nge
in the position of the womb, so that the upper, or fundal portion of the
organ drops back toward the concavity of the sacrum, while the neck
preserves a straight line in the opposite direction. The fundus presses
forcibly against the rectum, while the upper part of the vagina bends
abruptly and forms an acute angle near the mouth of the uterus.

SYMPTOMS. Retroversion is indicated by bearing-down pains in the loins
and difficulty in evacuating the bowels. The feces may accumulate in the
rectum, because they cannot pass this obstruction.

CAUSES. Jumping, falling, or undue pressure from the contents of the
abdomen, may suddenly cause retroversion of the uterus. Sometimes
retroversion results from obstinate constipation.

_Anteversion_. This term designates another unnatural position of the
uterus, in which the fundus, or upper part of the organ, falls forward,
as illustrated by Fig. 14, while the neck points towards the hollow of
the sacrum. This position of the womb is the reverse of that of
retroversion. In its natural position, the fundus of the uterus is
slightly inclined forward, and any pressure, or forward traction, is
liable to cause it to fall still further in that direction.

[Illustration: Fig. 14.
Anteversion, U, Uterus, B, Bladder.]

SYMPTOMS. One of the most common symptoms of anteversion is a frequent
desire to urinate, in consequence of the pressure of the uterus upon the
bladder. The free flow of the menses is sometimes obstructed.

CAUSES. The causes are tight lacing, prolapse of the abdominal organs,
weakness of the supporting ligaments, and enervating habits.

TREATMENT. In treating all the various displacements of the uterus, the
prominent indication is to tone up the general system, for by so doing
we also strengthen the uterine supports.

Digestion should be improved, the blood enriched, and nutrition
increased, so that the muscles and ligaments which retain the womb in
position may become firm and strong. The womb will thus be gradually
drawn into position by their normal action and firmly supported. It is a
great mistake, made by physicians as well as patients, to consider a
displacement of the uterus a _local_ disease, requiring only local
treatment. A restoration of the general health will result in the cure
of these displacements, the uterus will regain its tone and muscular
power, and the local derangement, with its attendant pain and morbid
symptoms, will disappear.

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