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The Curious History of “Hysterical Paroxysm”: A Medical Practice of the 19th Century

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Questionable Medical Procedures: Risks and Ethics In the annals of medical history, there are practices that now seem outlandish or even unethical. One such practice involves the treatment of women diagnosed with “hysteria” in the 19th and early 20th centuries. During this period, doctors frequently induced orgasms — referred to as “hysterical paroxysms” — in female patients as a treatment for this condition. This article delves into the historical context, the procedures used, and the eventual cessation of this practice. The concept of hysteria dates back to ancient Greece, with Hippocrates describing it as a condition originating from the uterus. By the 19th century, hysteria was a catch-all diagnosis for a range of symptoms, including anxiety, insomnia, irritability, nervousness, and even fainting. It was predominantly diagnosed in women and was believed to be caused by a dysfunction of the female reproductive organs. Doctors in the 19t...

What does ringing in the ears mean?

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Ringing in the ears, medically known as  tinnitus , is when you experience noise or ringing in one or both of your ears.  The noise you hear isn’t caused by an external sound, and other people usually can’t hear it   It can manifest as various sounds such as ringing, buzzing, hissing, humming, or whistling, and can range from soft to loud Tinnitus is often a symptom rather than a condition itself. It can result from several causes, including: Ear damage  or exposure to loud noises Earwax buildup Medications Health conditions  like diabetes or head injuries Ear disorders Treatment for tinnitus depends on the underlying cause. Addressing the health problem causing the tinnitus is often the first step.  If the ringing persists, the goal is to manage it and reduce its impact on your quality of life  If you’re experiencing persistent ringing in your ears, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. To treat ...