S, OR FALLING OF THE UTERUS, is a common form of displacement.
It has been erroneously regarded as a local uterine disease, requiring
only local treatment instead of being considered as a symptom of general
derangement, and, therefore, requiring constitutional treatment. Hence,
variously devised supporters have been invented to retain the womb in
position after its replacement. It is a law of physiology, that the
muscular system is strengthened by use, and that want of exercise
weakens it. The blacksmith's arm is strengthened and developed by daily
exercise. Support his arm in a sling, and the muscles will be greatly
weakened and wasted. So when artificial supports are used to retain the
womb in position, thereby relieving the supporting ligaments and tissues
of their normal function, the _natural_ supports of the uterus are still
further weakened, and the prolapsus will be worse than before when the
artificial support is removed. Besides, all these mechanical
contrivances are irritating to the tissues of the womb and vagina, and
frequently produce congestion, inflammation, and even ulceration, thus
rendering the patient's condition much worse than before their
employment. These worse than useless appliances should never be resorted
to for the temporary relief which they sometimes afford. Constitutional
treatment together with appropriate applications is the only effectual
method of remedying this morbid condition.

SYMPTOMS. When the displacement is sufficient to cause any serious
disturbance, the prominent symptoms are a sensation of dragging and
weight in the region of the womb, pain in the back and loins, inability
to lift weights, great fatigue from walking, leucorrhea, a frequent
desire to urinate, irritation of the lower bowel, and derangement of the
stomach. The womb may protrude from the vaginal orifice; in very rare
cases, wholly protrudes, and may be inverted.

CAUSES. As we have already stated, general debility favors prolapsus of
the womb, but various general and local circumstances and conditions
also favor its occurrence. Wearing heavy garments supported only by the
hips, compressing the waist and abdomen with tight clothing, thus
forcing the abdominal organs down upon the womb, are fruitful causes of
this affection. Excesses in sexual intercourse give rise to leucorrhea,
producing a relaxed condition of the vagina, upon which the womb rests,
and, in this way, one of its supports is weakened. Enlargement