For Women Only A Revolutionary Guide to Overcoming Sexual Dysfunction and Reclaiming Your Sex Life by Jennifer Berman, M.D. and Laura Berman, Ph.D.
Women's
sexuality has long been the stuff of mystery and myth, even to physicians
and specialists. Female sexual and reproductive health was not considered
a major concern of the medical profession, largely because of the attitude
society has held regarding femininity, modesty and privacy.
Today it is becoming alarmingly apparent
that a large percentage of women are not only unhappy sexually, but
uneducated about the functions of their body and unaware of their rights
and expectations when it comes to sexual health and pleasure. There
are many sexual dysfunctions which can be corrected with information,
medication and therapy. Jennifer and Laura Berman are determined to
make sure women understand their bodies, how they work and what they
can do for us as sexual beings.
"For
Women Only" is a collaborative effort for the Berman sisters, Jennifer
as an M.D. And Laura as a Psychology Ph.D. The purpose of the book is
to enlighten, educate and reassure women who are feeling alone, abnormal
or unsure of their sexual selves. The book is a guide to the female
body and a wonderful reference tool for women who need information geared
specifically for their own gender and not lumped in with basic human
medicine.
"We've
found that many women are still influenced by the social taboo that
nice girls shouldn't feel entitled to their own sexual satisfaction."
(pg. 34) That feeling is very pervasive today, but the Bermans also
acknowledge that many women may also suffer from physical barriers to
sexual health and don't know where to turn to get information and proper
treatment.
"In
early 1999, the National Health and Social Life Survey published in
the Journal of the American Medical Association released a report showing
sexual problems to be even more widespread; the survey found that 43
percent of American women, young and old, suffer from some sexual dysfunction-a
significantly higher percentage than that of men, who suffer at a rate
of 31 percent." pg. xiii (Introduction) That is a staggering number,
and it is a daunting task to help that many women to both recognize
and fulfill themselves sexually.
The
book begins with a history of female sexuality from ancient times to
modern. It then moves on to a general but informative description of
the female sexual anatomy and its function. The next topic is the definition
and some causes of female sexual dysfunction followed by different treatment
and therapy options for patients, and what they should be talking to
their doctors about when problems and concerns arise. The last chapters
deal with sexual function throughout the life cycle, the importance
of overall health and exercise to sexual health and techniques to help
improve sexual satisfaction that women can use themselves.
The
Bermans strongly emphasize self help in this area. They make it clear
that women need to seek help and counseling and that a healthy sex life
is an important component of a happy, long and fulfilling life. The
sisters are committed to making this important part of women's health
a mainstream issue and to remove the stigma and shame women sometimes
feel about their bodies and the function of them.
This
is an excellent read and can be recommended to all women, but particularly
any woman who is either unhappy with her sex life, or is experiencing
physical discomfort or pain during sex and therefore, avoiding it. The
Bermans feel that we all owe this to ourselves and are working very
hard to help women recognize and accept this part of their lives comfortably
and happily.
