Table of Contents
List of Illustrations xiii
My Story: How I Got This Way and What It Can Do for You xv
A Word about Terminology and Privacy xxi
Part I Sex: Let's Have "The Talk"
Chapter 1 Somebody Lied about Sex: Misconceptions about Sex 3
Chapter 2 A Clitoris as Long as a Penis, the G-Spot Debate, and More: Anatomy 13
Chapter 3 (Re)Denning Normal Sex: Desire, Arousal, and Orgasms 31
Chapter 4 Something Isn't Right with My Sex Life. Fix It! Diagnosing and Treating Sexual Dysfunction 45
Domestic Violence Spotlight 73
Chapter 5 Grown Folks' Sex Ed: Sexually Transmitted Infections and Diseases 77
Part II Common Women's Health Issues: Advocate for Your Health Like a Pro
Chapter 6 Finding Dr. Right: Tips for Finding a Doctor You Actually Like 113
Black Women's Health Spotlight 126
Chapter 7 Let's Talk about Your Mood, Sis: PMS and PMDD 135
Chapter 8 Are You Sure My Period Is Supposed to Feel Like This? Period Pain 153
Endometriosis Spotlight 163
Chapter 9 Period Chaos: Periods That Are Heavy, Irregular, or Missing in Action 183
Uterine Fibroid Spotlight 196
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Spotlight 208
Chapter 10 Make Your Birth Control Multitask: Birth Control Cheat Sheet 221
Emergency Contraception Spotlight 235
Chapter 11 Cancer Prevention Is a Big Deal: Cancer Screening Guidelines 249
Ovarian Cancer and Endometrial Cancer Spotlight 261
Chapter 12 Pee and Stuff: Urinary Incontinence 271
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Spotlight 280
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Spotlight 287
Chapter 13 Vulvovaginal TLC: Caring for Your Vulva and Vagina 299
Chapter 14 When Your Hormones Go Off a Cliff: Menopause 317
Chapter 15 A Silent Sisterhood: Miscarriages and Infertility 341
Chapter 16 Transgender Health and Becoming a Respectful Ally 361
Before I Say Goodbye 371
Acknowledgments 373
Appendix A CDC Screening Recommendations and Considerations for STDs 375
Appendix B Summary Chart of U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use 385
Appendix C Bladder Training Instructions 391
Reputable Resources 393
Notes 395
Index 407
About the Author 431