It is well for the reader to understand and be able to draw an intelligent distinction between Impotencv and Sterility. (Sterility is referred to in Genesis, 29 Chap., 30-31 Vrs.)
Sterility, strictly speaking, is a quality or state of being Sterile or Barren, which means unproductiveness or unfruitfulness, which, in itself, means want or absence of power of producing young. This also implies incapacity to procreate. Impotency in itself means physical inability by a man or woman for copulation, and “ Incurable impotence,” at the time of marriage, may be pleaded as a reason for nullity, for, one who is deficient in sexual activity, is weak, feeble and destitute of power to have normal copulation. Consequently an impotent man is an undesirable owing to his inability to properly perform his duties as a husband.
Sterility, as stated above, is present even though the man has sexual force enough to perform the act of copulation. However, his seed has no life or strength, consequently it produces barrenness.
Impotency has its direct cause and origin in excesses or self-defilement, and if it happens that the facts of this horrible and debasing practice have not been manifested, by producing any abnormal condition of health or disease in the body of the one who has become its victim, Impotence is nevertheless present, for this disease consists of a deficiency of vital power, involuntary or delayed emissions, and also impoverished condition of the semen. There is also a deficiency of venereal desire owing to the nervous and weakened condition of the entire system. Of course it is to be understood and known that excesses will also bring about and cause impotence not alone in man but also in the female.