A curve of the penis is sometimes an obstruction to connubial intercourse; this arises from adhesion or obliteration of the cells of the Corpora Cavernosa on one side only, preventing the uniform flow of blood into those structures, and consequently the equal distention of the penis. The curve is of course laterally, and occasions in the act of coition pain to both parties, or the power of penetration is insufficient. Occasionally this malformation is only temporary, and consequently remediable.
Franck gives an instance in which so considerable a portion of the penis had been carried away by a musket-shot, that when the wound healed, the organ remained curved, and yet proved adequate to the performance of its functions.
An opinion formerly prevailed, that the existence of the testes was unnecessary for effective copulation; but that is no longer a point of dispute: their absence, whether natural or artificial, invariably rendering the invalid unfruitful. It is not, however, to be inferred, that a person is impotent in whom no testicles are discovered in the scrotum, instances occurring where they do not descend from the abdomen (their embryotic abode) through the whole period of life. One testicle, provided it be sound, is sufficient for procreation. Complete extirpation of the testes, although destructive of procreative powers, does not extinguish venereal desire. Where the genital organs exist, but are malformed, or pathologically altered, their virility may be nullified.
The most frequent malformation is in the urethra, which sometimes opens in the perinœum—the part marked a in the annexed cut; at others, on the dorsum of the penis, and not unfrequently under its surface: so long, however, as the orifice opens in that portion of the penis which enters the vagina, so that the emissio seminis may be therein deposited, impregnation may and will take place; and even in cases where artificial means have been employed to convey the fluid.
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A contracted state of the prepuce, its adherence to the glans, or that condition of it termed phymosis, form impediments to the emission of the semen which can only be removed by an operation; and if that be neglected, the evil continues through life.
Among the diseases which occasion sterility in the male, those affecting the penis and those incident to the testicles may be enumerated. With regard to the former, there often exists an excess or deficiency of muscular or nervous energy, inducing priapism or permanent erection in some instances, or paralysis or permanent flaccidity in others. In priapism, the erection is so vigorous, and all the parts so distended, that the semen can not pass into the urethra; while in paralysis, from some inaptitude of nervous or muscular powers of the genital organs, the corpora cavernosa receive but a limited supply of blood, insufficient to create erection, or provoke a seminal discharge.
Strictures of the urethra are among the barriers to sexual intercourse; but happily, only in extreme cases, where the urethra is all but closed, so as to oppose the passing of the finest bougie.
The testicle is subject to a variety of diseases, wherein such a relaxation or obliteration of its structure ensues, that the seminal fluid is no longer formed: and where both testicles are alike affected, sexual desire is most usually wholly extinguished—the smallest portion, however, of either gland remaining uninjured, may still be capable of secreting semen sufficient for impregnation.