The V Book: A Doctor's Guide to Complete Vulvovaginal Health

With The V Book, women will learn everything they need to know about the basics of vulvovaginal--or "V"--health, an essential yet often overlooked area of women's health. Dr. Elizabeth G. Stewart, the nation's foremost expert in vulvovaginal care and sexual-pain disorders, answers the questions about the all too common "V" ailments that women are embarrassed to discuss even with their doctors.

Drawing upon the latest medical research and two decades of experience treating thousands of women in her specialized gynecological practice, Dr. Stewart has compiled a wealth of information and advice. This comprehensive and authoritative guide for women of all ages includes:

* How your vulvovaginal concerns change throughout the life cycle, from your teens through menopause and beyond
* How to pick a good gynecologist, and how to ask the right questions
* Dos and don'ts of V hygiene--and why sometimes less is better
* The safest use of tampons, pads, and pantiliners
* How to handle common symptoms, such as redness, itching, dryness, and discharge
* Which medical tests you should insist upon from your doctor
* Tips for safe and pleasurable sex, and what to do when sexual intercourse is painful
* The latest research on vulvodynia, the vaginal pain syndrome that won't go away
* Diagnosing and treating yeast infections, allergies, and other ailments
* What to do if your doctor detects cancer or precancer cells

And much, much more...

"What a fabulous book! Every woman needs to know the clear and empowering information in The V Book." --Christiane Northrup, M.D., author of Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom and The Wisdom of Menopause

"The very book that we needed to shed light on the final unmentionables in women's health! The V Book dispels myths and misunderstandings in a friendly and accessible way and puts vital information in the hands of women who need it." --Susan M. Love, M.D., author of Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book and Dr. Susan Love's Hormone Book

"Dr. Stewart is the right clinician to help advance our understanding of the health and problems of the vulva and vagina. I highly recommend The V Book for all women and all clinicians who care for women." --Robert L. Barbieri, M.D., Chairman, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School

Not only does Dr. Stewart cover what we've got, why we shouldn't be ashamed of it, and how it works, she gives in-depth, readable information on vulvovaginal infections, imbalances, and other problems, tells you how they can be treated, and enumerates interactions and complications for women with special needs (i.e. they're pregnant, HIV positive, etc.) She separates myths from facts and has the data and experience to prove what she says. She also goes over the ideal visit to your GYN, and lets you know what questions you should ask, what tests you should request when, and how to choose the best clinician to meet your needs.

All in all, this book is not only excellent but ESSENTIAL to a woman's library. It's light, clear reading, and it may be the most empowering book you read all year.


Every Woman Should Own This Book!   May 7, 2003
13 out of 14 found this review helpful

After two months of agony and several incorrect diagnoses, I was correctly diagnosed with a "V" disorder and referred to the medical library in our town to look up my condition. They gave me this book, and at last, I understand what I have been going through and why. I am buying a copy of this book for myself and for each of my daughters-in-law. Every female should own this book--no woman should suffer in silence or be ashamed of this part of her body. And none of us should be subjected to continued misdiagnoses any longer. This book provides the information we need to help us lead healthier, happier lives and to be active, educated participants in our own health care. I cannot recommend it highly enough. It could literally be a life-saver for some women who have nowhere else to turn for answers.


an owner's manual   August 22, 2002
C. Gillett
15 out of 17 found this review helpful

As a nurse practitioner who specializes in women's health, I was very excited to see this book. So many problems that I see in my daily practice are addressed in this book, along with very practical suggestions for preventing them. It should be required reading for every woman in her twenties to learn what to and not to do in terms of routine maintenance of her "private parts". This book also addresses common and uncommon concerns for women of all ages and stages of life. I have in the past referred patients to Dr. Stewart's office for women whose problems have baffled the best minds in my group, and have been impressed with the evaluation, management and followup of these individuals, and have been impressed with the care that they have received from Dr. Stewart and her colleagues. I now keep a copy of this book on my desk and recommend it to most of my patients!


Finally, an easy to understand thorough resouce for woman with vaginal health issues   January 23, 2006
A. Cymbala (Northern, NJ)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

After 13 visits in 2 years to the Ob/Gyn and thinking I had yeast infections that couldn't be cured, this book was recommended to me by a PA OB/GYN friend. Wow, what a differnce this made. Well, needless to say I found out I don't have a problem with yeast and I was able to find a doctor to help me with a very solvable problem. Reading the V book educated me so that I knew what questions to ask and what information to have to help a doctor diagnose my problems. I also learned that my doctor did what many do, no culturing of yeast, but prescribe medication. I don't mean this to bash the doctor but rather to share how uninfrmed I was and how empowered I am now. The book is well written, easy to read and thorough. READ this book if you are a women stuggling with your own vaginal health issues. Give this book to any woman you love.


Excellent Overview   April 4, 2003
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

Very engrossing, thorough book, I was compelled to read it all the way through, fascinated. It is very well written.

As a person who has dealt with V pain for 6 years, I was happy to read Elizabeth's details about the neurological connection (p. 299), a conclusion I came to (less scientifically) after successful photonic treatment (Bales Scientific) calmed my V nerves non-invasively.

The Low Oxalate diet never did a thing for me. It is mentioned along with many other suggestions.

I applaud more such books being written, and an eventual update of this book (the information in here on HRT is already out of date as more recent studies indicate).