The Vagina Bible: The Vulva and the Vagina: Separating the Myth from the Medicine

Highly recommended for any person who has ever had a vulva/vagina in either an anatomical or biblical sense, because Dr. Gunter is inclusive, evidence-based, seemingly embarrassment-proof, and utterly unwilling to put up with any patriarchal or consumerist bullshit. She can also be funny. Not only does she tell you what has been proven, but she tells you how strong the research is, or what the limitations are, and what is under researched or just unknowable. This is the ob-gyn everyone wishes they could ask for advice, and a book every general-interest library should have. In the absence of comprehensive sex education in most public schools, having a copy around the house is a good idea.

Library copy

I was surprisingly impressed by this book. It is a comprehensive and inclusive education that I would recommend to anyone who received a less-than-stellar health education in school. The author, Dr. Jennifer Gunter, is precise, detailed, and unbiased when explaining conditions, symptoms, and phenomenon. One could read it from start to finish, or simply reference specific chapters (and there are 40 ) if needed. I appreciated her humor and bullshit radar when it comes to menstrual/vaginal products, "natural" cures or therapies, and myths that have blinded women for centuries about their own bodies. She threw a few daggers at Gwyneth Paltrow, which I am so here for. I recommend the audiobook. Thanks, Dr. Gunter!

This book was everything I hoped it'd be: a comprehensive, frank-talking discussion of the vagina, vulva, and the surrounding plumbing. How it works (and doesn't), the outlook of history, possible diseases and conditions, a breakdown of persistent myths--this book does a great job of taking much-maligned 'dirty' parts and making them fresh without need of some ridiculous April-fresh douche. This is a resource I can see myself referencing in the future.

** Full disclosure: I received this book in exchange for an honest review**
Man, I wish I had a book like this when I was going through puberty and my first period. Due to my age, quite a lot of what is covered here no longer applies to me but it was still a fascinating and educational read.
It is well written and accessible, I love the conversational style it makes the content less intimidating and easier to digest. There aren't a lot of illustrations but the ones there are, are very useful and to the point.

Every woman should own a copy of this book and all girls entering their preteen years should definitely be given one. Fathers who have daughters should read this book. This book should be required reading.
I have several women in my show more life who will be getting a copy soon if they don't already have one of their own. Heck, I knew more than a few men who should read it as well. show less

Straightforward, no-nonsense information on just about any medically relevant topic. Well organized, too, so it's easy to find answers.

Full of good information in a readable format. Recommended to anyone who has a vagina.

I didn’t finish this book because the author likes to rely on her own leaps of “common sense,” logic, etc., but shows derision toward other forms of wellness and healing. If you want to steam your vagina instead of take a steaming hot bath to relax your pelvic floor muscles that’s your prerogative and you’re not dumb for doing it. I’ll tell anyone I’m just as likely to burn myself in a bath and I’m a grown-ass adult.