ociated with an
ulcer of the prostate involving the ejaculatory ducts, or an
inflammatory condition of all the tissues compressed by the ejaculatory
muscles.
Hendrichsen quotes a case in which a spasmodic contraction of the
levator ani occurred during coitus, and the penis could not be
withdrawn while this condition lasted; and in support of this
circumstance Hendrichsen mentions that Marion Sims, Beigel, and Budin
describe spasmodic contractions of the levator and, constricting the
vagina; he also cites an instance under his personal observation in
which this spasm was excited by both vaginal and rectal examination,
although on the following day no such condition could be produced. In
this connection, among the older writers, Borellus gives the history of
a man who before coitus rubbed his virile member with musk, and,
similar to the connection of a dog and bitch, was held fast in his
wife's vagina; it was only after the injection of great quantities of
water to soften the parts that separation was obtained. Diemerbroeck
confirms this singular property of musk by an analogous observation, in
which the ludicrous method of throwing cold water on the persons was
practised. Schurig also relates the history of a similar instance.
Among the peculiar effects of coitus is its deteriorating effect on the
healing process of wounds. Boerhaave, Pare, and Fabricius Hildanus all
speak of this untoward effect of venery, and in modern times Poncet has
made observations at a hospital in Lyons which prove that during the
process of healing wounds are unduly and harmfully influenced by
coitus, and cites confirmatory instances. Poncet also remarks that he
found on nine occasions, by placing a thermometer in the rectum, that
the temperature was about 1 degrees F. lower just before than after
coitus, and that during the act the temperature gradually rose above
normal.
There are many associate conditions which, under the exciting influence
of coitus, provoke harmful effects and even a fatal issue. Deguise
mentions a man who had coitus 18 times in ten hours with most
disastrous effects. Cabrolius speaks of a man who took a potion of
aphrodisiac properties, in which, among other things, he put an
enormous dose of cantharides. The anticipation of the effect of his
dose, that is, the mental influence, in addition to the actual
therapeutic effect, greatly distressed and excited him. Almost beyond
belief, it is said that he approached his
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