After his first liaison in Ethiopia (and the only time he’d not used a condom), he had relied on the Allied Army Field Method for “post-exposure prophylaxis,” as it was called in the books: wash with soap and mercury chloride, then squeeze silver proteinate ointment into the urethra and milk it down the length of his shaft. It felt like a penance by the Jesuits. He believed the “prophylaxis” was partly behind the burning sensations that came and went and peaked on some mornings. How many other such time-honored methods out there were just as useless?

From “Cutting for Stone” by Abraham Verghese

Verghese writes with British elegance and comprehensive medical knowledge of the subjects. His keen sensitivity leaves a lasting impression on the reader.  He is a gifted storyteller who depicts scenes with vivid details. This snippet points out the fallacy of numerous therapies that were considered effective over the years. Quite a few sexual adventurers probably contracted venereal diseases because they had relied on the Allied Army Field Method for “post-exposure prophylaxis.” I can only exclaim, ouch! It must have been so painful that soldiers probably practiced abstinence rather than expose themselves to unprotected intercourse.