Want a NOOK? Explore Now
Should I be concerned if my cycles are rarely 28 days?
Why do I often feel so emotional before my period?
And how can I know when my period's really going to start?!
If you're a teenage girl, you've probably asked yourself these questions and many more. Now Cycle Savvy has the answers that will help you understand what is really happening with your body on a day-to-day basis. It's the first book specifically designed to teach young women about the practical benefits of charting their cycles. Explore the fascinating world of ovulation, fertility, and why you even have periods at all! And learn all about the body signals, mood changes, and other signs that accompany your cycle. With charming illustrations, fun brainteasers, confidence builders, sample charts, and first-person tales of experiences that every girl can relate to, Cycle Savvy takes the mystery out of your amazing body.
do you realize that you actually started your life inside your grandmother? Huh? How is that possible? Well, the very egg that eventually became you was originally inside your mother's ovaries when she was but a fetus inside her own pregnant mother! Another way of saying this is that every woman who is pregnant with a female fetus is carrying a part of her potential grandchildren in her body. What? Keep reading.
Let's go back to when your mom was just a fetus. Female fetuses already contain all the eggs that they will ever have. Practically speaking, that means that when your mother was a fetus inside her mother, she had already developed one of the eggs that eventually became you. So if she was 35 years old when she had you, and you are now 16, the cells inside of you today that were once part of the egg that became you would be about 51! The best way to help you grasp this fascinating concept is to simply fill in the lines next to the illustration on the following page with the appropriate names.
One of the major differences between male and female anatomy has to do with when the sex cells (or gametes) are developed. As you just read, girls are born with all the eggs they will ever have. Yet the eggs don't mature until puberty, when about one egg percycle is released. This continues all the way through menopause (the time when a woman stops having periods altogether). Boys, on the other hand, don't develop sperm until adolescence, but then continually produce sperm every day until they die.
your External Reproductive Anatomy
If you have a brother close in age to you, you may remember taking baths with him as a toddler and being perplexed as to why he had this "thing" on the outside that you didn't have. He might have even gleefully pointed down there while boasting about it. Even from a very young age, boys in our society are usually socialized to believe they possess a treasure in which to take pride, whereas girls tend to grow up embarrassed about what they have "down there." Well, that's got to change, here and now.
As you know, you have a vagina while boys have a penis. No big surprise there. But what you probably didn't know is that, in terms of pleasure, your vagina is actually not the female counterpart of his penis--your clitoris is (my what is?).
As you'll see, your clitoris (pronounced kli-'tor-s) is your "special thing." So even though your vagina is one of the things that makes you a girl, your clitoris makes being a girl, well, more fun! There will be more on this a bit later (in Chapter 6), but for now, it's back to your vagina, which should be a healthy pink color, like the inside of your cheek. It has three distinct functions: It's a passageway for the flow of menstrual blood, a flexible muscle that surrounds a penis when a woman has intercourse with a man, and a birth canal for an emerging baby during childbirth.
What protects your vagina are your vaginal lips. They vary in size, shape, and color. Books always refer to two sets--the inner lips, or labia minora, and the outer lips, or labia majora. But in reality, the only ones that are truly protective and even remotely resemble lips are the inner ones. The outer lips are really not lips at all, but more of a soft hair-covered padding.
The first time I caught a glimpse of vaginal lips was when I was maybe three or four years old. I remember squatting on the floor in the bathroom while my mom peed, and being completely confused by what I saw between her legs as she stood up from the toilet. From that angle, they looked really strange.
--Brie, 19
You can imagine how a toddler might find many things in her young life confusing or frightening if she has never seen them before. Luckily, as children get older, things that were once scary can often become really intriguing and beautiful with familiarity. So it is with vaginal lips.
Now, you wouldn't wear a dress to the prom without viewing it from every angle, would you? Yet, in a certain way, you wear your external anatomy every day. Aren't you just a tad curious? The only way you are going to know what I've been talking about these last few pages is if you actually look down there yourself! I realize that sounds pretty extreme, maybe even a little intimidating, but consider this: a boy sees and touches his penis every time he goes to the bathroom. Perhaps that's why boys seem more comfortable with their bodies and sexuality. Why can't you, a girl, feel the same? Now you can!
You can build respect for your body by becoming more familiar with all its important parts, including those below your belly. So read the next three pages, then find a private place, and grab that mirror. It's time you get to know your own body as well as boys know theirs!
Exploring Down There
Take Out That Mirror and Get to Know Yourself
Find some time after a shower or bath when you are clean, have complete privacy and enough time to relax, and explore what makes you, you. Did you know that the external appearance of your sexual anatomy is as unique as your face? It's true. So the sooner you become familiar with your body, the easier it will be for you to develop a real sense of wonder about it.
Use whatever type of mirror is most comfortable: a handheld or even a wall mirror, as long as it allows you to see yourself in bright light while you are seated in a comfortable position, legs open and bent at the knees.
Excerpted from Cycle Savvy by Toni Weschler Copyright © 2006 by Toni Weschler. Excerpted by permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Cycle Savvy is the first book specifically designed to teach teenage girls about the eminently practical benefits of charting their menstrual cycles. Bestselling author Toni Weschler, helps readers understand what is really happening with their bodies on a day-to-day basis, and answers questions that most girls (and even women) don't know the answers to, such as: If my cycles are never 28 days, is that normal? Will worrying about a late period only delay it?
Cycle Savvy includes charming illustrations, engaging brain teasers, easy-to-use sample charts, and first-person vignettes of moments every girl can relate to.
Questions for Discussion
1. What are some of the advantages of becoming familiar with your body, especially your reproductive anatomy?
2. Why is ovulation—and not menstruation—considered the "main event" of menstrual cycles?
3. Why do you think that many women consider their periods a "curse," or nuisance, rather than a biological wonder, and how would you characterize your feelings about menstruation?
4. What roles do reproductive hormones play in the physical changes many girls undergo during their teenage years?
5. Why might a girl who has no desire to be sexually active or to become pregnant want to keep track of her fertility signs?
6. What are the two primary fertility signs?
7. What is the fertility sign that indicates that you are about to ovulate? And what is the fertility sign that confirms that ovulation has occurred?
8. How might recording daily waking temperatures and cervical fluid enable a girl to better plan herschedule?
9. To what extent do the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) described in Cycle Savvy correspond with your experience of them, or with the experiences of those you know?
10. Why is respect an essential ingredient in any kind of romantic or sexual activity?
11. Why should any decisions about sexual activity be considered in light of one's life goals and personal values and beliefs?
12. What are some of the dangers associated with sexual activity, and how can those who choose to be sexually active lessen those risks?
13. Why do men and women experience sexual orgasm differently, and how can the timing of ovulation impact women's experiences of sex?
14. What was the most surprising or interesting aspect of female fertility that you learned about in Cycle Savvy?
15. Why does the author compare fertility cycles to fingerprints? To what extent do you agree with her analogy?
16. Of all of the personal vignettes in Cycle Savvy, which did you find you could most relate to and why?
17. How does the fertility information in Cycle Savvy make you think differently about the female body?
Okay the rating choses that B&N gave me aren't good.
This is a amazing book!It can really set a girl straight!!!!It talks about pregency,Periods,and more.There are even excersizes about the book.Plus just like a teacher after each chapter the is a Quiz and I you fail you have to reread.I highly recommend it for girls 12+.It changed my Life!Plus even on the back it sayes "Girls 14 and up" even though It is approperout for 12 year olds.It cover boys to and ---.{you know}.even peer pressure.I would give it to a girl who is course about her body.You will be amazed about how detailed but easy to read this 205 paged book is.With bold print.PLUS stories by REAL GIRLS!I LOVEit!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 17, 2013
There isnt any secret food or execise or diet to grow breasts. U just have to be patient. How old ru? If ur only twelve or something dont worry. Your breasts will get bigger. Everypne's body changes at their own pace. I know how u feel. Its hard seeing all of your friends change when u dont change at all. But u just keep your chin up and be patient. Dont try and put anything in your bra to fake breasts. It will make u look stupid. Everyone will know its nor real. You are sad now because u dont have big breasts. But somewhere else a girl is sad because she has huge ones. Everyone is different and thats ok. Remember, its not whats in your t-shirt that counts. Its whats inside that counts. :) -Jenny, age 14.
I want to read this book, if my mom says yes. :)
Anonymous
Posted May 16, 2013
You're just growing up.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 17, 2013
Why do my b oobs ache?
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 8, 2013
This book sample is TERRIBLE! It talks about the boy's private part call the penis and the vagina which is the girl area. This book is okay cause it is for girls and boys should read this sample too. If you like it girls AND boys respond back to Puppylover.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 12, 2013
What kind of problems?~Ben
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 1, 2013
I was NOT doing extra dance classes! I was stuck with my little brother who took my nook and hid it! I found it yesterday. I did post on the ballet book. Did you tell Emma the book?~Etalien
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 25, 2013
Good idea, but it should be just the three of us and not those other short term advice givers.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 25, 2013
Tell us whenever you feel comfortable.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 24, 2013
Well, the first thing is....don't believe everything you hear! Thats a big no no. Most girls are worrying to much about what other people think about them,and also there thinking about everything that is wrong about themselves. Clearly, they have low self esteem.
1. Be positive, list all the things you like about yourself.
2. Don't worry about what other people might think of you. Just be yourself! If they don't like you. For who you are, don't waste your time.
3. Another thing is...step up! Be the leader, and inspire someone. This will make you feel good about yourself!:)
4. Look upon things in a different perspective. This will help you see things more clearer.
5. Try makeup! I know this sounds crazy but knowing you look pretty will brighten your mood. And will boost your confidence!
6. Make new friends! Either if your a nerd, or the popular one making new friends will make life & school more fun, and interesting. Finding new things about others and yourself!!
Anonymous
Posted February 9, 2013
I have 1cat and14fish in our 200gallon tank
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 27, 2013
Realy a girl is not supost to douch it's not good to do that. And meniporz is like when your out of puberty. Tell me if I helped u ~Glam girl
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 13, 2013
Does anyone want to chat...
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 3, 2013
What book?
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 21, 2013
About what? Re to girl 12
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 25, 2013
That is a great idea! We should choose a book that has no reviews though. And advertise on all the puberty books. Aly
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 8, 2013
Put your email so i can add u
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 2, 2013
Sorry, I thought you were. Ellie meant you, but she said Emma. See you at our book.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 17, 2012
Hi. I am here to answer questions about puberty. Breasts. Boys. And anything else about growing up. Reply to JUMP12
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 10, 2012
You open up the bbook, and tap on the middle of the screen. At the botttom, there should be a tab that says "more..." and you tap that. It should tell you what the book is about. Then you tap archive. That takes it off your nook, and you can unarchive it from your b&n account. If you want to completely delete it, go to your b&n account on your computer and clock delete. If you ever want it again, you will have to buy it again. Hope this helped!!!! Emmie:)
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
Overview
Should I be concerned if my cycles are rarely 28 days?
Why do I often feel so emotional before my period?
And how can I know when my period's really going to start?!
If you're a teenage girl, you've probably asked yourself these questions and many more. Now Cycle Savvy has the answers that will help you understand what is really happening with your body on a day-to-day basis. It's the first book specifically...