SYMPTOMS.--As the disease first commences to manifest itself, the
patient notices a slight itching at the point of the 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.