Page:Contraception; 1st ed. (IA in.ernet.dli.2015.94163).pdf/146

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CONTRACEPTION

secretions of the vagina are acid, and such acid naturally disposes of the inoperative sperms. Some women use half and half vinegar and water in which to soak a sponge, which is placed in front of the cervix before coitus, and then douche out with vinegar and water rather more diluted after coitus. The method is a very old one and is widely used.

Lactic acid is a more recent suggestion, and was made a few years ago by a medical man. I have heard it repeated as a suggestion from a variety of quarters but have not yet encountered a case of its practical use by a woman.

(18) Disinfectants of one sort or another in the form of a douche.

A great variety of disinfectants of one sort or another have been advocated as spermaticides. I think they should be considered under two categories, and those which are (or may be in special circumstances) dangerous if used too strong should never be advocated for general use, but should be specially restricted to cases under specific medical treatment. The other group of disinfectants is composed of those which are harmless however strong they may be used. These may be generally advocated when a douche with a disinfectant

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