting
the passage through it and preventing the transit of seminal flui