The Unromantic Reality of Venereal Diseases in the Victorian Era
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The Unromantic Reality of Venereal Diseases in the Victorian Era
The Victorian era was a time of great progress and development, but it was also a time of great suffering. One of the most overlooked aspects of life during this period was the prevalence and devastating effects of venereal diseases. While these diseases were not widely discussed in polite society, they had a profound impact on the lives of many people. In this article, we will explore the unromantic reality of venereal diseases in the Victorian era and how they affected people's lives.
What Were Venereal Diseases?
Venereal diseases (VD) were infections that were spread through sexual contact. These infections included syphilis, gonorrhea, chancroid, and lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV). Syphilis was by far the most common VD during this period, with an estimated one-third to one-half of all adults infected at some point in their lives.
How Did People Contract Venereal Diseases?
In the Victorian era, VD was primarily spread through sexual contact between men and women. However, it could also be spread through other forms of contact such as kissing or sharing utensils or clothing with an infected person. In addition to sexual contact, VD could also be spread through contaminated food or water supplies.
The Social Stigma Surrounding Venereal Diseases
Due to its association with sex and promiscuity, VD carried a heavy social stigma during this period. People who were known to have contracted VD were often ostracized by their peers and even their families. This stigma extended to those who provided medical care for those suffering from VD as well; doctors who treated patients with VD were often viewed as immoral or unethical by their peers.
The Physical Effects Of Venereal Diseases
The physical effects of VD varied depending on which type of infection a person had contracted. Syphilis caused sores on the skin that could become painful if left untreated; it could also cause blindness if left untreated for too long. Gonorrhea caused inflammation in the genitals that could lead to infertility if left untreated; it could also cause joint pain and fever if left untreated for too long. Chancroid caused painful ulcers on the genitals that could become infected if left untreated; it could also cause swollen lymph nodes if left untreated for too long. LGV caused swelling in the lymph nodes that could lead to abscesses if left untreated; it could also cause fever and joint pain if left untreated for too long.
Treatment For Venereal Diseases In The Victorian Era
Treatment for VD during this period was limited due to a lack of understanding about how these infections were spread and how they should be treated effectively. Most treatments involved either mercury or arsenic compounds which had serious side effects such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, skin discoloration, and even death in some cases. As such, many people chose not to seek treatment for their infections due to fear of these side effects or because they simply couldn't afford it due to its costliness at the time.
Conclusion
The unromantic reality of venereal diseases in the Victorian era is one that is often overlooked but had a profound impact on many people's lives at that time. These infections were highly stigmatized due to their association with sex and promiscuity; those who suffered from them often faced ostracism from their peers and families alike due to fear or misunderstanding about how these infections were spread or treated effectively at that time. Despite advances in medical science since then, these infections still remain a serious health concern today; however we now have much better understanding about how they are spread and how they can be treated effectively without causing serious side effects like those seen during this period in history
