5.  Diseases, malformation, etc., may cause impotence.  In case of malformation there is usually no remedy, but in case of disease it is usually within the reach of a skillful physician.

6.  Self-abuse and spermatorrhoea produce usually only temporary impotence and can generally be relieved by carrying out the instructions given elsewhere in this book.

7.  Excessive indulgences often enfeeble the powers and often result in impotence.  Dissipated single men, professional libertines, and married men who are immoderate, often pay the penalty of their violations of the laws of nature, by losing their vital power.  In such cases of excess there may be some temporary relief, but as age advances the effects of such indiscretion will become more and more manifest.

8.  The condition of sterility in man may arise either from a condition of the secretion which deprives it of its fecundating powers or it may spring from a malformation which prevents it reaching the point where fecundation takes place.  The former condition is most common in old age, and is a sequence of venereal disease, or from a change in the structure or functions of the glands.  The latter has its origin in a stricture, or in an injury, or in that condition technically known as hypospadias, or in debility.

9.  It can be safely said that neither self-indulgence nor spermatorrhoea often leads to permanent sterility.

10.  It is sometimes, however, possible, even where there is sterility in the male, providing the secretion is not entirely devoid of life properties on part of the husband, to have children, but these are exceptions.

11.  No man need hesitate about matrimony on account of sterility, unless that condition arises from a permanent and absolute degeneration of his functions.

12.  Impotence from mental and moral causes often takes place.  Persons of highly nervous organization may suffer incapacity in their sexual organs.  The remedy for these difficulties is rest and change of occupation.

13.  REMEDIES IN CASE OF IMPOTENCE ON ACCOUNT OF FORMER PRIVATE DISEASES, OR MASTURBATION, OR OTHER CAUSES.—­First build up the body by taking some good stimulating tonics.  The general health is the most essential feature to be considered, in order to secure restoration of the sexual powers.  Constipation must be carefully avoided.  If the kidneys do not work in good order, some remedy for their restoration must be taken.  Take plenty of out-door excercise avoid horseback riding or heavy exhaustive work.

14.  FOOD AND DRINKS WHICH WEAKEN DESIRE.—­All kinds of food which cause dyspepsia or bring on constipation, diarrhea, or irritate the bowels, alcoholic beverages, or any indigestible compound, has the tendency to weaken the sexual power.  Drunkards and tipplers suffer early loss of vitality.  Beer drinking has a tendency to irritate the stomach and to that extent affects the private organs.