HF01-13 VENEREAL DISEASE AND THE BATTLEFIELD: FROM AMERICA'S FIRST CULTURAL EXPORT TO MILITARY RUN BROTHELS

Abstract

You have accessJournal of UrologyHistory of Urology Forum I (HF01)1 Sep 2021HF01-13 VENEREAL DISEASE AND THE BATTLEFIELD: FROM AMERICA'S FIRST CULTURAL EXPORT TO MILITARY RUN BROTHELS Adam Russon, Kyle Waisanen, Ronald Rabinowitz, and Kevin Pranikoff Adam RussonAdam Russon More articles by this author , Kyle WaisanenKyle Waisanen More articles by this author , Ronald RabinowitzRonald Rabinowitz More articles by this author , and Kevin PranikoffKevin Pranikoff More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000001992.13AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: To present the history of venereal disease during America's wars and the way its rampant spread shaped US armed forces and military medicine. METHODS: In-depth review of public and government records on the history, prevention, epidemiology, treatment, military, and economic impact of venereal disease during American wars. Literature review via PubMed was implemented to gain access to journal articles, texts, and personal histories detailing efforts from clinical and scientific perspectives. Archival materials were utilized from the William P. Didusch Center for Urologic History and the National Museum of Health and Medicine. RESULTS: The rampant spread of venereal disease has long been associated with war; from Columbus’ crews returning to the old world carrying new and virulent strains of the disease, to World War II when sulfanilamide then penicillin revolutionized not only the method, but by whom the disease would be diagnosed and treated. We outline the fascinating history that follows the trail of the disease over the course of America's wars. We present not only the epidemiology within US troops of syphilis and gonorrhea (at one point considered to be the same disease), but the progression of treatment, prevention, and economical impact of the widespread affliction. The Revolutionary, Civil, and World Wars I and II, all were dramatically impacted by venereal disease and the leadership responsible for the American soldier became more and more creative with prevention and treatment. If the military sponsored brothels didn’t keep them safe, perhaps the first army produced film could urge the young men to remain “Fit to Fight.” The additional threat of lost wages or sharp excision of lesions provided additional impetus to avoid VD. Physicians such as Hugh Hampton Young, the father of modern urology, were responsible for the dramatic decrease in cases during World War I. The advent of penicillin during World War II resulted in the transfer of the treatment of VD from urologists to internal medicine. With hands free and much more time available, military urologists transitioned to their more surgical role as seen today. CONCLUSIONS: While it is important to learn about the impact that war and military medicine had on venereal disease over the history of America's wars, it is arguably more so to learn of the impact that VD had on military campaigns, military medicine, and public health throughout the decades. Source of Funding: None © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e232-e232 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Adam Russon More articles by this author Kyle Waisanen More articles by this author Ronald Rabinowitz More articles by this author Kevin Pranikoff More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...