SYMPTOMS.--As the disease first commences to manifest itself, the patient
notices a slight itching at the point of the the {467} male organ, which is
shortly followed by a tingling or smarting sensation, especially on making
water. This is on account of the inflammation, which now gradually extends
backward, until the whole canal is involved. The orifice of the urethra is
now noticed to be swollen and reddened, and on inspection a slight
discharge will be found to be present. And if the penis is pressed between
the finger and thumb, matter or pus exudes. As the inflammatory stage
commences, the formation of pus is increased, which changes from a thin to
a thick yellow color, accompanied by a severe scalding on making water. The
inflammation increases up to the fifth day, often causing such pain, on
urinating, that the patient is tortured severely. When the disease reaches
its height, the erections become somewhat painful, when the discharge may
be streaked with blood.