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

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 confusing, contradictory misinformation! In this age of click bait, pseudoscience, and celebrity-endorsed products, it's easy to be overwhelmed - whether it's websites or 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.

Whether you're a 26-year-old worried that her labia are ""uncool"" or a 66-year-old dealing with painful sex, this comprehensive guide is sure to become a lifelong trusted resource.

ISBN-13: 9780806539317

Media Type: Paperback

Publisher: Kensington

Publication Date: 08-27-2019

Pages: 432

Product Dimensions: 6.00(w) x 8.80(h) x 1.30(d)

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. Her New York Times and USA Today bestselling book, The Vagina Bible, has been translated into 21 languages and The Guardian calls her "the world's most famous—and outspoken—gynecologist." The recipient of the 2020 NAMS Media Award from The North American Menopause Society, she is a The New York Times contributor, and the star of Jensplaining, a CBC/Amazon Prime video series that highlights the impact of medical misinformation on women. Dr. Gunter’s TED Talk was the third most-viewed in 2020. She is also the host of the popular TED Collective podcast “Body Stuff with Dr. Jen Gunter,” where she interviews fellow doctors about the lies you’re told—and sold—about your health, debunking some of the stickiest myths out there while helping you to understand how your body really works.

Table of Contents

Introduction xi

Getting Started 1

1 The Vulva 3

2 The Vagina 13

3 Vaginas and Vulvas in Transition 22

4 Female Pleasure and Sex Ed 29

5 Pregnancy and Childbirth 41

Everyday Practicalities and V Maintenance 55

6 Medical Maintenance 57

7 Food and Vaginal Health 65

8 The Bottom Line on Underwear 72

9 The Lowdown on Lube 77

10 Kegel Exercises 83

Skin Care and Cleansing 91

11 Vulvar Cleansing: Soaps, Cleansers, and Wipes 93

12 Vaginal Cleansing: Douches, Steams, Sprays, and Potpourri 101

13 Hair Removal and Grooming 107

14 Moisturizers, Barriers, and Bath Products 119

Menstrual Products and Mythology 129

15 The Truth About Toxic Shock Syndrome 131

16 Are There Toxins in Tampons and Pads? 139

17 Menstrual Hygiene 143

Menopause 157

18 Menopause 159

19 Treating GSM 169

Medications and Interventions 181

20 Cannabis 183

21 Contraception 189

22 Antibiotics and Probiotics 195

23 Cosmetic Procedures, Injections, and "Rejuvenation" 204

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIS) 213

24 General STI Information 215

25 STI Prevention 223

26 The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) 234

27 Herpes (HSV) 244

28 Gonorrhea and Chlamydia 251

29 Trichomoniasis 257

30 Pubic Lice 264

Conditions 269

31 Yeast 271

32 Bacterial Vaginosis 281

33 Vulvodynia 289

34 Pelvic Floor Spasm and Vaginismus 297

35 Skin Conditions 305

36 UTIs and Bladder Pain Syndrome 313

37 Pelvic Organ Prolapse 320

Symptoms 325

38 Communicating with Your Provider 327

39 I Have Pain with Sex 335

40 I Have Vaginitis 342

41 I Have a Vulvar Itch 349

42 I Have Vulvar Pain 353

43 I Have an Odor 357

44 I Have Bleeding After Sex 363

Putting It All Together 371

45 Medicine Cabinet Rehab 373

46 Internet Hygiene and Apps 378

47 Journal of Old Wives' Tales 384

References 393

Acknowledgments 405

Index 407