Definition

This is a septic infection of the mucous membrane of the urethra. I have some views that are not strictly orthodox in regard to this disease as well as to syphilis; and all I have to offer as proof that my particular views are well founded is that my plan of treatment works, and works better than any other plan of treatment of which I know. If my ideas are wrong in regard to the cause of syphilis and gonorrhea, or any other disease, I want someone to prove to me that I am wrong, by producing a treatment that is as good as mine, or better.

Etiology

It is generally understood that this disease is caused by a germ, gonococcus. As I have stated all specific infections are at the base septic or toxic. Septic inflammation of the urethra is accompanied by the gonococcus. A septic inflammation of Peyer's glands in the bowels develops a typhoid fever, and the character of the septic material is that it is accompanied by the typhoid bacillus. A septic inflammation in the lungs is accompanied by the tuberculous bacillus; etc. etc. The stock-in-trade toxin that accompanies all suppurative inflammations is septic. The location of the disease in the body determines the character of the germ that is found in the necrosed or broken-down tissues and in the excretion and it will never be found in the early stages of any disease.

Symptoms

Gonorrhea starts with a feeling of uneasiness at the meatus, or the mouth of the urethra; perhaps a feeling of itching--just enough to call the attention of the patient to it; and perhaps, on examination, he finds a little discharge. Certainly by the next day the disease will have developed to such an extent that there will be no question about its existence; for, on getting up in the morning, there will be a feeling of discomfort, and, on examination, there will be quite a copious discharge. The patient experiences considerable discomfort in urinating, such as burning or smarting. This discomfort seemingly grows worse every time urine is passed, until the patient is very uncomfortable. Much, however, depends upon the constitutional state of the patient. If he has been living in such a way as to cause a decidedly acid urine, then the smarting, burning, and discomfort in urinating will be more pronounced.

Some cases develop an edematous state of the prepuce or foreskin. It sometimes swells to such an extent that the glans is completely covered, making it very difficult to keep the parts clean. This complication, however, is unnecessary; it is brought about by maltreatment. Any irritating treatment aggravates the symptoms and causes what would be a very light inflammation to develop into a very intense inflammation. Where the swelling is very great, sometimes the circulation is so cut off that there is danger of gangrene.

Treatment

As soon as the disease is discovered, the patient should stop eating, and clear out the bowels by enemas or mineral water. He should put on a belt next to the body; then double a towel and pin it to the belt in front. This is for the purpose of cleanliness, and will prevent any discharge from coming in contact with the underclothing. As soon as the towel is soiled it should be replaced by a clean one. The penis should be bathed in hot water--as hot as can be borne--for from ten to fifteen minutes three times a day. The parts must be kept absolutely clean, even if bathing in hot water is necessary every three hours.

The patient should not eat anything until absolutely comfortable. Then, for the first three days after eating is started, a pint of buttermilk may be given morning, noon, and night. The patient should be instructed to retire early, and the mind must be free from irritations--certainly from lascivious thoughts. A general bath may be taken before retiring at night. Have the water as hot as the body will bear. The patient may stay in this bath for five minutes. Then follow with a quick cold sponge-bath. Follow this with dry rubbing. Where it is possible for the patient to stay in bed, a disease of this kind can usually be gotten rid of in from one to four weeks. If it is impossible to go to bed, the disease will last from three to six weeks. If the patient has hard work to do, this has a tendency to prolong the disease. Riding horseback--any kind of jolting of the body--increases the trouble and has a tendency to prolong the disease. But where the patient can take proper care of himself, there is very little discomfort, and the disease is brought to a successful termination in from four to six weeks. Many cases that I have treated have considered themselves well in two weeks--but not so; they must be cautious about taking the proper care of themselves, for if they indulge in overeating, or indulge sensually in any way, the disease will be reestablished, and a chronic state may develop. The longer any disease runs on, the more difficult it is to cure.

All the time during the treatment of this disease the bowels should be kept open, by enemas, if necessary. After three days of buttermilk as suggested, light eating of fruit and vegetables may be taken for three days more. If there is no irritation developing and perfect comfort is experienced, light regulation eating can begin.

This treatment is so very simple that those who believe in doing something--believe in copious douches, passing gallons of water through the urethra into the bladder--will really think that it is almost no treatment at all; but in the course of a year I see many cases hunting cures who have been treated with copious douches of hot water and permanganate of potash, and the use of other drugs.

Systemic Infection

I have seen gonorrheal rheumatism that was very intractable. This is a disease that resists treatment. I do not know but that this should be a diagnostic symptom. It often follows gonorrheal infection of the testes. Abscesses frequently form, and burrow in such a manner as to make their way into the bladder. I remember a case that I had thirty years ago, where pus would sometimes amount to fifty per cent of the urine passed , and no urine was passed that did not show ten to twenty-five per cent pus. The case had been diagnosed as gonorrheal infection of the left kidney, and an operation for the removal of that organ was recommended when the young man came into my hands. I gave it as my opinion that there was, no need of kidney extirpation. I based that opinion on his general systemic condition, which was altogether too good to have anything seriously wrong with a kidney. I told him that the proper thing for him to do was to be careful about his eating; in fact, I put him on a strict diet. In the course of three years he ceased to have pus in the urine.

This disease is most liable to take on this intense form in those who are most dissipated--alcohol and tobacco users--and those with sensual minds and a disposition to be as lascivious as possible.

In women this disease cannot develop to such an intensity as, in men, because the drainage can be so much more efficient through copious vaginal douches. These douches should free the patient of the disease in half the time necessary in men, but those unfortunate enough to get the disease should be very willing to be extra careful. Sex life certainly should be given up absolutely until perfect health is established. While the disease is at its most acute stage, copious alkaline douches can be used--a dessert spoonful of baking soda in a quart of hot water--two to four times a day, depending upon the amount of discharge.

The suggestions for eating should be the same as for such cases in men. If there is a chronic catarrhal inflammation of the womb, great care should be used in using the douche to keep from forcing the infection into the mouth of the womb. Where this complication is established, there is no telling how far it will go. Intra-uterine infection may pass to the fallopian tubes and bring on infection of the tubes. These cases often have to go to the surgeon or go to bed for about four months.