Description

Sex Matters for Women by Sally Kope MSW and Dr. Dennis P. Sugrue, 2002Sex therapists and educators at the University of Michigan Medical School, Foley and her coauthors present an overview of women’s sexual development and dilemmas throughout the life course, followed by chapters about self-care. They discuss sexual response, body image, sexual relationships, and overcoming difficulties ranging from sexual dysfunctions to disabilities, STDs, and trauma, including sexual abuse. Coverage is comprehensive and accurate, with information about issues that are rarely addressed, e.g., the effects of incontinence on women’s sexuality. More illustrations and sidebars would have helped lighten the text and dissipate the occasional sense that sex is so complex and ridden with minefields that why should one bother? Leiblum, a counselor/therapist/educator based at the Center for Sexual and Marital Health at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, and Sachs (The Healing Power of Sex) also begin with a description of women’s sexual experiences and issues. But somehow their book is more focused, interesting, and detailed than Sex Matters for Women. For example, readers will find more material about lesbians and even mentions of Muslim and Indian customs. After the overview, the book turns into a sex enhancement manual, discussing the net, biological/pharmaceutical remedies, restorative and cosmetic surgery, sex toys and equipment, masturbation, meditative practices, and sex therapy all approaches often given lesser coverage in other manuals. Unfortunately, there is no general background about sexual response, no illustrations, and nothing on handling STDs or abuse; and the resource section is less substantial. Both books are accurate and useful the first more comprehensive, the second a better “read” paying more attention to diverse backgrounds. Recommended as needed for public libraries, but don’t forget some of the classics in this field: Our Bodies, Ourselves, The New Good Vibrations Guide to Sex (Cleis, 1997. 2d ed.), The Whole Lesbian Sex Book (LJ 1/00), and The Mother’s Guide to Sex (LJ 3/15/01).ContentsIntroductionPart I. Knowing Your Sexual Story1. Every Story Has a Beginning2. Adult Sexuality: A Lifelong StoryPart II. Understanding Your Body3. Your Body4. Sexual Response5. Reproduction and BeyondPart III. Making Peace with Your Body6. Body Image7. Illness and Disability8. When Sex Causes Pain9. Sexually Transmitted Diseases10. TraumaPart IV. Creating a Better Sexual Relationship11. Male Sexuality12. Taking Care of Your Sexual RelationshipPART V. Overcoming Sexual Difficulties13. What to Do When Sexual Problems Arise14. Overcoming Low Sexual Desire15. Overcoming Low Sexual Arousal16. Overcoming Orgasm Difficulties17. Sex TherapyAppendix.1. Exercises for Sexual Growth2. Ways to Know Your Sexual Story3. Ways to Understand Your Body4. Ways to Make Peace with Your Body5. Ways to Create a Better Sexual RelationshipSuggested ResourcesReferencesIndexAbout the Authors