Scan barcode
seherina's review
funny
informative
medium-paced
4.75
As a desi woman and a member of several Facebook groups, I’ve heard all the horror stories about gynaecologists.
That being said, I live in a world where my doctor asks me if I’m married or not to check if I’m sexually active (a day ago) and I definitely cannot say vagina out loud! And there are a hundred things I’m too hesitant to ask questions about. I’m also leaving all my over-sharing in my notes app, so you guys aren’t subjected to it.
While Dr. Williams is engaging, I don’t feel like she’s trying to infantilise me. She didn’t shy away from explaining basic medical terms to us that make me feel less stupid now. It’s also incredibly informative because while we all get told to love ourselves and take a look down there, this is the first time I’ve actually been told what I’m looking for. Like what’s an actual thing I should take note of.
Of course, there are the usual things we go over again ( please don’t ever douche, or wear a thong for longer than three hours), there are some really beautiful facts about the body. Did you know that the vagina can be heart-shaped on inside? And thats normal?!
I learned a lot from this book and will probably pick it up again in the future just to calm myself down or figure out what questions I should ask my doctor. I fully recommend this book and putting this down as a 5 star read!
That being said, I live in a world where my doctor asks me if I’m married or not to check if I’m sexually active (a day ago) and I definitely cannot say vagina out loud! And there are a hundred things I’m too hesitant to ask questions about. I’m also leaving all my over-sharing in my notes app, so you guys aren’t subjected to it.
While Dr. Williams is engaging, I don’t feel like she’s trying to infantilise me. She didn’t shy away from explaining basic medical terms to us that make me feel less stupid now. It’s also incredibly informative because while we all get told to love ourselves and take a look down there, this is the first time I’ve actually been told what I’m looking for. Like what’s an actual thing I should take note of.
Of course, there are the usual things we go over again ( please don’t ever douche, or wear a thong for longer than three hours), there are some really beautiful facts about the body. Did you know that the vagina can be heart-shaped on inside? And thats normal?!
I learned a lot from this book and will probably pick it up again in the future just to calm myself down or figure out what questions I should ask my doctor. I fully recommend this book and putting this down as a 5 star read!
alex_youre's review
3.0
ARC provided by publisher
I find this book to be super helpful in a general sense. There aren't many easy-to-understand informational sources for vaginal health, especially resources that are all encompassing. This book walks you through 1) vaginal anatomy, 2) the history associated with vaginal remedies, general care, and associated terms, 3) common misconceptions about vaginal health, 4) exploring yourself and deserving pleasure, 5) giving birth, 6) using sex toys, 7) common issues that come up, and so much more.
(edit: I would like to add that a lot of this information was not new to me, but I would suggest that those new to understanding their own anatomy read this book. For those interested in learning more about vaginal pleasure, check out website OMGYes.)
I find this book to be super helpful in a general sense. There aren't many easy-to-understand informational sources for vaginal health, especially resources that are all encompassing. This book walks you through 1) vaginal anatomy, 2) the history associated with vaginal remedies, general care, and associated terms, 3) common misconceptions about vaginal health, 4) exploring yourself and deserving pleasure, 5) giving birth, 6) using sex toys, 7) common issues that come up, and so much more.
(edit: I would like to add that a lot of this information was not new to me, but I would suggest that those new to understanding their own anatomy read this book. For those interested in learning more about vaginal pleasure, check out website OMGYes.)
sara_m_martins's review
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
Dr Williams provides a lot of good scientific facts and informative graphics, so you really get a Vagina 101 session in this book! There was a really important discussion on racism towards the end of the book (rec just for that), and throughout Dr Williams does not shy away from difficult topics such as abuse or FGM.
Something that struck me several times was the stark differences on what i know goes in maternity wards in my country (Portugal) and what Dr Williams describes - does the US got PT beat regarding obstetric care? mayhaps
There was clearly an attempt at inclusion of non-straight and non-cis experiences, which i appreciated, but this was still made mostly for a cis/straight audience. I really think a sensitivity reader would’ve elevated it: !especially! a trans one (i really hope “transgenderED” did not make it to final copy. cannot stress this enough). I read this back to back with Let’s Talk About Down There by Dr J Lincoln, and while it has other flaws, it was exquisite regarding LGBTQ+ inclusivity. But, I still highly recommend reading this one too.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.
abookedbear's review
5.0
Thank you to Net Galley for providing me with a an e-copy of this book in exchange of an honest review. "This is How You Vagina" by Dr. Nicole Williams is a book the vagina-owning population truly needed, for quite some time now actually. Themes from Menstruation, Menopause and Giving Birth through Discharge and Vagina Care all the way to the numerous names which people use instead of 'vagina', Orgasm and Toys are discussed, which leads me to believe that this is a perfect book for anyone who wants to embrace their vagina. With her uniquely mature yet funny writing style, Dr. Nicole Williams presents all things vagina in a very truthful and raw way. As a vagina-owner, I have been in situations, which made me think about the importance of the vagina and how having one changes everything for you (especially that time last year, when I still worked as a receptionist, a very wealthy-looking man came to the reception desk and asked me if I was "bleeding", and if yes, asked me to find him someone else to accommodate him, it is so hard for me to believe that there are still people who can not grasp the idea of women being on their period and not being dirty or harmful), so what makes this book so wonderful to me is the fact that it shows the vagina and the life with one in a way we have never seen before, it gives answers, tips, motivation and knowledge. Everything in this book is explained in a very clear way, so that even I, a non-native speaker, although, in my humble opinion, still fluent. can understand. I find it rather important to mention that this book also deals with topics such as rape, racism, FGM and more. A big thank you to Dr. Nicole Williams for writing a book so informative, educational and empowering.
agameofbooks's review
informative
medium-paced
4.0
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of those books that all women should read at some point in their lives. Understanding your own body and how to take care of it is so important! Especially when it comes to this life-producing organ.
I did, however, feel that some of the writing was still to medical and difficult to understand for a layperson. I'm quite decently educated, but I still had trouble with some of the writing. If you really want to reach the public I think the medicak terminology should be kept to the bare minimum and the practical side of things should be discussed more.
This is one of those books that all women should read at some point in their lives. Understanding your own body and how to take care of it is so important! Especially when it comes to this life-producing organ.
I did, however, feel that some of the writing was still to medical and difficult to understand for a layperson. I'm quite decently educated, but I still had trouble with some of the writing. If you really want to reach the public I think the medicak terminology should be kept to the bare minimum and the practical side of things should be discussed more.
emmasbookishself's review
informative
medium-paced
5.0
A great start to normalizing vaginas. There are still so many stigmas around vaginas, but this is a wealth of knowledge that breaks down vagina myths. It’s easy to read yet incredibly informative.
As a vagina owner I know that vaginas are still very much taboo. This is a great tool for initial vagina questions/queries.
I’m thankful there are doctors like Nicole Williams that are continuously advocating for women’s health and vaginas.
As a vagina owner I know that vaginas are still very much taboo. This is a great tool for initial vagina questions/queries.
I’m thankful there are doctors like Nicole Williams that are continuously advocating for women’s health and vaginas.
More...