Steam-baths are used for the purpose of inducing perspiration. They should last for from ten minutes to half an hour, and should always be followed by a cool douche. In order to increase their action, it may, in some cases, be advisable to follow them by dry packs, massage, etc. Cabinet baths are indicated in gout, rheumatism, chronic inflammatory conditions, and in kidney diseases. Persons suffering from diseases of the heart, lungs, spinal cord, or nerves, should not take these baths. See also HOT-AIR BATH.
STERILITY.—The inability to conceive. As may be seen in the article on REPRODUCTION, in the higher animals the union of male and female elements is necessary in order to have progeny. In the human being the union usually takes place in the womb, and this organ is specially endowed to further the development of the child. The inability to have children depends, then, upon three main factors : a healthy male element (the spermatozoon), a healthy female ovum, and a uterus capable of furthering the development of the impregnated ovum. A number of accessory attributes may be of importance during the time of the development of the foetus. Sterility may, then, result from defects in either sex.
In the male the most important element in bringing about sterility is GONORRHWA. This disease is very apt to spread to the seminal vesicles and cause an obliteration of the ducts by which the spermatozoa are conveyed to the spermatic fluid ; in rarer instances a disease of the testicles prevents the formation of active spermatozoa. Syphilis is another cause of sterility in men. The reasons for this are not well known, but it is probable that the developed spermatozoa either lack some element in their composition, or are incapable of bringing about a successful impregnation. Other conditions, as lack of testicles, insufficient power of erection, etc., are self evident causes of sterility. Occasionally anemia, masturbation, neurasthenia, excessive over-work, or chronic poisoning by alcohol, cocaine, lead, arsenic, ergot, etc., may be causes of sterility.
In the female many of the same causes are operative in causing sterility. There is little doubt that, of all causes of sterility in woman, gonorrhoea plays the most important role. The most frequent complications of this
disease in woman are inflammation of the tubes (sa/pingitis) and inflamma tion of the membrane lining the womb (endometritis). In the former condition the Fallopian tubes become the site of a chronic inflammation, usually associated with collections of pus. Here, as in gonorrhoeal epididymitis, the duct for the passage of the seminal elements is obstructed, and the spermatozoa and ova cannot be brought together. The ovaries are also frequently involved in this disease, so that healthy ova are not formed. In gonorrhoeal endometritis, the inner lining membrane of the womb becomes the seat of a chronic inflammation, making it unsuited for the development of a foetus. Conception may take place, but the impregnated ovum finds an unsuitable soil for its development ; and, after a longer or shorter time, it dies. Syphilis in the female is likewise an important cause of sterility. Concep tion very frequently takes place if the father or the mother is syphilitic, but miscarriages and still-born children are very common. In this case the element of incomplete development is very apparent. The syphilitic virus seems to act as a slow poison which destroys the vital powers of the cells, either causing their early death, or so diminishing their resistance that other poisons or diseases are not resisted as effectually as under normal conditions.
Among the rarer causes of sterility in women are endometritis due to abortions, lead-poisoning, the abuse of alcohol or opium, absence of the uterus or of the ovaries, and malformation and malposition of the uterus. Aniemia is a frequent cause of sterility in women ; and grave constitutional diseases, such as tuberculosis, etc., often reduce the ability to conceive. The treat ment is naturally dependent upon the causation of the condition, and should be put in the hands of a duly-qualified medical practitioner. Only the more important and frequent causes are here discussed. There are many others which a qualified practitioner would appreciate ; and in many instances relief may be obtained by proper treatment.