In this connection, as indeed in the discussion of the female genital organs generally, we once again meet with the difficulty due to the indefiniteness of the names given to the several parts. Not only do the Greeks constantly make use of the general expression αἰδοία, μόρια (privates, parts), but they likewise employ ὑστέρον and μήτρα (the womb) sometimes as meaning the vagina, sometimes the uterus, though it is true the later Writers like _Galen_[388] designate the vagina ἡ ὑστέρα, the uterus ὁ ὑστέρος, yet without keeping consistently to the distinction. The same applies to the use in Latin of _locus_ (place), _pars_ (part), and _vulva_ (womb), which last word stands for the uterus in _Celsus_, _Pliny_ and most of the later Writers.
Passing over the indefinite expressions _dolores_ (pains), _inflammatio_ or _phlegmoné_ (inflammation) of the genitals, although the treatment prescribed for them clearly implies that very often ulceration was concurrently present, we find the various kinds of ulcers of the female genitals most fully and systematically described by _Aretaeus_,[389] _Paulus Aegineta_ (III. 65-68.) and _Aëtius_[390] following Archigenes, Soranus and Aspasia.[391][392]
_Abscesses_ _Aëtius_ says (loco citato, ch. 110.) occur on the female _labia_; if these extend in the direction of the anus, they must not be opened with the knife, as fistulas are liable to be set up, but there is no fear of this when they extend towards the urethra. The same author (p. 109.) speaks of _pustulae scabrae_ (scabrous, scurfy pustules) in the vagina and orifice of the womb, which throw off bran-like scales, as also (ch. 108.) of _tubercula miliaria_ (miliary tubercles) in the same localities. These may no doubt be recognized by touch, but are better diagnosed by means of the uterine speculum, or _Dioptra_, and _ex coitus affrictu_ (in consequence of friction in coition) interfere with menstruation and conception. Obviously what is here pointed to is the swollen mucous glands, which in our modern practice likewise are frequently observed in gonorrhœal cases. Often the ulcers take a form characterized by _fissures_ (ῥαγάδες, _fissurae_,—fissures, _rimae_,—cracks), particularly at the orifice of the uterus.[393] Sometimes they become callous, at others give rise to morbid outgrowths; as a rule the discharge is a thin watery juice, and pain is felt during coition.[394]