Page:Contraception; 1st ed. (IA in.ernet.dli.2015.94163).pdf/145

cold water is in itself sufficient to destroy the activity of the sperm, and that only the safest and most harmless solutions should be advised for use by the ordinary uneducated woman. In particular, only solutions should be advised, which if absorbed (as they undoubtedly partially will be) by the vaginal walls, will do .no harm to the system. Common salt, diluted vinegar, weak alum and water are all quite sufficient for the purpose if a douche is demanded.

Bearing in mind the disadvantages and drawbacks of douching at all, if a douche is still desired, one of the best things is a solution of common salt. It may be made twice or three times "normal" strength with the specially prepared tablets, but common "kitchen" salt is quite good enough. A tablespoonful to a quart jug dissolves quickly and makes a cheap douche which is quite as effective as any other.

(15) Vinegar or acetic acid in water, or lactic or citric acid in water have some uses, and are liked and trusted by some women. They are in line with "nature," both because they can be safely absorbed into the system as they are safely consumed as articles of "food," and also because the natural