The diversity of women’s sexualities is celebrated in a number of the books in this section; there is a wealth of material on lesbian and bisexual and solo sexuality.
This revised and expanded edition of Becoming Orgasmic provides a program designed to help anyone overcome the myriad of obstacles to complete sexual satisfaction. This is a personal and sensitively written book designed to make you feel good about your sexuality and yourself. 1987, Fireside
Dr. Joy Davidson believes that desire is more than what you feel on the way to the bedroom - it's the very spark that ignites your life. Embracing your sexuality and erotic spirit is an art form - and learning to express yourself without getting stalled in self-defeating relationships is a practical, learnable skill. This book is your guide. 2004, Fair Winds Press (2nd edition)
Sisters Jennifer (a urologist) and Laura (a sex therapist) Berman point out that nearly half of all women in the US experience sexual problems at some point during their lifetime. In this helpful book they offer frank but personal discussion about the female sexual response. They describe their clinical patient assessment process, provide an updated anatomy lesson and offer practical suggestions for enhancing sexual pleasure. 2001, Henry Holt
This book offers a practical program developed by an acclaimed sex therapist. It includes a detailed description of female sexual response, step-by-step exercises to gradually awaken dormant sexuality, clear explanations about sex and sexual response, and insights into the essential role of the emotions in sexual gratification. 2000, Signet
The authors begin with a description of women’s sexual experiences and move on to cover a wide range of sexual topics including how to enhance your sex life, biological/pharmaceutical remedies, restorative and cosmetic surgery, sex toys, masturbation, and meditative practices. The book helps women map their erotic journey through the life cycle from adolescence through older age. 2002, Crown
This book is a clear, informative and friendly companion, explaining the latest anatomical and physiological research on the G-spot (not a spot inside the vagina at all, but the urethral sponge in front of it). The book gives a practical guide to tips, techniques, and toys for stimulating the G-spot. Throughout, the author is careful to emphasize that while some women love G-spot pressure, others don’t get a lot out of it or actually find it uncomfortable. The focus is on finding out what you personally enjoy rather than setting yourself a new performance goal. 1998, Down There Press
Based on a landmark sex survey, researcher and sex therapist Ogden found "the language of spiritual experience comes closest to expressing the fullness of our sexual response, for it is the language of connection and ecstasy." The book guides the reader on a path to her sexual "center" where healing, ecstasy and transformation occur. Read an extensive review of this book» 2006, Trumpeter
Dr. Rako, a psychiatrist, suggests that gradually developing testosterone deficiency is a treatable condition that ignorance, fear, ideological resistance and sexual politics have prevented a medical community from dealing with. She advocates the prudent use of supplemental testosterone for women who need it and offers a thorough discussion of the uses, benefits and risks of testosterone therapy. 1999, Three Rivers Press
IC is a chronic inflammatory condition of the urinary bladder that can have a devastating impact on quality of life. The disease may be debilitating and lead to feelings of helplessness and despair. Often misdiagnosed as a urinary tract infection or cystitis, patients are often incorrectly treated. This guide is designed to help the IC patient understand the process of proper diagnosis and empower readers to make sure they are getting the most appropriate treatment for their condition. 2000, New Harbinger
Semans and Winks approach sex and motherhood from four angles: basic components of women's sexuality, sex and pregnancy (just before, during, and just after), sex as a parent, and raising sexually healthy children. The work is greatly enhanced by copious quotations from several hundred moms who shared experiences and tips via surveys the authors posted online. Married, single, heterosexual, and lesbian moms are all included, and often overlooked issues such as circumcision, disability, or having an intersexed child receive coverage. 2001, Three Rivers Press
For women who seek heightened spiritual consciousness with their extended and multiple orgasms, Chia and Abrams prescribe a series of meditations and exercises from the Chinese Taoist tradition. The authors' inclusive language speaks to all women, regardless of age, sexual orientation, relationship status, orgasm tendencies or level of experience with meditation. The good, basic information on general sexual health and wellness emphasizes holistic approaches to maintenance and treatment, and the primer on the fundamentals of chi (energy) provides a solid overview of the theoretical basis for the methods developed to cultivate and use this energy. 2006, Rodale Books
Addressing common female conditions which cause physical pain, emotional anguish and a sense of failure and sexual inadequacy, the book includes extensive explanations, real life stories of patients and partners and treatment options. This book has been a source of hope for many women. 2002, Women’s Therapy Center
Low libido is the most common sexual disorder in American women, affecting an estimated 22-43% of the population. Goldstein, a gynecologist, and Brandon, a clinical psychologist, say the problem is more complex than most therapists realize. “The collection of factors that influences a woman’s sex drive is as unique as the woman herself.” The authors advocate a holistic approach that address four spheres of a woman’s life: physical health, emotional resilience, intellectual fulfillment and spiritual contentment. This book is a practical, open-ended discussion about women’s sexual desire. 2004, Rodale Books
Pleasing color sketches and simple diagrams adorn the pages of Satisfaction by famed Sex and the City actor Kim Cattrall. Simple concepts--open communication, trust, love, and a consistent interest in pleasing one another--are the ingredients for an enriching and fulfilling sex life that can bring two people ever closer, according to the text. The facts speak for themselves: when pressed, women will confess in droves that they are sexually frustrated. It's tricky to communicate one's carnal desires to one's lover, yet both parties must be open to this type of ongoing discussion for the formula to work. 2003, Warner Books
For more than twenty years Betty Dodson has been dedicated to taking the shame out of masturbation, showing it to be a healthy form of sexual expression. With warmth and intelligence and informative line drawings, Dodson explains how anyone can learn to fully enjoy the pleasures of self-love, pointing out that masturbation is still the safest sex. 1996, Crown
A comprehensive guide to all matters sexual for women, with chapters on the physiology of the reproductive system, the emotional complexities of sexuality and sexual relationships, body image, STDs, sexual trauma, painful sex, illness and disability, dealing with sexual problems including low desire, low arousal and orgasm difficulties. This is a wonderful one-volume resource. 2002, Guilford Press
Sex-positive and daring, this book will support any woman's pursuit of pleasure and confidence. Haines discusses common negative reactions among survivors such as withdrawal and dissociation and suggests ways to move on. Her chapters on "sexual response and anatomy" and "masturbation and self-healing" may come as a welcome revelation to women who have repressed their sexual feelings. 1999, Cleis Press
This interactive workbook offers medical research including information on alternative medicine in a comprehensive guide to the causes, symptoms and treatments of menopause. Women are guided to assess their healthcare alternatives and develop a personalized plan for navigating through this challenging period. 1997, New Harbinger
This is the first book to look at IC from a holistic perspective claiming that IC is not just a bladder disease. Included are a multitude of practical, safe, helpful tips for IC patients to use to help themselves heal. This book is empowering and inspirational for IC sufferers. 1998, IC Hope Limited
This doctor’s guide provides solid information in accessible language regarding vulvovaginal anatomy and functions, changes through the lifecycle, routine self-care, pelvic exams, bothersome symptoms and sexual disorders. According to the authors, “your private parts shouldn’t be private to you.” 2002, Bantam
This book is a very good source of general information about vulvodynia and the accompanying emotional distress. The book helps readers identify triggers, modify their diets to reduce symptoms, find knowledgeable medical help, learn how to reduce debilitating pain and renew their enjoyment of healthy sexual relations and normal daily activities. 2002, New Harbinger
In a question and answer format the authors cycle through the premenopausal, menopausal and postmenopausal years separating effects on mind and body in order to provide differentiated responses. The book looks carefully at what estrogen replacement therapy can and cannot do and includes advice on other midlife medical issues. 1997, Yale University Press
According to Dr. Northrup, menopause often marks the beginning of a woman’s most sexually passionate, creatively inspired and professionally productive phase of life. Dr. Northrup specializes in using a mind-body approach to women’s health and believes with the right diet, attitude and supplements, women can actually look forward to a resurgence of energy and a revolutionary opportunity for personal growth. There is a thorough section on menopausal hormone changes. She addresses the hormone replacement therapy controversy and encourages women to avoid synthetic hormones and instead consider “bioidentical” hormones such as estradiol, estrone and estriol. 2003, Bantam
Based on in-depth interviews with a hundred women and a survey which polled over twenty-six hundred women, Dr. Ellison describes patterns which she was able to determine that help lead women to positive sexual growth. Ellison covers the factors that influence sexual development such as body awareness, sexual attitudes and values and early lessons about love, sexuality and sexual boundaries. The book offers women encouragement and practical guidance for achieving sexual self-acceptance. 2000, New Harbinger
This important book investigates how women come by, and live out, their sexual sense of themselves from childhood to old age. It offers useful suggestions for developing skills for sexual self-definition at every age and stage of development. Exercises include letter-writing and drawing to confront feelings, psycho-drama and body sculpting to exorcise demons, guided fantasy to activate disowned body parts, and self-affirmations to help women re-occupy their bodies. 2003, The Guilford Press
This intelligent and readable book reframes conventional ideas about how women experience sexual relationship. Based on original research with women whose stories inform each chapter, it questions male-centered definitions of sexual desire and performance. 1999, Womanspirit Press
Francina examines the role yoga can play in promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being in the face of dramatic hormonal changes, the potential for and onset of osteoporosis, and even the experience (and possible avoidance) of cancer and heart disease. The book offers a compact but well-rounded practice that even a new-comer can easily begin exploring. 2003, HCI
