By this term is understood an inflammatory condition of the passage through which the foetus has to pass after leaving the uterus. While commonly associated with metritis, or inflammation of the womb, it may arise independently, as from mechanical difficulties in delivery and the use of obstetric instruments, exerting undue pressure, or actual wounding; from protracted labours or abnormally large offspring. It may be simple and remediable, or associated with lacerated wounds, ulcers, gangrene, and mortification.

The Symptoms

The symptoms consist of tumefaction of the lips of the vagina, bulging of the region immediately below, swelling of the mucous membrane lining the canal, with discoloration varying from bright red to purple or almost black, with wounds and abrasions, commonly the latter, and of a superficial character, but not rarely of a serious description, where undue force has been employed in the extraction of the fcetus. The membrane is dry, of a florid red hue, adhesive, and hot. A difficulty is experienced in passing urine, there is often much itching of the labia, a general febrile condition and constipation, which latter would seem to have its origin, at least in part, in deferred defecation arising out of the pain induced by the act.

On the second or third day the congested, dry condition of the membrane gives place to a somewhat profuse secretion, which is at first serous, occasionally blood-stained, and, as time passes, takes on a muco-purulent character, with such acrid qualities as to excoriate the skin over which it passes, and denude the parts of hair.

Treatment

Simple vaginitis will often pass away without treatment in the course of a few days, but its appearance should never be lightly regarded, since it may become troublesome, if not serious. A gangrenous ulcer may be the source of infective inflammation of the adjacent parts, or the entrance through which septic germs may pass to cause parturient fever. Patches of membrane sometimes slough away, with the result that the passage of the vagina becomes contracted, and parturition is rendered difficult on subsequent occasions.

Treatment consists in antiseptic measures, as careful sponging of the exposed parts with a solution of carbolic acid, or other disinfectant, with glycerine as an emollient, and repeated injection of the same. Measures of this kind are usually successful in the early stages, provided there are no complications in the shape of wounds, but agents of a more astringent description may be called for if breaches in the walls of the canal are discovered. A lotion consisting of exsiccated or so-called "burnt" alum has been found valuable both as an astringent for ulcerated wounds and an antiseptic where a foetid discharge persists. At the outset a dose of aperient medicine should be administered and a bran diet prescribed.

Neglected vaginitis may result in: