Sex efficiency through exercises : special physical culture for women / by Th. H. van de Velde ; [photos, by E. Steinemann].
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logical disorders and diseases, as well as on some of the symptoms which trouble women during the change of life. And we may unhesitatingly include these benefits as further recommendations. The exact mechanism here, will be treated of later. The significance of pelvic exercises for the reproductive functions of women is therefore great and manifold. And this form of physical culture helps women further in their whole bodily organism, and in their whole individuality, by increase of health and by justified pride and pleasure in such health and efficiency, both human and specifically sexual. Two further related aspects of pelvic exercises must be considered before passing on to an exact statement of methods. First and foremost, it is certain that any and every pelvic exercise is not equally and wholly suitable for any and every age and stage of reproductive growth. What is useful and beneficial in one set of circumstances may do positive harm in another. We shall deal with this difference in greater detail. A further psychological difficulty arises, though many people will not find it in any way a difficulty or a problem. Should young girls be informed of the importance and significance of certain pelvic exercises for future coitus, when they are instructed in the exercises ? It is quite certain that all gymnastic exercises have the best prospects of success if and when the gymnast understands quite clearly, not only what she is doing, but also why. Nevertheless, at the risk of seeming hopelessly old-fashioned, the author would not advise such detailed and explicit information to young girls. He is deeply convinced that it is in the interests of women themselves, and for their welfare and protection, if their sexual experience takes place within marriage; and he is certain that anyone, man or woman, who has not normal, responsible and socially recognised opportunity for sexual experience, should refrain from letting the mind dwell on the