Reproductive Health Books

This book is truly excellent. When my husband and I wanted to conceive a child, using basal body temperature charting as explained in this book let us know very quickly that I wasn't ovulating, even though my periods were fairly regular at the time. That led us to a diagnosis of PCOS. I tracked my ovulation signals, took metformin, and we conceived our daughter in only a few months. This is particularly significant when you consider that not only did I have PCOS, I was 39 and extremely overweight.

This book should be required reading for every woman of childbearing age. If you want help getting pregnant, staying pregnant, or avoiding pregnancy, you need this book.

I bought this book 2 1/2 years ago while I was still trying to conceive. It had taken us a long time and I decided to "get serious" about it. This book was jammed full of information that I never knew. I credit it completely to my getting pregnant the first month after I read it. I also joined the support website at ovusoft.com. I spent over 2 years on this website and considered myself a supportive member of their community. The website was recently done for 10 days with no advance notice and when it was brought back on-line many members were banned from the website for no specific reason. It offers lots of support when you are TTC and pregnant but nothing for the average woman looking for a supportive on-line community.

I use this book a lot. I use it for Birth control and it works great for me. It's easy to use and very acurate when done correctly

This book should be given to every 13 year old girl. It is a comprehensive guide to knowing how the body works and how to manage your fertility regardless of what stage you are at. I got it as a natural birth control guide and it is so much more....and it works!! Be your own obgyn, empower yourself!!!!!

Three years ago, I picked this book up, intrigued by the title. I had been struggling to find an acceptable form of birth control, as well as a proactive solution to some chronic health problems. This book taught me everything I needed to know to practice safe, effective pregnancy prevention. Furthermore, since quitting hormonal birth control, my health problems have evaporated. The techniques taught in this book will also help you achieve pregnancy quickly (it really works!) and troubleshoot any fertility issues you may have. I continue to use this book as a resource for questions of health and wellness nearly every day. It is by far the most useful book I have ever purchased, and it changed my life. It will change yours too!

One of the best information sources about in vitro fertilization. Very well written with sensitivity and compassion by an experienced doctor who has successfully helped many overcome infertility with IVF. Although IVF is not for me and my husband, after reading Expecting Miracles I am much more informed about those who travel down this journey to parenthood. An excellent recommendation for friends and/or family members of (as well as) those attempting IVF.

This book is an accurate and amazing portrayal of the intelligence, skill and compassion of Dr. Christo Zouves. I am one of his patients. I was told by other physicians that there was no known cause and no treatment for my continued pregnancy losses. Dr. Zouves discovered and treated the cause and the result is my son. I endured extensive treatment to moderate my immune response to pregnancy and complete successfully one cycle of in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.
The ordeal of infertility diagnosis and treatment is discovered by the reader in a fascinating manner through the true stories of individual families. You will be surprised at what people will endure to have a child. This book is informative and compelling reading. When he is old enough, I plan to give it to my son to explain how much he was wanted and how hard we and Dr. Zouves worked to bring him into our family.

Expecting Miracles: On the Path of Hope from Infertility to Parenthood gives you a very realistic look at the lives of fertility patients. The book is helpful medically, but written with heart and compassion. I found myself laughing and crying -- it's definitely inspirational and provides hope to continue seeking the child of your dreams! END

I really enjoyed this book and found it so inspirational. I loved the format---basically all stories (I called them case studies in the title, but that's really too dry a term---they are warm and complete stories) of people going through treatment for infertility, and the outcome of these treatments. I think almost every possible kind of case is covered! The book is very honest about how tough it can be to go through the treatment---I really had no idea how much was involved in assisted reproduction, and I gained new respect for what some families go through to have children. I did think once or twice that the book might have been more balanced if there were one or two more cases in it where the technologies were not successful, to make the book more like the statistics of how often such treatments really do work. But I know this was a book about successes, and I think it would be very inspirational to a lot of people, in addition to being well written and a great read.

"Expecting Miracles" is a warm, compassionate and uplifting description of the experiences of a dozen or so couples who sought help in conceiving a child from the author's infertility clinic. Each chapter tells one couple's story, as a sort of a mini-character study or "case study"; we learn about the patients' medical histories, their relationship with their significant others, their personalities, and the impact that their difficulty in conceiving & carrying to term has had on them & their families. Interspersed with the human stories are clear & succinct explanations of the science and medical technology used to help infertile couples conceive. Dr. Zouves' reverence for the spirituality and mystery inherent in the reproductive process was particularly refreshing.

As someone currently undergoing the initial stages of fertility treatment, I found the scientific information very helpful in understanding more about the delicate reproductive process (and how today's medicine can assist). I also found myself responding very emotionally to the plight of these couples. You'd have to have a heart of stone not to shed a tear at some of these beautiful, yet painful, stories! Nearly all of the stories have happy endings, though, and while that certainly does make for a less depressing book, it probably represents an unrealistic cross-section of infertility patients. Not everyone can be helped (sadly, I have several dear friends who fall into this category) and I imagine relatively few couples have the resources to pursue the kind of cutting-edge treatment Dr. Zouves describes - flying to the West Coast constantly, staying in hotels, paying for surrogates, not to mention the cost of the treatment itself (rarely covered by insurance). On the other hand, the book may well provide the necessary hope for those who are just barely hanging on in the midst of the physically and emotionally grueling treatment.

I really enjoyed this book and found that I could relate to the author's points so well. It certainly gave me some food for thought and I enjoyed reading the case studies from different people who had been through the fertility process. I would highly recommend it.

This book helped me realize that I am not alone in feeling all of the horrendous emotions that come with infertility. With real life anecdotes, this author conveys what most of us have probably felt and dealt with in our struggles. It is filled with relevant experiences written in an honest and relate-able tone, while also sensitively conveying some very important information and factors to consider. Highly recommended for women over forty trying to form their family.

This book is well researched and documented. However, it is not just a clinical synopsis but a well balanced combination of medical data and personal stories. This particular publication has the unique perspective of being written by a board certified obstitician/gynecologist who is also the patient herself. Therefore, the medical facts, tests and statistics take on a palpable human quality.

This is a must read for all with questions regarding infertility and the myriad of options.

I have worked in pre and post natal education for a decade and have read many books of the subject of baby making. Dr. Higgins tells a lovely story of how her family came to have a beautiful baby via egg donation. Along with this story of love and family the reader finds a great deal of factual information and an easy explanation of how Artificial Reproductive Technology and donor egg IVF specifically works. I would highly recommend this book for anyone looking to use an egg donor or for anyone looking to understand more about the subject in general.

Dr. Higgins' personal experience with ART and her professional experiences as an obstetrician/gynecologist, artfully threaded through her informative text, bring this book alive and make it accessible to all readers. Essential reading for all infertile couples considering ART, I would also highly recommend this book to their adult family members to help them understand the journey.

It's a great book. It helped in understanding some very specific immune issues that my doctor described. I wish it had gone into a little bit more of how the body works and the steps it goes through while creating a baby, but that's not really what it's for. It's for explaining infertility issues and that is precisely what it does. The book was definitely helpful in those very specific topics.

I have had four miscarriages and through this book and finding a new doctor who is mentioned in this book...i have finally been able to figure out what the cause is...i have high natural killer cells and will need IVIG treatment for our next pregnancy...which hopefully will be soon...so if you have been TTC for a long time or have had repeated miscarriages I SO RECOMMEND this book! its NOTHING like regular doc books!

WOW! Dr. Beer is way ahead of his time and I throughly enjoyed reading his book and understand more about the world of miscarriage and infertility! The only down fall of this book is the medical terminology that most may not understand. Some parts were over my head...but Dr. Beer's theories make complete sense in how the author explains them.

The book has some very interesting ideas as to why failures happen. It can be pretty boring and repetitive at times though, very dry. It doesn't seem to be really written by Dr. Beers, it just has quotes from him every once in a while.

If your best friend was a book it would be this one. Dr Beer describes in easy to understand words how the immune system can go into overkill in some women. The result is miscarriage, IVF failure and infertility. But these outcomes can be prevented with the right tests and treatments. I read this book and found it technical when necessary but with lots of human interest stories and studies to back everything up. The authors did a good job making this book accessible to ordinary women and also credible for when they take it to show their doctors. It is not dry like the other reviewer said, it is factual and makes a complex subject understandable. The book is ahead of its time and will make infertility and miscarriage a far less frequent event if only it was more widely known to the medical profession. I had twins as a result of Dr Beer's treatments. I wasted many years and many $s consulting with narrow minded doctors before finding him. I recommend this book with all my heart to all those women who were once suffering like I was. The tests and treatments are out there and this book tells you where to find them.

I first learned about Skin Flutes & Velvet Gloves from my girlfriend...literally! We were at a dinner party and someone mentioned some obscure acronym for male genitalia and the next thing I knew, my sweetie launched into a litany of one liners about "spare legs, squirmin' Hermans, big Macs, baloney ponys, trouser trouts, skin flutes..." and so on. We were hysterical if not a bit 'shocked' (especially after she treated us to an equally impressive list of nicknames for female genitals).

The list of names along with the interesting history of genital nicknaming certainly makes for great conversation fodder -- but Skin Flutes & Velvet Gloves takes the reader far beyond this superficial falderal by delving into such topics as the connection between modern-day religion and ancient genital worship; the history of circumcision (more disturbing than one might imagine); odd (really odd!) things folks do to their own 'flutes' and 'gloves'; just to name a few. Dr. Hamilton also provides clear and fascinating info about genitals in general (nice chapters on male/female anatomy - the section on "the black rose" was mind boggling!)

Engaging yet easy read, memorable/unusual factoids, highly entertaining... highly recommended!!!

my background is not dissimilar to that of dr. hamilton's, and, as such, i am often asked to recommend reading material (by students and clients alike) related to the subject of human sexuality. rarely have i come across something so well-compiled as Skin Flutes & Velvet Gloves. my goodness, the research is nothing short of phenomenal -- allowing the author to fill her pages with rich, full and, i might add, entertaining content.

a number of my students have not only found this book enlightening, but impetus for further study (as least in regard to the broader subject of human sexuality and it's role in psychology/society) especially important is the fact that this particular volume covers both genders--something no other offering in this field can boast.

i readily give "Skin Flutes & Velvet Glove" a 5+ star rating because it supplies a substantial and impressive amount of information in a well-written and amusing fashion. i hope dr. hamilton will continue to impart her unique, intelligent 'voice' upon those of us who find her works so delightful. how nice to read something that is just...so nicely written, so full of wonderful information, and so capable of giving us more than a few laughs along the way!! BRAVO!

In spite of its price (new hardcover), this book was well worth it. I'm currently reading it for the second time. I own many books on genitalia, and this is by far the best. I liked the mix of facts and fun. It's an historical treasure for anyone wanting to research the topic. The "Dicktionary" and the bibliography are particularly useful. Dr. Hamilton is to be commended for this very useful (and entertaining) book!

This book is hilarious! Dr. Hamilton is as humorous as she is serious and factual in presenting the sometimes awkward subject of sex and genitals. This is not material covered in Med. School for sure. I learned more from this book than I've ever learned from any medical text, "street knowledge" or "sex ed." Dr. Hamilton has written a fun, humorous, fact-filled book about almost anything and everything one has ever wondered about the organs between our legs. Because of her use of the coloquial and straight-forward, no nonsense talk approach of the subject matter...I wouldn't recommend this as a "sex ed." book for teens as much as I would recommend that every parent own a copy of this book to be better educated on the subject matter. This book is written with wit, humor and facts in a very comfortable format...While the title may be vulgar to some...the book is anything but. I enjoyed this read with a smile and occassional belly laugh, mainly because Dr. Hamilton presented answers or facts to questions I thought were too warped to ever contemplate finding an answer to. I highly recommend this book for anyone remotely curious about their private parts (or other's for that matter!).

After reading reviews from readers on this site I was excited about enlighting my knowledge on the male and female "goods", but found myself bored within the first couple of chapters. The so called doc - constantly kills the interest with one liners that leave you yearning for nothing. She desperately tries to appear witty and experienced only to come off as a preformance anxiety filled writer(2-3 stars at best). The physical layout of the book is a desk top publishing nightmare - with the margins so far in on all sides to give minimal words per page, yet streching the length of the book (perhaps an attempt of overconpensation, hehe). This book had huge potential and its a shame a better writer didn't grasp the idea between his/her hands before Hamilton. I'm guessing if you are easily entertained and you've got 20+ bucks to spare, then this would be a good book. Other wise, spend the money on your significant other and learn about the curiosities first hand!

I was able to read Ms lee's book in 2 hours. I did not read every little detail, I found all the indepth journalling to be more than I wanted to know, but it highlighted her struggles and determination to have a baby. I did not find it helpful per se. IMO it is the kind of book that is best shared with family and friends who know you personally. A great book for her to share with her son one day...

Unless you struggle IF you will never know the pain and heartache. In this book you will see what we go through. You will laugh and cry with each entry.
Another reviewer wrote, "Too much info" If more people spoke out the stigma and embaressment and shame we go threw would lessen.
Thanks Robin for being so couragious to write this book.

Lori

There aren't many people in this world that would open up their most private wishes, struggles and disappointments for others to experience through publishing. This book is a must read for anyone who has struggled or is struggling with infertility - as well as their friends and family members. I read this book in one sitting. It was so compelling to see how each attempt came out that you can't stop reading. I thank the author for sharing her journey with us. And I heartily congratulate her on having the family and son that she fought so long and hard for.

The story of Ms. Lee's journey through infertility is a 'must read' for anyone embarking on their quest for a child. Those who have not experienced this heartache would benefit from learning what it is like to yearn for a child who is seemingly so out-of-reach. It really makes you count your blessings!

This journal is very open and honest. I couldn't stop reading once I started it! The author does a wonderful job of capturing the rollercoaster ups and downs of trying to conceive a child. There are a lot of emotions, both good and bad, that go along with this process and they are all shared within this journal. Financial and social struggles are also seen along the way. This journal is a very good description of the nightmare that infertility can be.

This book is packed full of useful information and it's presented in a clear, readable and very comforting way. I found Cooper and Glazer wise, compassionate and very informed. I read the book from cover to cover and then started all over again.

My husband and I have been struggling with infertility for six years and have read several books on the subject. Choosing Assisted Reproduction is the most comprehensive, informative and challenging book that we have come across. We were both relieved to see that the authors raise some of the ethical questions that we are struggling with. They do so in a very sensitive way, always respecting the difficult choices that infertility patients face in this new world of baby making. I recommend this book to anyone going through infertility, as well as to their families and friends.

As an infertility specialist, I'd heartily recommend this book to all infertile couples - and their doctors as well. The forte of this book is the superb way in which emotional issues have been discussed.

This compassionately written book has provided a constant reference and framework within which to think during the hugely emotional period of infertility. It has managed to normalise to some extent the weird world in which readers of this book dwell. It has contributed largely to my change of views on the right of the child to know its biological history. I would recommend it as essential reading for anyone going into third party parenting.

I can't believe that anyone let me start the process of infertility treatment (beyond the clomid stage) without telling me to read this. I found it on my own when having to decide whether my only chance to have a child, egg donation, was right for my husband and myself. I only WISH someone had told me about it sooner. It would have helped me think about all of "this" in a not so crazy way. It's technical, but, those of us who go through infertility procedures know more about the getting pregnant process than most books and online souces give us credit for. These authors treat us like intelligent human beings.

When my husband and I were going through infertility this book was the only thing that really helped us. We started reading it and every feeling that we ever had was in there. I was so glad to read something that was exactly how I was feeling. I highly recommend this book to those that don't really like to go and talk to someone about how they feel. It also helps to get on infertility forums, but even that was too painful after awhile. Every week you would see someone that found out they were pregnant. I just couldn't keep up with forums. I read this book twice and think that it was what eventually helped us move forward with our life. I know that I will be OK without children and if we ever decide to go with adoption, I feel that my infertility issues will be easier to deal with.

Remember that infertility never fully goes away. The feelings you have can come back. This book helped me deal with making them not as life altering. Those that are suffering still, please know that there are others who feel the same and eventually there is an end in sight.

This book helps to explain why the journey of infertility is so painful. It was a very good validator. The only weakness for me is it primarily focuses on "the couple," and doesn't focus on a single woman on the journey which is my journey. Otherwise, excellent book...highly recommend.

This book is exactly what I've been searching for. The validation of what we all are going through with infertility is unrecognized loss. this book is insightful about walking you through those feelings and emotions. I highly recommended it.

Wow! This book was amazingly on target. Just about everything I was feeling while going through infertility treatments was discussed. It really validated my feelings and provided very helpful insights on dealing with all the ups and downs while undegoing treatments! I only wished I read this sooner! I strongly encourage anyone going thru infertility to read.

In the midst of one of the most painful struggles of our lives (dealing with infertility), I cannot say how healing it was to finally feel heard and understood. When I first read about the "trauma of infertility" the authors describe, I thought that's exactly it - that's what we're going through!
There are lots of good books out there that deal with infertility, but let this be one of the first ones you read. You won't regret it.

Contraceptive Technology is a must-have reference for anyone interested in birth control. As a freelance medical writer/editor, I have used several revisions of this useful book over the years. I was very pleased when the long-awaited 19th revised edition was finally available. I had preordered the book directly from the publisher, who didn't follow through. Amazon, however, got me the book in record time.

A must have if you provide health care to women or have to answer questions about birth control.

Great book in great condition for a great price and I got it in less than a week!
Will definitely use this vendor again!

I find this text an excellent source of easy to read information. Every method of birth control/contraception is covered, including fertility based methods, surgical procedures, etc. There is also applicable information in regards to women's health issues and sexuality. Another reviewer stated that this book needs an update; I've heard that another edition is coming out soon and I would imagine that it would include new methods that have become available since the publication of this edition.

I recommend this text to any women's health practitioner.

This is an integral desk reference for the reproductive health educator. This text outlines all that there is to know to date about contraceptive methods and their function. I don't inted to part with this until the 19th edition is released.

This book is an excellent guide to help individuals through the difficult decision making processes associated with the infertility ride. It is thoughtful, well written and informative. I encourage all to read this book before beginning the journey. Perhaps your rollercoaster will have a few less loops!
Mindy Berkson, Infertility Consultant
Lotus Blossom Consulting

Most of us (including both men and women) just assume that we'll someday have a child of our own. The thought that our life partner, ourself, or both may not be able to naturally conceive a child once we decide to have a family doesn't really cross our minds. Unfortunately, this is the reality that many men and women must face.

Riding the Infertility Roller Coaster is written by an individual who has lived through the issues of infertility for both men and women trying to cope with their own situations. Three things really stood out for me within this book: the author's compassion, the wide variety of potential strategies set out for those facing infertility, and that the book actually took into consideration how men feel about these issues. That there are lots of viable alternatives and that couples can take control of their therapy and decision making process is empowering during an otherwise very daunting time. Moreover, bringing couples together in understanding at such a difficult time can only make the relationship stronger.

When I was undergoing fertility treatment with my first child, I didn't have a comprehensive resource to turn to for both the big, emotional issues, and the smaller, detail-oriented issues (like what to do with all the paperwork!) I could have really benefited from this book, and am glad it's now available for other women undergoing infertility treatment.

In Riding The Infertility Roller Coaster: A Guide To Educate And Inspire, Iris Waichler draws upon her years of experience as a medical social worker to address the difficult emotional and physical health issues surrounding issue of infertility. Deftly providing readers through a sensitive understanding of the variety of infertility causes affecting men and women, Riding The Infertility Roller Coaster covers the issues of menopause, disclosure infertility and conception, parenting after infertility, how to find a doctor or lawyer, the psychology of infertility treatment, becoming a couple again, and the choice of a childless marriage. Riding The Infertility Roller Coaster is very strongly recommended for couples searching for a comprehensive grasp of infertility issues and is a complete guide to overcoming the inevitable hardships that dealing with infertility will inevitably encumber.

'Riding the Infertility Roller Coaster' is a book that speaks not only to those directly affected by infertility, but to those of us who have family members and friends going through the highly emotional experience of treatment, high expectations, and a less than guaranteed outcome.

Waichler offers a comprehensive guide that allows readers to fully understand every aspect of the infertility experience. It is a support and reference guide that is written with heart, professionalism and a true sense of what it means to go through the journey. Hats off to Waichler and the many others who contributed in sharing their personal experiences and giving us some insight to this topic!

To anyone struggling to understand what it's all about; the legal and medical aspects, the financial and emotional issues, and most importantly, the growing number of options available, this is truly a worthwhile read!