Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society The Horrible History of Gonorrhoea
Apr 1, 2025
In this discussion, Cat Irving, a Human Remains Conservator at Surgeons’ Hall in Edinburgh and an expert on disease history, sheds light on the intriguing past of gonorrhoea. She reveals the odd and often toxic treatments used throughout history, from mercury to silver. The conversation delves into the societal stigmas faced, particularly by women, and the alarming rise in antibiotic resistance today. Cat also connects historical contexts to modern challenges in STD awareness, emphasizing the crucial need for responsible sexual health practices.
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Biblical Gonorrhea?
- Gonorrhea may be mentioned in the Bible, referring to a "running issue."
- This "running issue" aligns with a symptom of gonorrhea in men: pus discharge from the penis.
Flow of Seed
- The term "gonorrhea" comes from Galen, a doctor from around 200 AD.
- It means "flow of seed," describing the pus discharge associated with the infection.
Gonorrhea in Women
- Women experience less obvious gonorrhea symptoms than men.
- These can include pain during sex, abdominal pain, and difficulty urinating, potentially leading to pelvic inflammatory disease.