Sex Matters for Women: A Complete Guide to Taking Care of Your Sexual Self

by Sallie Foley, Sally A. Kope, Dennis P. Sugrue

When it comes to matters of sex, women today are trapped in a reality gap portrayed by the media as confident and fulfilled; yet struggling in everyday life with sexual myths, self-doubt, and "embarrassing" questions. Now women can find the answers they need to take charge of their sexuality both in and outside of the bedroom. This book presents solid, science-based information on the topics that everyone is talking about and those that aren't talked about enough, from how to have more satisfying sex, to questions about hormones, anatomy, STDs, body image, relationships, sexual orientation, and more. Also included are thought-provoking exercises for self-discovery and sexual growth. The book concludes with an extensive listing of suggested books, websites, and organizations. For readers of all ages, this essential reference provides up-to-date advice on the many ways that sex matters in women's lives. [FOR PROFESSIONAL USE, It will also serve as a useful text in advanced undergraduate and graduate-level human sexuality courses.]

Winner--Society for Sex Therapy and Research (SSTAR) Consumer Book Award

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Sexuality, School

376 pages, Paperback

First published November 2, 2001

Reviews

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this book after being diagnosed with pelvic floor disorder. While it was very helpful in understanding both physical and psychological reasoning behind my disorder, I do feel that this book was targeted towards a middle-aged woman in a long-term relationship, so some of the advice was useless for my mid-twenties, single self.

[Beth Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, this book lived up to its title and subtitle.
Sections of the book will give you an idea of what is explored:
Knowing Your Sexual Story
For me, this book lived up to its title and subtitle.
Sections of the book will give you an idea of what is explored:
Knowing Your Sexual Story
Understanding Your Body
Making Peace with Your Body
Creating a Better Sexual Relationship
Developing Sexual Comfort, Confidence, and Satisfaction.

Along with depathologizing female sexuality (Surprise! It's very different than male sexuality which has been the therapeutic measure for decades) and validating my experience of trying to manage the myriad of mixed messages our culture sends around women and sex, the authors presented several exercises which helped me explore, understand and transform my own unique sexual journey.
It's a pretty thick book - but can be approached as a resource section by section.
I wish I had read this (and understood it) before raising my daughter. It may have helped me break the cycle of silence and awkwardness that characterized my attempts to address this topic, from toddler to teen and young adult.