234 PLAIN FACTS FOR OLD AND YOUNG 



This principle is especially applicable to sexual rela- 

 tions. 



In males, one of the most general physical causes 

 of sexual excitement is constipation. The vesicula 

 seminalis, in which the seminal fluid is stored, is situ- 

 ated, as will be remembered, at the base of the bladder. 

 It thus has the bladder in front and the rectum behind. 

 In constipation, the rectum becomes distended with 

 feces— etfete matter which should have been promptly 

 evacuated, instead of being allowed to accumulate. 

 This hardened mass presses upon the parts most inti- 

 mately concerned in the sexual act, causing excessive 

 local excitement. When this condition is chronic, as 

 in habitual constipation, the unnatural excitement often 

 leads to most serious results. One of these is the pro- 

 duction of a horrible disease, satyriasis, the nature of 

 which has been previously indicated. 



Constipation in females has the same tendency, 

 though the dangers are not quite so great. The irrita- 

 tion is sufficient, however, to lead to excitement of the 

 passions. 



Intestinal worms often produce the same result in 

 children. 



Local uncleanliness is another very frequent cause 

 which is often overlooked. The natural local secre- 

 tions quickly become a source of great irritation if not 

 removed by daily washing. Certain anatomical pecul- 

 iarities sometimes exist in the male, which greatly 

 aggravate this difficulty, and for which circumcision, 

 or an equivalent operation, is the remedy. 



Irritation of the bladder, producing incontinence of 

 urine, is another enemy to chastity. It should receive 

 prompt attention and treatment. In children, this irri- 

 tability is indicated by wetting of the bed at night. In 



