Psychology of sex - Total No. of Records in System :: 2032

PSYCHOLOGY OF SEXthough there is still dispute regarding the best methods,and even the best (sterilization apart), whichever theymay be, are not always reliable. Fortunately birth controlclinics are rising up rapidlyin various countries, and heremay be obtained practical help and advice, to the absenceof which failure is often due among those who possessimperfect knowledge, though even with the best knowledgeit is frequently difficult to maintain invariably thecare necessary for success. It is true that the most ancientand common of all methods of contraception, coitus interruptus,or the method of Onan, requires no appliancesand is practiced without advice; and it is fairly certain.But though not so generally harmful as is sometimes supposed,it is frequently unsatisfactory, for in most men itinvolves undue haste, which isunpleasant for the husbandand apt to be inadequate for the wife who may needsatisfaction afterwards.A common problemis indeed presented by interruptedcoitus. This practice is held by the best authorities to bethe commonest of allmethods of preventive intercourse.It is also no doubt the most ancient and is referred to inthe book of Genesis as being adopted by Onan in orderto avoid conception. Its popularity is due to its simplicity;it requires no forethought or preparation and it costsnothing. But there can be no doubt that, in relation tothe well-being of the nervous system, the practice is sometimesopen to question. It is quite true that in dealingwith a practice so extremely prevalent, it is not enoughto say that it is often found injurious. But it is clear that,in a certain proportion of cases, whether a large or asmall proportion,various minor nervous conditions, indicatingnervous irritability,in the woman, the man, orboth, seem to be traceable to interrupted intercourse. It iseasily intelligible that this should be specially so as regards[288]