Saturday, October 23, 2010

What's Up Down There? by Lissa Rankin, MD ~ book review

nonfiction, women's health, reading, review,
If you have been on Twitter over the last few weeks, you'd have to have been hiding under a rock to have not heard of this incredible book by Lissa Rankin, MD.

What's Up Down There?
Questions You'd Only Ask Your Gynecologist If She Was Your Best Friend is a fantastic book that helps you find yourself. Get in touch *literally and figuratively* with your feminine self and find a way to talk about the things that worry you, freak you out and/or embarrass you the most!

Dr. Rankin seriously opens this book as if she's talking to her two best friends. What a way to make the reader feel comfortable. I know I did. She explains how her friends will call her up when they have questions relating to various words that make the general public uncomfortable. Words like vagina, orgasm, discharge and yes, surprisingly enough, SEX.

She takes the time, over these thorough chapters, to find a way to put you at ease while answering your most confusing and embarrassing questions. Questions that cover topics like ... What happens to a woman's vagina as she ages? ... If we don't have frequent sex can things really close up down there? ... Why do I feel like I'm leaking during (or before or after) sex? ... Is it normal to have one breast much larger than the other? ... Does anal sex hurt? ... Why does too much sex cause a UTI?

These are just a few of the conversations you'll have with Dr. Rankin as you turn the pages of this pretty pink book.

I don't know her personally, but after reading all 400 pages I feel as though I do. And I think anyone who is lucky enough to have her as their doctor is really and truly lucky. And actually, I kind of want to buy my own OB-GYN a copy of this book. I actually ordered my copy from my phone while sitting and waiting for my doctor to see me. I suppose I was inspired by taking care of myself and having my health come first for a change.

As women tend to do, I often find myself putting my child and my husband ahead of me when it comes to many things. Whether it be health related, emotional or any other means of coming in last, I do it. But don't so many of us do just that?

I was at the doctor's for a repeat exam, as the last exam I had was questionable. It wasn't horribly problematic, so I had to wait 6 months for a follow up. It kind of scared me, but I did a little Internet digging and then I waited. I went along with it and got my follow up appointment in at the six month mark. I finally spoke to someone today and found out that everything is OK. All is well and there is nothing to worry about. Thank G-d. But I will say that Dr. Rankin has me thinking and looking at things in a different light. She has reminded me that being a woman is an incredible thing. She has pointed out that taking care of me, remembering my own needs, and putting myself first now and then is truly important. And for that, I say thank you. And to all of you, I say check out her book. It's worth it. I promise. Buy a copy for your friends. Your sister. Your mom. Whoever you think will truly benefit from the reminder of how important SHE is.

Thanks, Lissa. Even though we're not friends I kind of feel like we're on a first name basis at this point in our relationship. I hope that's okay with you.


** I was not compensated in any way for this review. I purchased this book on my own, online through BN.com and decided to post this review with my own thoughts about this fantastic book. There is an affiliate link in this post. **

6 comments:

  1. Well, I DO live under a rock. But you already knew that. Sounds like an interesting read!

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  2. I live under a rock. Going to have to check this one out.

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  3. Hey there! I'm a new follower. Your blog looks great from what I have seen so far. If you get a chance please stop by and follow my back.

    ~Steph
    http://fortheluvofsanity.blogspot.com

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  4. Woot! Thanks for sharing this. I had to learn all kinds of weird things back when we were battling infertility. And I'm sure there's a lot I still don't know. Cool!

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  5. I just lifted my rock...LOL. I am going to check that out! Thanks for sharing that. "Down There" health is super important!

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  6. Women just don't talk about our bodies nearly enough. Looks like a good book that could help a lot of women.
    Thanks for sharing.

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