Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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!

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.

I think this book is a good addition to my growing library of vulvodynia books. I actually wish I'd bought it sooner - it covers just about everything that I've found online by multiple web searches. I don't think it offered me much new information as far as causes of vulvar pain disorders (essentially unknown) or treatments, but the authors are definitely advocates of not blaming yourself for your pain and the importance of properly treating it. There's a chapter on "adaptive sex" (my term for sex when your vulva is disabled) and relationships that I think is really important for any woman or partner of with vulvar pain.

This book is so full of information and different things to try. There is no one cure all for all who are affected. This book gives you many things to try and the knowledge that at some point there will be relief from the pain.

Greetings,
I've had vulvar vestibulitis for 9 years, and after trying everything short of surgery, I'm finally finding some relief with Dr. Glazer's biofeedback protocol. I don't know much about Dr. Rodke, but Dr. Glazer has been a great doctor to me, is easy to talk to, and has been very supportive. I'm a primary vvs patient, which means that I've had this pain from the first time I had sex. I would absolutely recommend trying biofeedback before having surgery. The protocol is long and the exercises get boring, but the results so far have been impressive for me.

The only drawback to this book is that it's extremely heterocentric. There's no mention of lesbianism or alternative forms of intercourse, such as anal sex. For that, I'd give the book 2 stars, but because I have actually met Dr. Glazer and am seemingly finding a solution thru biofeedback, I have to give it 4.

Overcoming these symptoms can be arduous and take years. Hang in there, listen to your body, and follow every path of possible healing to the degree you feel comfortable. You will eventually find a solution. You are not alone.

I have suffered with this condition for over seven years now. Reading this book has offered insight into new treatment possibilites I haven't yet explored. It has also been a comfort to read about others who struggle with this pain on a daily basis as well.

I am so happy this book has been written! I believe there are many women who suffer alone, unaware that their painful symptoms are not "all in their heads." This book is a step in the right direction towards public awareness, but especially towards helping these women feel validation in their cries for help. If you are a doctor, please read this book! Your patients deserve the best care you can give them, and this book may help you to understand what's going on. If you are a woman with vulvo/vaginal pain, this book will help you in your search for treatment, and if nothing else, will let you know you're not the only one!

I love this book! It has helped me to cope with this pain. It is great to hear stories that relate so closely to mine. If anyone is suffering from this disease, you need to have this book!

This book helped me understand what was wrong with me and my body. It has changed my life and hopefully will change other womens. After years of suffering vaginal pain, now I am on the road to recovery. Excellent book.