Many of the means used to prevent conception are injurious, and often lay the foundation for a train of physical ailments. Probably no one means is more serious in its results than the practice of withdrawal, or the discharge of the semen externally to the vagina.
The act is incomplete and unnatural, and is followed by results similar to and as disastrous as those consequent upon masturbation. In the male it may result in impotence, in the female in sterility. In both sexes many nervous symptoms are produced, such as headache, defective vision, dyspepsia, insomnia, loss of memory, etc. Very many cases of uterine diseases can be attributed solely to this practice.
The objection to the use of the syringe is that if the sperm has passed into the uterus the fluid cannot reach it. A cold fluid may in some instances produce contractions to throw it off, but cannot be relied upon. Drugs that are used to destroy the germ are usually injurious, and cannot accomplish the purpose beyond the vagina.
A theory has been advanced that conception is under the control of the woman’s will; that by avoiding the last thrill of passion herself, during coition, she can prevent the ovules being displaced to meet the male germs. This is, however, inconsistent with the teaching that ovulation is coincident with menstruation.
By some also a theory called sedular absorption is advanced. In this, intercourse is had without culmination. No discharge is allowed. People practicing this method claim the highest possible enjoyment, no loss of vitality, and perfect control of the fecundating power.
When men and women learn that the procreative function is the highest function of their nature, and consequently that passion instead of dominating their lives should be under the reign of reason, then may we hope for a wiser, happier and purer race of beings. Wiser parenthood and intelligent generation is the surest regeneration.
In answer to inquiries for knowledge upon pre-natal culture, we refer to A. E. Newton’s estimable work upon this subject. At first we were jealous that such a needed work was not written by a woman, but we have become thankful that that man lives whose heart is in sympathy with the needs of the race, and was inspired to give us such words of wisdom. He teaches us that we may take the crude metal, fashion and burnish it into a thing of beauty.
He directs the attention especially to the truth that the father’s responsibility to the child is equal to the mother’s. That his life must be pure, his appetites subservient, and his soul filled with high aspirations. To attain to such a life he must avoid stimulating food and drink, as well as tobacco.
Few realize the ill effects of the latter, especially upon the pregnant woman, the fetus and the infant. In the mother the sick headaches, nausea, and many nervous ailments of pregnancy are directly attributable to the effect of tobacco smoke which she must inhale.
The child in utero and in the cradle, is also poisoned by it. Chorea, paralysis, heart disease, convulsions, and many other maladies are the result of the father’s tobacco habit.