Uterine syringe, England, 1880-1910

Uterine syringe, glass and vulcanite, cased, English, 1880-1910

This syringe was used during the late 1800s to treat uterine diseases. The long syringe was screwed onto the glass barrel containing the liquid and inserted into the vagina. The plunger handle attached to the barrel was pushed down and the medication dispensed internally. It may have treated hysterectomy patients and ailments affecting the reproductive system. A hysterectomy operation removes all, or part of the uterus. This can be a form of birth control, especially in woman who already have children. It can also stop uterine cancer spreading.