Our Bodies, Ourselves

Our Bodies, Ourselves

Product Description Hailed by The New York Times as a ?eminist classic,and ?merica? bestselling book on women? health,the comprehensive guide to all aspects of women? health and sexuality, including menopause, birth control, childbirth, sexual health, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental health and general well-being. Six years after the 2005 overhaul of this classic guide to women? health, the 2011 edition focuses on what Our Bodies, Ourselves does best: provide information on women? reproductive health and sexuality; practical information on how find and access health information; and resources, stories, and information to educate women about health care injustices and inspire them to work collectively to address them. This new edition of Our Bodies, Ourselves includes the latest vital information on: -Changes in the health care system?specially how health care reform affects women and how to get the care you need. -Safer sex?ow to engage in pleasurable, satisfying sexual experiences while protecting your health and the health of your partner. -Environmental health risks?ncluding minimizing exposure to everyday pollutants that endanger reproductive health. -Body image?esisting negative media stereotypes and embracing healthier approaches to looking and feeling good. -Local and global activism?sing social media and organizing tactics to build community and advocate for policies that improve women? lives. -As well as crucial information about gender identity, sexual orientation, birth control, abortion, pregnancy and birth, perimenopause, and sexuality and sexual health as we age. Together with its companion website, OurBodiesOurselves.org, Our Bodies, Ourselves is a one-stop resource for women of all generations. About the Author The Boston Womens Health Book Collective (now known as Our Bodies Ourselves) is a non-profit organization founded in 1969 whose board members include Teresa Heinz Kerry, Susan Love, and Gloria Steinem. Their mission is to empower women by providing information about health, sexuality, and reproduction. Our Bodies, Ourselves is the organizations core vehicle for driving their mission. While OBOS is famous for its voice in policy, advocacy, and educational efforts related to womens health, they see their role as a global content provider as paramount. Judy Norsigian is the Executive Director of Our Bodies Ourselves. Excerpt. ? Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. Our Bodies, Ourselves INTRODUCTION We are delighted to present Our Bodies, Ourselves?n in-depth look at women? sexuality and reproductive health, from the first gynecological exam to sexual health in our later years. Since its first newsprint edition published in the early 1970s, Our Bodies, Ourselves ( OBOS) has enabled women to learn about their bodies, gain insight from the experiences of other women, and consider how best to achieve political and cultural changes that would improve women? lives. This completely revised and updated ninth edition, released on OBOS? fortieth anniversary, covers topics ranging from sexual anatomy, body image, and gender identity to pregnancy and birth, perimenopause/menopause, and navigating the health-care system. This edition reflects the perspective and voices of a wide range of women, and their stories are told through new formats. At our invitation, more than three dozen women of all ages and identities participated in a monthlong online conversation about sexuality and relationships; we found their honesty and forthrightness so compelling that the conversation itself became the foundation of a new ?elationshipschapter. Other new voices include women? organizations around the world that have created their own resources adapted from Our Bodies, Ourselves. Throughout the book, you will meet members of the Our Bodies Ourselves Global Network and read about their work on issues such as abortion, infertility, HIV education a