d into
the womb. An eminent author says, "Even a slight degree of elongation,
in which the cervix, or neck, has a conical shape, has been observed to
be frequently followed by that condition [sterility]." Our own
observations, embracing the examination of hundreds of sterile women
annually, lead us to believe that this condition is among the common
causes of barrenness. But, fortunately, it is one of those most easily
overcome.

[Illustration: Fig. 9.
Conoid Neck.]

TREATMENT. If the neck is only slightly elongated, this consists in
dividing the slim projecting part, by the use of the _hysterotome_, If
it be a more aggravated case, a portion of the womb must be removed.
This operation is perfectly safe and simple, and, strange as it may seem
to those who are not familiar with operations upon the womb, is not
painful. We have never seen any bad results follow it, but have known it
to be the means of rendering numerous barren women fruitful.

[Illustration: Fig. 10.
Flexion, u, Uterus, B, Bladder.]

[Illustration: Fig. 11.
Version, u, Uterus, B, Bladder.]

FLEXIONS AND VERSIONS OF THE WOMB. Flexion of the uterus, in which it is
bent upon itself, as illustrated in Fig. 10, produces a bending of the
cervical canal, constricting or obliterating it, and thus preventing the
passage of spermatozoa through it. Version of the uterus in which its
top, or _fundus_, falls either forward against the bladder
(anteversion), as illustrated in Fig. 11, or backward against the rectum
(retroversion), may close the mouth of the uterus by firmly pressing it
against the wall of the vaginal canal, and thus prevent the passage of
spermatozoa into the womb. 'The treatment of these several displacements
will be considered hereafter. We may here remark, however, that they can
be remedied by proper treatment. Our mechanical movements,
manipulations, and kneadings are invaluable aids in correcting these
displacements.

DISEASE OF THE OVARIES. Sterility may be due to disease of the ovaries.
Chronic inflammation of the ovaries may result from uterine disorders or
peritonitis, and is commonly attended with a sense of fullness and
tenderness, and pain in the ovarian region. These symptoms are more
apparent upon slight pressure, or during menstruation. This disease is
curable, although it may require considerable time to perfectly restore
the health. When this chronic affection is the result of other
derangements, the indications are to restore