The Vulvodynia Survival Guide: How to Overcome Painful Vaginal Symptoms and Enjoy an Active Lifestyle [Paperback]

Howard Glazer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 15, 2002

Defined as a constant or recurring vulvar discomfort, vulvodynia's symptoms include burning, itching, stinging, rawness, and painful sexual intercourse. The disorder can have a devastating impact on a woman's sex life This book offers the most current and effective techniques for overcoming this problem.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Drs. Glazer and Rodke have written a comprehensive guide to an often misdiagnosed, painful gynecological condition. This book will help millions of women realize that they are not alone in their suffering.”
—Phyllis Mate, President, national Vulvodynia Association

“Howard Glazer’s success rate has astounded the medical community.”
—Stanley C. Marinoff, M.D., M.P.H., FACOG, Director, Center for Vulvovaginal Disorders, Washington, DC

“Dr. Glazer, as a member of the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease, has been a pioneer in the treatment of vulvodynia. His accomplishments, commitment, and training of others have helped thousands of women afflicted with this disorder.”
—Benson Horowitz, M.D., University of Connecticut Medical School, Hartford

About the Author

Howard I. Glazer, Ph.D., is a Clinical Psychologist in New York city with a professional practice specializing in the treatment of vulvovaginal pain syndromes. He is a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry and in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cornell University medical College/ New York Presbyterian Hospital. He is a member of the Medical board of the (NVA), and the Editorial Advisory Board of the chronic pelvic pain section. Glazer provides individual clinical services, training workshops, and in-office specialty training, and he is actively involved in several multidisciplinary and multinational research projects.

Gae M. Rodke, M.D., FACOG, is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and a Clinical Associate Attending Physician at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Center. She is a fellow of the American college of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and of the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases. Dr. Rodke has been involved in pioneering research to establish a working model for vulvovaginal pain and to develop effective treatments for these disorders. She has published research articles, conducted grand rounds at several hospitals, presented at professional society meetings, and lectured to medical students in this field for over ten years.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: New Harbinger Publications; 1 edition (July 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572242914
• ISBN-13: 978-1572242913
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #156,485 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

59 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars You are not alone, June 5, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Vulvodynia Survival Guide: How to Overcome Painful Vaginal Symptoms and Enjoy an Active Lifestyle (Paperback)

This book is a very good source of general information about vulvodynia and the metal/emotional distress that comes with it. It is interesting and relatively easy to read. The authors start by defining vulvodynia and giving the reader a 'check list' of common syptoms. The authors also give a brief lesson on the female anatomy which helps the reader identify the location of her pain as well as to be able to communicate more easily with her doctor. The book briefly describes several different treatment options and some of the pros and cons of each. The authors also spend several chapters on the psychological effects of the condition and the relationship troubles it can cause. The authors stress the importance of having a person to support you, whether they are your friend, family or your partner/spouse. A support system is very important. My husband and I have both read it, and feel that it has benefited us greatly. For those of you in a relationship I cannot stress enough how important it is to work through this condition as a couple, NOT an individual. This condition affects him/her as well. This book is a great way to educate a friend, family memeber and/or your partner/spouse.

There is one downside to this book I feel I should mention. One of the authors is known for providing a treatment option called biofeed back. Thus the book has a large section devoted to biofeed back. The authors seem to be very biased towards this treatment and at times seem to be 'advertising' their work. So please be aware the even though they push this treatment very hard, it is not necessarily the only one that will work. Every woman is different.

Besides the one downside I have mentioned, I believe this book would be useful for someone newly diagnosed who needs an understanding of the disorder and its treatments. This book has made me realize that I am not alone, and that there is some hope. I hope others will find this book helpful as well.

32 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great information about vulvar pain, August 17, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Vulvodynia Survival Guide: How to Overcome Painful Vaginal Symptoms and Enjoy an Active Lifestyle (Paperback)

Excellent information about vulvar pain! I'd put it right up there with The V Book, and the National Vulvodynia Association. It's got a terrific resource section in the back and it also talks about potential causes and treatments for vulvodynia, along with giving medical references so that women's doctors can look up and learn more info about this little-known disease. Great book!

59 of 73 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Beware of Dr. Rodke's Vaginal Pain Center!, December 6, 2004

By 

an educated consumer (california) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Vulvodynia Survival Guide: How to Overcome Painful Vaginal Symptoms and Enjoy an Active Lifestyle (Paperback)

I spent thousands and thousands of dollars at Dr. Rodke's office in Manhattan. I was inundated with massive doses and various types of anti-yeast medication for years that eventually left me so irritated I was unable to walk. I paid over $700 out of pocket for the first visit and that is the ONLY time I ever saw Dr. Rodke. Each subsequent visit was with the incompetent Abby Niborski-Nadel who mistook air bubbles for yeast under the microscope. Most doctors don't know anything about this disease so beware. Do not let them make guinea pigs out of you. I went from doctor to doctor for 11 years and ended up having surgery for vulvar vestibulitis with Dr. Andrew Goldstein. After the surgery I was able to have sex again, but it left me with pelvic floor muscle problems, which is a common result of any pelvic surgery. The surgery is extremely painful. I still have vulvodynia- the surgery was not a cure, but I am better. Gabapentin topical cream helped me tremendously. I suggest you do a serious amount of research on the internet and only see doctors who have a specialty in this field. You have to take responsibility for your own health, it is easy to give up with this condition, but persevere! You are the best person in the fight against this! The medical profession has barely scratched the surface with this. (If this was happening to men, it would be a widely researched condition). I also suggest you closely manage the ph levels in your vagina. I heard a vulvar pain specialist at the Mayo Clinic is convinced that incorrect ph levels is a huge factor in vulvodynia. The best website I have found so far is this (created by a woman who I think has the disease) [...] . Take the survey... we can all hep each other with our different experiences. Also check out the facebook vulvodynia support groups. I found plenty of great information there. You are not alone. Do not give up. Knowledge is power. Goodluck.