The student's guide to the diseases of women / by Alfred Lewis Galabin.

  • Galabin, Alfred Lewis, 1843-1913.
Date:
1881
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The student's guide to the diseases of women / by Alfred Lewis Galabin. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    150/434 (page 132)
    DISEASES OF WOMEX. first, a suitable diminution of the quantity of blood in the uterine vessels and of the blood-stream throu<j them j secondly, a sufficient activity in the proceed of absorption and nutrition. The former is large]! dependent both upon the periodical contraction of the uterus and upon the tone of its muscle during thd intervals of rhythmic contraction. Subinvolution i| thus promoted by muscular atony, and also hjM failure to perform the function of lactation, since th| suckling of the child, by reflex action, stimulates th] uterus to contract. Other important causes of actM hyperemia and consequent subinvolution are retention of a portion of placenta, membrane, or dots, aM inflammatory conditions of the cervix or bodv of the] uterus or of neighbouring tissue, the commonest of thefl being the effects of mechanical injury to the cervjB during labour. A too early re turn' to the upriglj posture, to muscular exertion, or to marital intercom^ has the same effect. On the other hand, a too pr« longed and absolute maintenance of the dorsal positiM tends to passive hyperemia, and so renders invM lution imperfect. An important cause of passiwj hyperemia is the partial prolapse or other displacement which often arises after parturition, especially ifl consequence of a too early geting-up. Any local or general cause of venous obstruction tends to the sanM effect. After abortion sub-involution is still more frequent than after delivery—first, because the uterine mucouffl membrane, not being naturally prepared for the sepH ration of the decidua, and in many cases having been previously diseased, is more apt to be left in att'j abnormal condition, or with a portion of placenta still adhering; secondly, because, the stimulus of lactation is wanting; and, thirdly, because women, underesti- mating the importance of abort ion. are more apt to neglect the precaution of resting for a sufficient time, and to return too soon to matrimonial intercourse.- After either delivery or abortion deficiency of absorp-