640 PLAIN FACTS FOR OLD AND YOUNG 



this kind, and while a trace of seminal fluid has been 

 frequently found, we have been able to assure most of 

 these patients that the discharge which they supposed 

 to be seminal in character, and which had given rise 

 to the gravest apprehensions, was really wholly of a 

 catarrhal nature, and only significant as indicating a 

 diseased condition of some portion of the urinary or 

 genital passages. 



These discharges should not be looked upon, how- 

 ever, as insignificant, and not worthy of attention, as 

 they are always indicative of disease. The nature of 

 the disease presents as various forms as do the dis- 

 charges themselves. Several varieties are observed, 

 which may be enumerated as follows: 



1. The most common of all discharges of this kind 

 is a clear, viscid secretion, much resembling the white 

 of an egg, which escapes from the orifice of the urethra 

 either before or after urination, or after an erection, 

 following some degree of sexual excitement. This 

 discharge is from the small glands located in the pros- 

 tatic urethra, and is a perfectly natural secretion. Too 

 great an amount, however, indicates abnormal irri- 

 tability of the membrane of the locality from which it 

 comes, and hence is deserving of attention, 



2. An opaque mucous secretion which is formed in 

 the seminal vesicles. This secretion may be either due 

 to catarrh of the parts named, or may be a natural 

 secretion squeezed out by the pressure of hardened 

 feces in the act of moving the bowels. A similar dis- 

 charge, noticed after urinating and after a movement 

 of the bowels, may be the result of a chronic irritation 

 or inflammation of some portion of the urethral canal, 

 and in such a case requires thorough and careful treat- 

 ment. 



