Part 2
Love between a man and woman and its consummation in marriage and formation of the unit, the family, is the highest expression and development of the primitive sex instinct; it is the only form of expression of the sexual impulse intended by Nature and sanctioned by religion and the social code of morals. Sex, in its spiritualized and purified form of love, has ever been the dominating and controlling factor in the history of the human race. Love has furnished more to the content of the emotional life of human kind than any other emotional force. Love has been at all times the source of inspiration to the greatest creative geniuses of all arts, be it music, literature, drama, pictures, etc. Nothing thrills an average man or woman as much, nothing strikes a vibrating response of a human heart as quickly as an artistically presented romance of love. The only instinct that rivals in intensity the love between man and woman is mother’s love, which is also based on the sex impulse, tho of a wider import. Mother love is, as it were, a continuation of the biological function of sex, a Nature’s provision to protect and to raise the offspring begotten in love.
The power of sex for good or evil in human life is unlimited. A spiritualized sex impulse—love—ennobles the man and renders him responsive to the best and highest sentiments, inspires him to noblest deeds of devotion and self-sacrifice. The sex impulse, not exalted by the divine touch of love, and left unbridled in its primitive form, becomes a destructive and brutalizing force, that not only inflicts the physical punishment of disease and loss of sexual power, but also destroys the best and noblest elements of manhood.
The fact that every man and boy suffering from a venereal disease or a disorder resulting from bad sexual habits feels ashamed, degraded, and deeply disgusted with himself, is due not only to the fear of public disgrace and ridicule, but it is essentially a feeling of guilt against his own physical and moral self.
Besides the emotional sphere, _sex exerts an equally far-reaching influence on the sphere of mentality_. The faculties of intellect and reasoning are not affected directly by the sexual impulse, but indirectly the intellectual capacity is greatly dependent upon sexual characteristics of the man. A man leading a normal sexual life, that is, being continent if he is below the age of full sexual maturity, and, being married, if he is above the age, commands the best conditions of intellectual efficiency. His mind being undisturbed and unshaken by periodical waves of sexual excitement, of casual indulgences and nervous exhaustions following sexual excesses or abuses, remains steadily in a state of perfect repose and continual freshness, which renders him capable of the greatest mental concentration and vigorous sustained mental effort.
In the case of a married man, the state of mental energy and efficiency is still more increased by a powerful incentive and stimulation felt by every normal man to exert his best efforts and to strive to the best of his ability for the welfare and good name of his family. Strange as it may seem to some, the sexual impulse and feeling has had the greatest influence on the development of morals and social ethics. The popular old-time idea that the sexual organs and feeling are something shameful, disgusting, and loathsome is based on a gross ignorance and on a crude, vulgar, and narrow-minded interpretation of the great natural provision. Whatever shameful, immoral, or degrading there may be about the sexual feeling and function is put into it by the ignorant, vicious, and vulgar mental attitude and unclean thoughts of man.
Surely the impulse and organs of the human body, designed by the Great Creator for the highest function of human life—that of transmission of life—cannot be shameful, nor vulgar, nor immoral. The broad and intelligent interpretation of sex raises it above a mere animal instinct, ennobles and purifies it from any element of low and brutal passions, and by instilling in the man a feeling of sacredness and moral obligation on his part towards the future family, renders the sex problem a subject worthy of reverence and earnest study.
THE PHYSIOLOGICAL BASES OF SEX IMPULSE.
For a clear understanding of the natural mechanism by which a sexual impulse is originated, set in motion, and brought to its natural climax—_ejaculation_ (emission of the seminal fluid)—it is necessary to explain briefly the nervous apparatus controlling this sexual function. The main nervous center directly controlling and setting in motion every successive step in the sexual act is located in the lumbar (loin) part of the spinal cord. This is the center of _erection_. This center can operate under certain circumstances spontaneously, without active control of the will or consciousness, but ordinarily it is under full and absolute control of the brain centers forming sexual ideas and impulses. The center of erection can be stimulated or excited either by _impulses from the sexual brain center_, which is by far the most frequent way of the two of forming sexual desire, or it can be stimulated by _impulses from the genital organs_. The most common causes producing erection thru impulses from the genital organs are: a mechanical friction or tickling of the genital organs (intentional, as in self-abuse, or accidental and spontaneous); irritative influences in various diseases of the genital organs; pressure on the nerves by the bladder distended with urine (particularly on awakening in the morning); the seminal vesicles overfilled with seminal fluid, or even the blood congestion caused by lying on the back. All these causes, with the exception of a deliberate masturbation (self-abuse), can produce an erection without active participation of the consciousness or will power: they belong to the realm of subconscious acts, but their intensity never grows sufficiently strong to bring about a natural resolution of the sexual reflex thru the ejaculation of the seminal fluid. The only exception is the sexual irritation produced by the seminal vesicles overdistended with secretion; in this case it comes to a resolution thru a “wet dream,” or night emission. The very fact that a _healthy, normal man never has wet dreams in the daytime in a waking state_ conclusively shows that under normal circumstances a natural sexual feeling is never so intense or imperative as to consider it as a natural necessity, calling for gratification. The _ordinary active state of mind and concentration of attention on the regular pursuits of life is sufficient to keep vague sexual impulses in the realm of the subconscious._ It is only the active participation of mind and the concentration of attention on these impulses that brings them out on the surface of consciousness. Once this vague impulse or idea is perceived by the mind as a sexual idea or emotion, if the will power of the man is not strong enough to push it back again and to submerge the impulse in the realm of the subconscious, the imagination steps in and, by conjuring up various lascivious and sensual images and dreams, stimulates and fans up the flickering light of the original impulse into a mighty, all-devouring, irresistible flame of sexual passion, overpowering all reasoning and self-control of the man. Once it has yielded and has permitted the sexual subconscious impulse into the field of consciousness and attention, the mind becomes less resistent, more sensitive and susceptible to all sexual stimulation, the imagination runs riot, and every sensual impression is not only not resisted, but eagerly sought for. The slightest stimulating impression that leaves a man with normal acting mind perfectly indifferent and cold, or even evokes a feeling of disgust, such as vulgar, indecently-dressed women, suggestive stories, ribald songs, etc., sets such a man on fire and renders him a helpless slave to an animal passion.
And yet how easy it would have been to stem this tide of passion in the beginning, just with the slightest effort of will power, by not allowing these vague impulses to come into the realm of consciousness, and by concentrating the attention on some purposeful occupation or healthy pleasure.
Thus it can be readily seen that the sexual impulse can never spontaneously intrude itself into the consciousness of a man, and that the _sexual desire grows in intensity and becomes overwhelming only with the active participation of the man’s mind and the connivance of his will power._ This fact is of tremendous practical importance for the problem of sexual continence and its solution.
When the mind is clean, and the attention is purposefully occupied, all danger of temptation and sexual missteps is eliminated. The _main center of the sexual desire lies in the brain and in the mind, and not in the body._ No “natural physical necessity” will be felt if one has full control of his mind. _A mere abstinence from the physical act of sexual intercourse does not make a man moral, nor is it physically healthy or worthy of his great effort of self-control._ His mind is torn asunder by a constant internal struggle between wildly-running imagination and will power, his mental repose is disturbed, his mental or physical efficiency is impaired. _There is only one rational, scientifically correct effective way to control a sexual instinct; that is, to control the body by controlling the mind first._ The easiest and most certain manner of obtaining this control of the mind is by keeping the mind busy and engaged by active, purposeful, and healthy interests. These interests by themselves, as it were, automatically, will keep the attention and all the faculties of the mind engaged, and thus in a natural way, without any special effort, the sexual impulses will be kept in the realm of the subconscious, as inner vague feelings, not interfering with the man’s comfort and efficiency nor disturbing his mental repose.
These theoretical contentions are fully borne out by practical observations in regard to the influence of the mind on the sexual instinct.
THE INFLUENCE OF THE MIND ON THE SEXUAL INSTINCT.
Practical experience shows that no other function of the body is so absolutely controlled by the nervous system and more dependent on the state of the mind than the function of sex. All other instincts and functions of the body, like hunger, sleep, digestion, breathing, etc., are controlled to some extent by mind influences. Different feelings and emotions, like fright, worry, sorrow, etc., check and retard all functions for a while, but they cannot retard them for a long time, and surely cannot stop them altogether. How different it is with the sexual impulse. Different mental states can not only subdue the sexual impulse for many, many months, but they can completely check it for an indefinite period of time. The every-day experience of any man will show that when a man’s mind is occupied by any healthy and normal interest, when he is absorbed by mental or physical work, when his energy and attention are used up in a purposeful and productive occupation, no lascivious thought enters his mind, no sexual impulse disturbs his repose. It is only when the mind is idle, and the body did not work off its surplus of energy, that the fancy runs riot and a man is bent on mischief. Take one hundred cases, when a man or boy breaks loose and takes a plunge into the quagmire of prostitution, analyze the circumstances and influences that bring about this misstep, and you will find that in ninety-nine of these hundred cases the hero of this adventure is more of a victim than an active, deliberate perpetrator. Usually it is first a case of overeating rich, stimulating food that heats the blood and clouds clear judgment, the imbibing of sweet wine or alcoholic liquors still more excites and intoxicates our hero; heavy smoking adds its effects to ever-increasing dulling of intellect and checks the normal feeling of self-control and discrimination; vulgar jokes and smutty stories still more stir up sensuality; add to it vicious and stupefying influence of low-grade dancing halls, and as a last and finishing touch, the powerful effect of “gang-spirit”—the hue and cry of the crowd of “boys,” and you will easily see how our hero is swept away like a frail vessel by a mighty tide into the abyss of prostitution. This picture of every-day life plainly shows that under ordinary circumstances boys and men do not get into mischief unless their minds are idle and their judgment is clouded, unless their nerves are high-strung and their senses are inflamed by intoxicating and stimulating influences. This fact carries in itself a very valuable and encouraging lesson to those clean-minded and refined boys who make sincere and earnest efforts to overcome all possible temptations and to carry securely the treasure of their untainted manhood thru the trying and stormy period for a happy family life in the future.
In a nutshell, this lesson reads: Keep your mind busy and your body working; do not overeat; avoid alcoholic and stimulating liquors; be a moderate smoker; avoid vulgar and vicious company; keep away from degrading and low temptations that you know will drag you down into the abyss of vice and shame, and you will find that it is not so hard to keep in the straight path, _if only you do not take any chances from the very start._ There is _no better antidote for a young man against the annoyance of sexual excitement than athletic work and an athletic mode of life._ Any and all physical sports and games, particularly outdoor in the fresh air, moderate eating and sleeping in a hard bed in a cool room, active and busy life and avoidance of narcotic, stimulating or body-weakening habits and drinks will make you physically strong and will render the problem of sexual continence an easy and natural task for a _long period of time_.
Such is in brief words the structure and function of the sexual system of a man, and such are the practical conclusions and advices based on these theoretical facts. It is the writer’s hope that his words of enlightenment and counsel may keep some of the boys away from the “danger zone.” Yet it is natural to expect that in spite of the best warnings and the best intentions of the boys themselves, there will always be such, who, thru lack of will power, light-mindedness, or vicious influences of the older companions, will succumb to the impulse of the moment and will trespass the forbidden territory of “sowing wild oats.”
Mainly for these victims of their own indiscretions the writer devotes the second part of this book—“The Pathology of the Sexual System.” Let them know the dangers they are courting, let them know the possible influence it may have on their own health and the health and happiness of their future family. Should they be unfortunate enough to contract a venereal disease, it is to their own interest to know all the possible complications and developments of these diseases; to prevent, thru intelligent handling of their cases, all the evil consequences and to protect themselves from a damage that so often follows ignorance, neglect, and indifference to the sickness.
Pathology (Diseases) of the Sexual System
Before entering into detailed consideration of the pathology, i. e., diseases of the sexual organs, it should be stated that while the bulk of these diseases is of venereal character—that is, acquired thru some abuse of the sexual function or thru unclean intercourse—there is a large number of diseases that may develop on and affect the sexual organs without any fault or indiscretion on the part of the patient. First, the sexual organs, like any other part of the body, can be the seat of different inflammations, tumors, accidental injuries, etc., and in the case of any grave general sickness the sexual system is naturally involved and suffers to a greater or smaller degree. Second, the sexual organs present very often congenital (inborn) defects of development, varying to an enormous degree in individual cases. There are also several non-venereal acquired diseases. Most of these conditions are practically unknown to the public, and quite often the afflicted victims are terror-stricken and driven to despair thru ignorance of the true nature of their case, laboring under the idea that their condition is due to a venereal infection or some indiscretion on their part. For this reason, we shall briefly consider these conditions.
CONGENITAL (INBORN) NON-VENEREAL DISEASES OF SEXUAL ORGANS.
Among congenital non-venereal abnormal conditions possibly the most common is the _long and tight prepuce_, which in a good many cases gives rise to many nervous complaints and minor disorders. It is relieved usually by operation or _circumcision_, which has been adopted by the Jews and Mohammedans as a religious procedure. As to the sanitary advantages of circumcision, discussed so often, it must be admitted that while it is not necessary in all cases, in general it is undoubtedly a useful procedure. It does not lessen any chances of venereal infection, which can be seen from the fact that the Jews proportionately contract Gonorrhea as often as the Gentiles; but it does undoubtedly lessen the chances of infection with Chancre, soft or hard, and in cases where Chancre is contracted, the treatment in a circumcised case is a good deal easier than in the non-circumcised.
Another congenital abnormality of practical interest is an “_undescended testicle_.” It is not known commonly that the testicles are not formed in the scrotum, that they descend there before the birth of the child from the abdominal cavity. But in some cases the testicle does not descend until later years of childhood, or does not descend at all. In these cases the retention of the testicle takes place either in the abdominal cavity or in the groin (inguinal canal). In this location particularly it is likely to cause pain and distress, and it can even atrophy and dry up from pressure of the tissues, if not relieved by operation.
NON-VENEREAL ACQUIRED DISEASES.
There are a number of non-venereal acquired diseases that may occur on sexual organs. Among these should be mentioned, first, _Varicocele_.
Varicocele is a very common condition in young men, and is manifested by dilation and enlargement of the veins that go thru the earlier described spermatic cord to the testicle. It occurs mostly on the left side, and is felt like a snake-like cord twisted on itself, producing an unpleasant, dragging-down, heavy sensation, and occasionally real _neuralgic pains in the testicles_.
Varicocele is usually a harmless condition, passes away by itself as a man grows older, and, if annoying, can be relieved by a snugly-fitting suspensory bandage.
Another very common condition which occurs in the sexual organs is _Herpes_. Herpes occurs as grouped in a circle, small superficial vesicles or blisters on any part of the sexual organs. It is perfectly harmless and dries by itself in a few days, but it has a peculiar tendency to recur again and again, particularly after an intercourse, even a clean one. The cause of its appearance is to be sought in a certain nervous debility, local or general, but different local conditions, like a long and tight prepuce, predispose a man toward its outbreak.
Herpes very often affects men who have had some venereal disease in the past, particularly Gonorrhea, and naturally those men become very uneasy and worried by breaking out of Herpes, fearing this may be a relapse or some after development of the old disease. It is true, tho, that a man afflicted with herpes is very much predisposed to Chancroidal infection, and as herpes often resembles the beginning of Chancroid, the opinion of a competent physician should be secured to make proper diagnosis.
It is also of practical interest to know that a number of various skin diseases can start from and be limited to the sexual organs, appearing as red spots, patches, warts, etc. These cases, by being mistaken for venereal infection, often give rise to unnecessary worry and wrong treatment.
MASTURBATION (SELF-ABUSE).
Before entering into a consideration of the venereal diseases proper, we shall consider a sexual disorder which is extremely important on account of its widespread character, but the origin of which is just the opposite to venereal diseases, as it is due not to sexual intemperance, but to sexual continence. This disorder is masturbation or self-abuse, and it is rather a sexual vice or bad habit than a disease. Self-abuse is so widespread that some medical writers claim that every man has been masturbating at some time or other in his life. The chief danger of the masturbation habit lies in the fact that its victims are not only adults, but children as well; in fact, children constitute the main bulk of its victims. The habit of masturbation takes its roots ordinarily very early in childhood, even babyhood. It is a well-known fact that babies and small children, in their search for amusement and through innocent curiosity as to different parts of their own body, like to handle their sexual organs. They easily detect a very vague and pleasant sensation resulting from it. This gives them the impulse and stimulation to repeat this action, and thus is formed the first link of the chain of the habit that may prove later to be a curse of the child’s life. This is the reason why mothers should watch any tendency to bad habits in children from a very early age, at the time when the formation of the habit can be checked more easily. Should the child escape the danger of masturbation habit early in life, the second equally dangerous period of temptation is the school time. It is a peculiar and most dangerous feature of the masturbation habit that its victim feels a strong impulse and gloats in a beastly satisfaction if he succeeds in initiating a younger and innocent boy into his habit. This is why one or two vicious boys in a class can demoralize and mislead in their vice the whole class of younger boys. The school age up to adolescence and puberty is the time when the masturbation vice rages in its greatest fury, and then it gradually begins to abate. Getting older, the boys learn in some way, mostly from quack literature, how destructive and dangerous is this habit, and most of them gradually drop it, never to resume. But some of them become so enslaved to the habit that they cannot resist its lure, and this is the class to which mostly belong the adult masturbators. Masturbation has been extensively exploited by the quack medical literature, which claims that the habit inevitably leads to most terrible and destructive diseases, such as paralysis, insanity, tuberculosis, loss of sexual power, etc. These statements are far too sweeping and exaggerated. Discussing the dangers and evil consequences of the masturbation habit, we have to consider separately the effects of it on children on one hand, and on adolescents or adults on the other.
The physical dangers and evils naturally cannot be as serious with the adults as with the children. First, because the adults know its evil effects and use self-control to limit their self-indulgence to the minimum; second, the physical loss of seminal fluid with each ejaculation can be easier and with less danger spared by a grown-up body, as the vitalizing fluid of the sexual glands is not needed so urgently any more for the growth and development of the body, so the damage to an adult from the habit of masturbation is mostly limited to his nervous system and to his mental and moral forces.