Many narcotic substances have also been used. We have related a case where thridace has succeeded. Belladonna also might be useful. In a patient mentioned by Serrurier, opium seems to have exasperated the complaint. Davila however thinks that opiates have been prescribed with success: but he dreads the constipation which they generally cause. Other remedies as the mineral acids, phosphoric lemonade, lime water, some preparations of lead, magnesia, ipecac, &c. have been used. Might not advantage be derived from the use of balsam copaiva and pulverized cubebs in some cases of spermatorrhœa.
We have already made some remarks on regimen, when speaking of the mode of avoiding or calming the venereal sense, and our rules for restoring individuals exhausted by onanism, will be stated hereafter.
The object of the treatment stated is to remedy the disease, caused by the loss of semen. A mode has been proposed by Wender to prevent this physically; this consists in the compression of the canal of the urethra: it is accomplished by means of a pair of forceps made of flexible wood, six to seven inches long, and from twelve to eighteen lines thick. This forceps is used by passing the penis between its two branches, one being above, and the other below; the two extremities are then tied with a cord. In this manner the penis is compressed and slightly confined; which is sufficient, says Wender, to remove all voluptuous sensation from this part, and to arrest the pollution. He has given the details of a case obtained by these means, and by the proper administration of tonics.
Wender’s forceps may have several inconveniences, and may frequently fail of the proposed end. But has it not been too much ridiculed, and is it not susceptible of improvement? Serrurier thinks that the idea may be turned to advantage, and Reveillé Pariset assures us that he has used it twice in cases of pollution, and with success. (Revue. Med., April, 1828, p. 94.)
Having mentioned the course to pursue in order to reach the seat of the disease, that is, the voluntary and involuntary pollutions, let us now speak of their effects. One of two things must happen; either these pollutions pursue their work, or finally the economy becomes insensible to their action. The first supposition is that least favorable to success: the physician prescribes for effects while the cause continues to act; he doctors, as it is called, for symptoms; and it is the same as if one should attempt to cure gastritis or pleuritis, without attending to the pleura or stomach. This, however, is no reason for abstaining completely from treatment. We may also sometimes retard the progress of the disease, or calm any painful and disquieting symptom. The physician has a much better prospect of success, when there is no longer a habit to destroy the health, and when no pollutions occur. We shall not attempt in this place to give the treatment proper for the different diseases which may be produced by onanism. Myelitis, dementia, amaurosis, epilepsy, &c., &c., whether caused by onanism or not, require special remedies, which are stated in works which treat of these affections. We would remark, however, that when these diseases are caused by onanism, it is perfectly futile for the physician to attempt to treat the disease, unless the habit of self pollution be arrested. In this place we will only mention that consumption, that exhaustion, in fact, that deterioration, which we have described in the third chapter of our first part.
Onanistic deterioration presents two very distinct phenomena: 1st, the consumption of the strength; 2d, the excitement of the senses. Thus, then, to restore the strength without increasing, and even, if possible, to diminish the general disposition to receive impressions, are the two indications to be fulfilled.
But before commencing, it is well to remember that this cannot be done in a few days. A disease which is gradual in its appearance is removed in the same manner. The physician who would attempt to hurry it by employing active remedies, would soon exhaust the system.
The best mode of reparation is found in diet: the body must be recruited by food, and inasmuch as only those things are nutritious which are digested, the first rule to be observed is, that all the conditions of good digestion are properly observed. Inasmuch as these conditions present nothing special in respect to onanists, we shall be very brief, referring to our previous remarks on this subject. It must first be considered, that in patients accustomed to onanism the digestive functions are always deranged, or are liable to be so.
The slightest error in diet may aggravate this state considerably; which is, in itself, an evil, and may add to the trouble of cure. Hence, if the rules of a good regimen should always be vigorously observed, this necessity is still more imperious when patients indulge in onanism.
Every article of food which is difficult to digest should be forbidden, and among articles which can be digested, those should be selected which contain the most nourishment, and are the least exciting. Thus condiments, which are but slightly nutritious, and are very exciting, ought never to be used, unless they are indispensably necessary to digestion, and then only in very small quantities. Milk is very nutritious, and does not excite; it should therefore be preferred by all those who are exhausted. If cow’s milk be found difficult of digestion, asses’ milk and that of woman has been recommended. But if this article be difficult of digestion, it should be prohibited, for then it is injurious. The flesh of young animals, particularly veal and poultry, is good; but beef and mutton is still better, for they contain more nutritious matter in a smaller compass. These articles, when roasted or broiled, are better than when boiled. Fresh fish is generally a suitable article of food: we allude to those kinds which are easily digested, as shad, perch, &c. Soups, especially those of beef, turtle, and the different broths, should always, in order to be digested, be mingled with solid articles of food, and should even take their place, if these latter cannot be digested.