The Vagina Bible: The Vulva and the Vagina: Separating the Myth from the Medicine

Dr. Jen Gunter

Citadel Press, Aug 27, 2019 - Health & Fitness - 320 pages

Instant New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller!
Boston Globe bestseller
#1 Canadian Bestseller

OB/GYN, The New York Times columnist, host of the show Jensplaining, and internationally bestselling author Dr. Jen Gunter now delivers the definitive book on vaginal health, answering the questions you’ve always had but were afraid to ask—or couldn’t find the right answers to. She has been called Twitter’s resident gynecologist, the Internet’s OB/GYN, and one of the fiercest advocates for women’s health…and she’s here to give you the straight talk on the topics she knows best.
 
Does eating sugar cause yeast infections?
 
Does pubic hair have a function?
 
Should you have a vulvovaginal care regimen?
 
Will your vagina shrivel up if you go without sex?
 
What’s the truth about the HPV vaccine?
 
So many important questions, so much convincing, confusing, contradictory misinformation! In this age of click bait, pseudoscience, and celebrity-endorsed products, it’s easy to be overwhelmed—whether it’s websites, advice from well-meaning friends, uneducated partners, and even healthcare providers. So how do you separate facts from fiction? OB-GYN Jen Gunter, an expert on women’s health—and the internet’s most popular go-to doc—comes to the rescue with a book that debunks the myths and educates and empowers women. From reproductive health to the impact of antibiotics and probiotics, and the latest trends, including vaginal steaming, vaginal marijuana products, and jade eggs, Gunter takes us on a factual, fun-filled journey. Discover the truth about:

   • The vaginal microbiome
   • Genital hygiene, lubricants, and hormone myths and fallacies 
   • How diet impacts vaginal health
   • Stem cells and the vagina
   • Cosmetic vaginal surgery
   • What changes to expect during pregnancy and after childbirth
   • What changes to expect through menopause
   • How medicine fails women by dismissing symptoms

Plus:

   • Thongs vs. lace: the best underwear for vaginal health
   • How to select a tampon
   • The full glory of the clitoris and the myth of the G Spot
 
. . . And so much more. Whether you’re a twenty-six-year-old worried that her labia are “uncool” or a sixty-six-year-old dealing with painful sex, this comprehensive guide is sure to become a lifelong trusted resource.
 

Contents

• The Vulva: 3
• The Vagina: 13
• Vaginas and Vulvas in Transition: 22
• Female Pleasure and Sex Ed: 29
• Pregnancy and Childbirth: 41
• EVERYDAY PRACTICALITIES AND V MAINTENANCE: 55
• Medical Maintenance: 57
• Food and Vaginal Health: 65
• The Bottom Line on Underwear: 72
• The Lowdown on Lube: 77
• Kegel Exercises: 83
• SKIN CARE AND CLEANSING: 91
• Soaps Cleansers and Wipes: 93
• Douches Steams Sprays and Potpourri: 101
• Hair Removal and Grooming: 107
• Moisturizers Barriers and Bath Products: 119
• MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS AND MYTHOLOGY: 129
• The Truth About Toxic Shock Syndrome: 131
• Are There Toxins in Tampons and Pads?: 139
• Menstrual Hygiene: 143
• MENOPAUSE: 157
• Menopause: 159
• Treating GSM: 169
• MEDICATIONS AND INTERVENTIONS: 181
• Cannabis: 183
• Contraception: 189
• Antibiotics and Probiotics: 195
• Cosmetic Procedures Injections and Rejuvenation: 204
• SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS STIS: 213
• General STI Information: 215
• STI Prevention: 223
• The Human Papilloma Virus HPV: 234
• Herpes HSV: 244
• Gonorrhea and Chlamydia: 251
• Trichomoniasis: 257
• Pubic Lice: 264
• CONDITIONS: 269
• Yeast: 271
• Bacterial Vaginosis: 281
• Vulvodynia: 289
• Pelvic Floor Spasm and Vaginismus: 297
• Skin Conditions: 305
• UTIs and Bladder Pain Syndrome: 313
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse: 320
• Communicating with Your Provider: 327
• Medicine Cabinet Rehab: 373
• Journal of Old Wives Tales: 384
• References: 393
• Acknowledgments: 405

About the author

Dr. Jen Gunter is an internationally bestselling author, obstetrician, and gynecologist with more than three decades of experience as a vulvar and vaginal diseases expert. Considered "the world's most famous—and outspoken—gynecologist" (The Guardian), her New York Times and USA Today bestselling books, The Vagina Bible and The Menopause Manifesto, have been translated into 25 languages. She is the host of Jensplaining, a CBC/Amazon Prime video series that highlights the impact of medical misinformation on women, and the recipient of the 2020 NAMS Media Award from The North American Menopause Society. Her 2020 TED Talk, “Why Can’t We Talk About Periods?” received more than two million views in its first six months, leading to the launch of her popular podcast on the TED Audio Collective, “Body Stuff with Dr. Jen Gunter.” Originally from Winnipeg, Canada, she lives in Northern California and can be found online at DrJenGunter.com.

Bibliographic information

• Title: The Vagina Bible: The Vulva and the Vagina: Separating the Myth from the Medicine
• Author: Dr. Jen Gunter
• Edition: illustrated
• Publisher: Citadel Press, 2019
• ISBN: 0806539356, 9780806539355
• Length: 320 pages
• Subjects: Health & Fitness / Women's Health; Medical / Evidence-Based Medicine; Medical / Gynecology & Obstetrics