For Women Only: A Revolutionary Guide to Reclaiming Your Sex Life [Hardcover]

Dr. Jennifer Berman (Author), Dr. Laura Berman (Author), Elisabeth Bumiller (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 10, 2001

A groundbreaking book by the co-directors of one of the country's first women's sexual health clinics-destined to be an essential resource for women throughout the country.

According to The Journal of the American Medical Association, 43 percent of American women suffer from some kind of sexual dysfunction. And though the introduction of Viagra has increased attention to male sexual concerns, the problems women face are often ignored. For Women Only is the first book to offer a comprehensive exploration of female sexual dysfunction.

The co-directors of the Women's Sexual Health Clinic at Boston University Medical Center -- Jennifer Berman, a urologist, and her sister, Laura Berman, a sex therapist-draw on research and clinical findings to show that many of the physical problems that cause impotence in men can cause sexual dysfunction in women. In addition, many women experience diminished sexual response as they age, go through menopause, and after hysterectomies or other pelvic surgery.

Covering both physiological and psychological issues in a straightforward, sympathetic style, the Bermans provide authoritative, easy-to-understand information on the medical breakthroughs and treatments that can help women of all ages enjoy more fulfilling sex lives.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Although Jennifer Berman, M.D., and Laura Berman, Ph.D., readily agree that "the most important sex organ in the human body is the brain," the last thing they want anyone to believe is that all female sexual problems are mental--quite the contrary. Findings gathered from their own research and clinical practice show that, like men, women often undergo physical changes and challenges that lead to sexual dysfunction; in fact, nearly half of all women in the U.S. experience sexual problems at some point during their lifetime. Through their frank but personable discussion about the female sexual response, sisters Jennifer (a urologist) and Laura (a sex therapist) virtually open their clinic doors to readers; they share client stories, fully describe their clinical patient-assessment process, provide an updated anatomy lesson, and offer practical suggestions for enhancing sexual pleasure.

As founders and co-directors of the Women's Sexual Health Clinic at Boston University Medical Center, the Bermans have treated a variety of ailments, including loss of libido (due to medical factors, emotional issues, or menopause) and arousal and pain disorders. They address it here in plain, understandable words designed to empower women with better information about their bodies and the many factors that can affect sexual well-being. In a way, the book reads almost like a diary of their practice, bolstered by the occasional critical essay (such as chapter 2, "The History of Female Sexuality," or chapter 6, "Sexuality Through the Life Cycle"). For Women Only is a sensitive, sensible, and timely take on a previously "pooh-poohed" subject--with encouraging conclusions that are long overdue. --Liane Thomas

About the Author

Jennifer Berman, M.D., one of the few woman urologists in the country. Elisabeth Bumiller is the author of two books of nonfiction and is currently City Hall Bureau Chief of The New York Times.Laura Berman, Ph.D., a sex therapist, are co-directors of the Women's Sexual Health Clinic at Boston University Medical Center. They appear regularly on Good Morning America and have appeared on 48 Hours, Larry King Live, and NBC Nightly News. They have been featured in cover stories in The New York Times.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.; 1st edition (January 10, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805064052
• ISBN-13: 978-0805064056
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #324,794 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #56 in Books > Medical Books > Dentistry > Dental Hygiene

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

94 of 100 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Life changing work, February 3, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: For Women Only: A Revolutionary Guide to Reclaiming Your Sex Life (Hardcover)

I am both a gynecologist and a woman with my share of difficulties in the bedroom. Not only do I think this will change my own life with my husband, but after having read this book, I am seriously considering someday pursuing sub-specializing in the field of female sexual dysfunction. What ground-breaking material these women have written! I've already recommended it to at least ten patients this week alone, and am anxious to see what the ongoing research in this field turns up. This book is sure to be required reading for all gynecologists in training, as up until now it's been one of those complaints you can sympathize with, but not do a whole lot about as a doctor. Bravo to the Bermans and their collegues for pioneering this long overdue research and treatment of the whole woman patient.

57 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everyone should read this book--men too, December 28, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: For Women Only: A Revolutionary Guide to Reclaiming Your Sex Life (Hardcover)

What Our Bodies Ourselves did for women's health, this book does for women's sexual function. This book explains things about the physical and psychological aspects of women's sexuality that most doctors won't or can't tell you. This isn't just about sexual dysfunction, but about sexual function in both the mind and body. The Bermans explain exactly how women's bodies work sexually, why sometimes they don't work as well as they should, and what can be done to fix problems. Their empowering message is that most problems CAN be fixed--you don't have to live with them. I found this book a real eye-opener. I recommend it to anyone in a sexual relationship, male or female, if you're having problems or just want to improve your sex life.

38 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully Broad Fact-Filled Read!, February 27, 2001

By 

"mindhealth" (Mamaroneck, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: For Women Only: A Revolutionary Guide to Reclaiming Your Sex Life (Hardcover)

As a psychologist, I am grateful to the Bermans for creating a reference that I can easily share with any of my patients regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, age or sexual activity level. In fact, 3 generations of women in my own family have pored over this book! What makes it so special is its unbiased presentation of a large array of medical treatment options beyond those which are traditionally available to my specialty. I expect that this long needed approach will significantly increase the cooperation between physicians and therapists in helping to resolve womens'sexual health problems.

Although the Bermans'studies of female sexuality evidently started with the introduction of Viagra (for men), the thrust of their book goes way beyond Viagra, including many other options, both current and in the research pipelines. Nonetheless, non- medical advice and therapies are addressed comprehensively. I am looking forward to future updates from the Bermans as this exciting field develops.