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

~ Howard I., Ph.D. Glazer (Author), Gae, M.D. Rodke (Author) "Thousands of women suffer with vulvodynia..." (more)
Key Phrases: vulvar pain patients, vulvodynia sufferers, vestibulitis patients, National Vulvodynia Association, Howard Glazer, Gae Rodke (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Vulvodynia’s symptoms include burning, itching, stinging, rawness, and painful intercourse. This book will help readers identify triggers, modify their diets to reduce symptoms, find knowledgeable medical help, learn how to reduce debilitating pain, and renew their enjoyment of healthy sexual relations and normal daily activities.

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 (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #85,452 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

51 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

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

By A Customer

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.

30 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

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

By A Customer

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!

45 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars DR. RODKE IS A PHONY! BEWARE!, December 6, 2004

By	Alexis (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

I spent thousands of dollars at Dr. Rodkes supposed "vaginal disorder center". She and her nurse practitioners inundated me with massive doses and types of yeast medication for years that left me unable to walk. And, I didnt even have yeast infections! I dont know how this woman can even write a book that is supposed to help women when she couldn't even help her high paying patients with vulvodynia. Most doctors dont know much 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. That was the only thing that EVER helped. I suggest you go see Dr. Andrew Goldstein(DC and NY) or get recommendations from him for qualified docs in your area(VERY few doctors have exp. in this surgery). He can tell you if surgery would help you and if you actually have vulvar vestibulitis- which is a type of vulvodynia that can be cured by surgery. Surgery is the only treatment that has been proven to cure this horrible disease. Research vulvar vestibulitis on the internet and stay far away from Dr. Rodke. I hope this helps you, I have been through so much I just want to help any woman who has this problem...it has ruined my life for many years.