What Your Mother Never Told You About S-e-x

by Hilda Hutcherson

In her ob-gyn practice, Dr. Hilda Hutcherson has seen women of all ages who have questions about sex. Now, in this down-to-earth book, she answers those questions and more as she addresses every sexual matter that has an impact on the lives of women. Combining up-to-date medical science with good old-fashioned girl talk, Dr. Hutcherson discusses sex in a lively tone that’s as educational as it is engaging. With facts on female (and male) anatomy, aphrodisiacs, fantasy, orgasm, birth control, and more, she shows how to overcome sexual problems — and achieve sensational sensual experiences. Your mother may not have known what to tell you about sex, but Dr. Hutcherson will give you a real, honest education on sex and sexuality. And with a special chapter on talking to your daughter, you can pass your wisdom on to the next generation.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sexuality, Health, Self Help, Parenting, Education

384 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2002

About the author

Hilda Hutcherson is an American obstetrician and gynecologist, women's health expert, and medical educator. After graduating with honors from Stanford University, she earned her medical degree from Harvard Medical School and completed her residency at Columbia University Medical Center. She has served as a professor of obstetrics and gynecology and Associate Dean for Diversity and Multicultural Affairs at Columbia University. Hutcherson has devoted much of her career to patient education, speaking to students about sexual health, sexually transmitted infections, and pregnancy prevention. She has also written for Glamour, Essence, and Redbook and authored three books on women's health and sexuality. She has been recognized as one of America's Leading Physicians and included in Best Doctors in America.

Reviews

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good supplement to sex education in school, because it doesn't just say, "Sex leads to STDs, pregnancy, and the most horrible life you could possibly imagine." Good information on anatomy, birth control, sexual health, STDs, emotional issues, and plenty on the enjoyable side of sexuality. I won't go into detail, but it also answered questions about things I'd heard of but didn't quite understand...

[HaleakalaBound · Rating 3 out of 5]

My mom gave this to me right after I got married. It's really informative and discusses things in a mature and non-demeaning nature. I would consider giving it to my daughter before she gets married just as a reference.

[Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never normally read - let alone post about something like this, but especially in our current political situation, I wanted to take back my body and actually understand all those missing areas in my knowledge. I have no regrets. This book is wonderful (though some aspects are a little dated since it was published over 10 years ago) and so body-positive. I originally picked it up because the title made me laugh, but I absolutely would recommend anyone - though especially women- read it. Super, super book. Covers pretty much everything.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and I'd recommend it for both women and men -safe sex practices, new techniques, answers to common questions... but also "mythbusters" to help men and women better understand each other, and themselves.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

PG-13 sex ... obviously.

Wow! I learned A LOT from this book. Some amazing things and other, not-s0-amazing things. I will definitely be keeping this book as a reference for when I talk to my kids about sex as they grow up.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

so this book is everything you have ever needed to know and will need to know about the science of sex! a MUST for catholic school girls. it goes way past talking about abstinence.

[Anika · Rating 3 out of 5]

informative. but more for those who are just beginning to explore their sexual side.

[Mnhawkhoya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Explicit educational information, primarily about women's sexual health/education.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the author is great.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually, my mother gave me this book -- so it's less of what she never told me and more of what she waited to tell me in book form. Entertaining and informative.

[chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall a good book filled with lots of information. Some you might know, and some you might not.

[Julianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a book every woman should read!

[Renee F · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the many questions a woman can have about taking care of her body. What's normal? What is that feeling and is it suppose to hurt? Cramps, ovulation, all of it.

[Terry Pride · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, clear, broad introduction to all the things we AREN'T told, as we move from childhood to teens, & enter adulthood.

The U.S is exceedingly backward in educating children & young adults about their genitals - everything from anatomy to self care, how they function, the very wide range of "normal", keeping them healthy...
And that doesn't even consider the social & emotional aspects of SEXUALITY, which we use mostly to sell products, & to verbally bludgeon those whose expressions of their *own* sexuality, we disapprove of. 🤔

Prudes we began, when Puritans invaded New England, after the Spaniards had been despoiling the W, SW, & SE for a century... & prudes, sadly, we remain.

This excellent book covers basics for beginners ("what is that?"), your own sex's anatomy & the other's, all sorts of non genital erogenous areas, exploring & adapting to a partner's responses, & how to improve our enjoyment - AND our partner's.

Positions for deep or shallow penetration, how to slow his climax, how to help hers, safe sex,...
Even the possible or likely FX of Rx & OTC meds [who knew Cimetidine, sold under the
brand name Tagamet, can interfere with orgasm? - it blocks HISTAMINE, which - another new tidbit, to me - is involved in orgasm!]. Good to know. 👍

Suitable for both vulva & penis wearers.
Sex of your preferred partners is irrelevant.
The info in this book is useful for anyone, of any gender, & any age 12 & up.
If s/he can read the bigger words, this is a valuable book for teens & pre-teens. Safety, consent, consideration, understanding your anatomy [90% of the clitoris is INTERNAL], the risks of emotional injury... it's here, clearly explained.

I would give this book to a youth of 13, or a 90 year old who wants their thrill back [or those who never, sadly, FOUND their thrill - it's never too late to go exploring].
5 stars, & a warm round of applause.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic.

[Radiolab]

Radiolab asked listeners for their sex ed recommendations.

Maria, a Radiolab listener, says, "My mother told me next to nothing. I read this book as a sophomore in college and was shocked by how little I new."

[Elisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and informative.