Page:Contraception; 1st ed. (IA in.ernet.dli.2015.94163).pdf/148

combine two useful results from one action if possible. The assistance in safeguarding or reducing the danger of infection however is a secondary feature of the practice of contraception which may often be necessary in individual cases but which is essentially a separate theme.

In my opinion, where other considerations of disease do not complicate matters, and yet a disinfectant douche is desired, the best disinfectant to use is listerine. Its accessory properties are most valuable, and it can cause no pain or damage even if used stronger than it is ordered. Indeed, undiluted listerine can do no harm.

Much of what is said above applies to the douche, even if only cold water is used. Its chilling effects cause a liability to catarrh, &c., although the water itself has no direct poisonous effect. The frequent presence of cold water where it is not intended to penetrate can hardly be advisable. Nevertheless, as in most douches the object achieved is really achieved by the physical effect of the sluicing and not by the disinfectants at all, cold water by itself is probably quite effective when any douche at all would be effective.