The Better Bladder Book is a comprehensive look at the treatment of bladder disease in general and Interstitial Cystitis and Chronic Pelvic Pain in particular. The author Wendy L. Cohen is a registered nurse and experienced in homeopathic healing. She begins the book with the traditional approaches to diagnosing and treating Chronic Pelvic Pain. She then goes on in the majority of the book to discuss a path to healing. This is the most important and useful part of the book. Bladder disease and Chronic Pelvic Pain. Even when patients go down the normal path treatment healing is seldom quick or complete. Cohen's apporact is a holistic path to developing a good environment for good bladder health. This makes the book useful to both sufferers of Interstitial Cystitis and Chronic Pelvic Pain and those who suffer with chronic pelvic pain in general. I am not a physician or a trained medical person, but from the point of view of a layman, the book looks to be very helpful for those suffering from this disease.

I found this book to be very informative and helpful in giving choices of treatments to people suffering from IC. CPP, and PBS. The author does a great job of informing readers of traditional medical treatments, and also steps you can take on your own to help cope with these disorders. She does not make those who chose to use medications feel like they are wrong, or vice versa for those who chose to try to manage it without drugs. I liked how she gave information on foods to eat or avoid, and how these affect the condition. Overall I thought it was a very informative book that is a great addition to a doctor's care. It is always best to be well informed on any medical condition you may have, and this book does so without weighing the reader down with too much medical jargon. ( )

Even though this book does subscribe to a certain mindset when it comes to treatment, it doesn't feel overly preachy which is certainly a plus. I found the book to be informative and what I was most interested in was discovering what foods were noted to be the most irritating to the bladder. It has made me more aware of what I'm eating and drinking, although I do continue to eat and drink many of the foods which she warns against. I do not have the same particular problem as her so for me to just be aware of the information and relate it to my own issues has made this book a valuable resource.

I certainly wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to people with food allergies and/or bladder issues along with those interested in general health ailments and their possible causations. ( )

"The Better Bladder Book" is a comprehensive look at diseases of the bladder, their symptoms, treatment options and diet choices. I especially like the gluten-free diet information provided by author Wendy Cohan, RN. Evidently I've been consuming too much sugar and should be eating more fruit for sweets.

"The Better Bladder Book" recommends individuals see their doctor for a diagnosis, but does cover a plethora of causes for pelvic pain and herbal remedies. I would recommend the book for anyone with bladder questions. ( )

I'd give this 4.5 stars if I could.

Wendy Cohran's "The Better Bladder Book" covers a topic that isn't often found on stores' bookshelves. This isn't just a book about various bladder troubles, though. It is THE book for bladder troubles. Rather than taking the approach of suggesting medications and medical procedures, Cohran presents ways that your daily habits could be harming your bladder and how to solve them. She also does a wonderful job covering the spectrum of bladder problems, instead of focusing just on the problem she had.

The book starts with a detailed, easy to understand explanation of the urinary system and various problems. Cohan does cover medications that can help, with a surprisingly unbiased opinion on them. She then goes on to explain how you can start helping yourself. Each chapter has an introduction, the whats and whys of the topic, and ends with a page or two on "what you can do now." Managing stress and exercise are covered. The bulk of the information involves diet, explaining what foods cause the most bladder aggravation, why, and how to avoid them. Hormonal problems are another factor brought up. In case following all of that advice doesn't result in health improvements, Cohan explains different bacterial infections that can cause problems with the bladder, along with other, more severe health concerns, like ovarian cysts, diabetes, and cancer. The detailed resources section at the book includes books and articles for all problems mentioned, as well as organizations, support groups, and websites.

The reason for giving 4 stars instead of 5 is the major focus on diet. I understand that diet can play a dramatic role, but as someone who lives in an area that only has large chain grocers without an organic or vegetarian option in sight, the majority of the diet suggestions just aren't feasible.

A major personal bonus from this book: I've had a large, tumor like lump near my stomach for years that doctors have failed at diagnosing. Thanks to a chapter in this book, I'm now almost positive that it's a tumor on my adrenal gland, and am currently setting up appointments and tests to get it removed. Even better, Hunter House has a book on adrenal gland problems! Be sure to check out the rest of their books. ( )