A System of Gynaecology

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1906 Excerpt: ...and of security from violent pressure (lying as it does between the elastic bowels and broad ligaments) to a position in which its mobility is very much restricted (especially if both ovaries are prolapsed into Douglas's pouch), and where it is very liable to be squeezed by the surrounding parts as the result of the variations of general intra-abdominal pressure, which occur with muscular exertion and with the distention of bowels and bladder. These changes cause more or less constant aching, and the pain is increased as the menstrual congestion recurs. Furthermore, the organs are liable to special pressure during coitus, and during the passage of large or hard faecal masses through the rectum--both of which disturbances cause sudden and severe paroxysms of pain. A prolapsed ovary is usually swollen, and is more sensitive to pressure than when in its natural position; but it is not easy to say whether these changes are due to the prolapse or not. The conditions under which prolapse occurs are such as would usually cause swelling, and, consequently, increased sensitiveness of the organs. ltiagnosis.--This is comparatively easy in the case of simple pro lapsed, non-adherent ovaries; a movable, sensitive, often very tender swelling of the shape of the healthy ovary, but usually of a somewhat larger size, is found lying behind the uterus and (if completely prolapsed) behind the upper inch of the vagina, in front of the rectum. When there are adhesions it is often not at all easy to distinguish the ovary from the prolapsed distended extremity of the oviduct. T)vt treatment of prolapsed ovaries is always a very troublesome matter; in itself it is a minor disease, but unless relieved it may be a source of great and continual suffering lasting until the climacteric...