The Vagina Book: An Owner’s Manual for Taking Care of Your Down There

Welp, I guess I’m not as period positive as I thought— more period neutral. Is that a thing? I think menstruation shouldn’t be shamed and it shouldn’t be the taboo topic it is, but it *is* blood coming from your genitals. It’s bio-hazardous waste, and it should be disposed of properly.

With that in mind, I’m sure you can imagine my shock when a woman proudly writes about the time where, as a child, she’d leave used, bloody pads “on the back of the toilet, on the floor, or in my white canopy bed” because she was a “rebel” and “doesn’t hide anything.” (Imagine a child leaving feces-covered or urine-soaked toilet paper everywhere, and then speaking about it proudly as an adult? NO bodily function should be shamed— they’re natural, vital to our survival as a species, and we can’t stop them— but that doesn’t prevent the fluids or solids from those functions from being unsanitary and needing proper disposal.) The book also mentions free-bleeding, which I’m not a fan of, for reasons stated earlier. In your house? Sure, you do you, but please don’t do it in public where your blood (if it soaks through your clothing and onto things other people will touch) poses a danger to others.

At the end of the period sex segment, they mention how only you know your body and to do what makes *YOU* comfortable, completely ignoring the other party— or parties. They need to be fully willing, too. It’s okay for a partner to not want to engage in sex when blood is involved, for whatever reason. It’s okay for them to feel uncomfortable and to say no because of the blood. No, they’re not shaming you for having a period just for declining and no, it isn’t The Patriarchy™’s fault.

I would’ve liked to go over the modern options for hygiene products and how to use them, including reusable cloth pads that are often overlooked. There’s a spread about the history of period products, but not a list of current options with explanations, pros and cons, and tips on how to choose what’s best for you which I think would’ve been super helpful.

As for positives:

While my childhood was pretty traumatic, I feel very fortunate that I had very sex-positive parents who made sure I knew I could ask them about anything. I also recall having pretty in-depth sex-ed, which makes me feel even luckier— this (unfortunately) isn’t the norm. Although this book didn’t teach me much personally, I’m certain it'll help a lot of people learn more about their bodies and its sexual/reproductive functions.

A couple things that it did teach me, though, was about menopause. As I’m a few decades away from that I never really looked into it, but I now feel like I have a better understanding of the women I love and what they’re going through or have gone through. I love the tips on how to survive it, and I’ll definitely spread the info! :-)

Even though I didn't agree with everything, I think books like The Vagina Book are important and I do recommend reading it.

I am a big fan of Thinx, and subsequently, of this book written by their creator. This is a great, easy to read book on women's health and their bodies, that is essentially a human sexuality book that's been made much more enjoyable to read than a Masters & Johnson textbook, covering everything from anatomy, to sexual health, contraception, periods, and more.

I have been looking for the perfect book for my teenage daughter. This is the one! I’ve found the ideal companion book.
This covers every topic you could want. From mensuration to hormones. Sexual heath. Even down to shaving.
The topics covered are done in a clear and sensitive way. Done in such a way as to educate and not make judgement over right and wrong.
All teenagers and their moms should have access to this book. Thank you for the ARC. I will definitely be purchasing a copy when released as a reference book.
#thevaginabook #netgalley #jenniferconti

4⭐️
I really never talked to anyone about my periods. Looking back in horror now I remember lots of embarrassing experiences.
I remembered locking myself in my family bathroom with my twin sister while we struggled to use tampons for the first time before a run with our critical father. We were laughing, then crying because we didn’t know what we were doing.
I didn’t love everything about this but it had some good things. Its a must read for all females who have questions. Vaginal care, periods, sex(birth control), and menopause. Why aren’t we talking about this more??
I am so grateful for the Netgalley ARC from the publisher and all opinions are my own. I have given an honest review.

Just wow. This book blew me away. There were some things I knew and so many things I did not know. I loved how this book was laid out with the ability to explore knowledge and testimonials. It also had a lot of professional opinions to help make the learning more believable and relatable. The fact that so many OBGYN contributed to the making of this book just made it so special. Would highly recommend to anyone. Of all ages. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Can I say that I love the art in this book? The drawings make this a light read and for a topic that needs more attention, time and seriousness, this had bits and pieces that I could relate to regarding the vagina, proper menstrual health and hygiene.
There were some examples shared in or stories here that were disgusting- like the rebel leaving used pads on the bathroom floor, that's not cool at all.
All in all, it is a good read, thanks Netgalley for the eARC.

The Vagina Book covers pretty much everything about your vagina, obviously. Starting with your period, orgasm, sex diseases, menopause, contraception, self-care, etc. Also breaking out the myths about the period, or virginity, the woman related. It suggests various yoga positions to reduce the period pain.

It has excerpts from other people about their pain during the period or opinion about sex ed. The illustrations are nice and bold, I like it. It would be nice to have an illustration as well for the vagina in the chapter that explains about vagina part. (in the book it is explained only through text).

If you or a loved one owns a vagina, BUY THIS BOOK. I was originally skeptical as it is co-authored by a period-product company, imagining the shallow advice and propaganda touting the miracles of their products. ALAS! Expertly written with authentic medical consultation and personal stories, this book is a great combination of fact delivered in a concise, digestible way. The topics range from essential period knowledge to safe sex with external resources and HUGE emphasis on queer expression. TWO EGGS UP.

I enjoyed flipping through this book. I found it very informative and I like how it was approached with some humor.

This book should be a must read for anyone with a vagina. There is so much good information in this book about periods, sex, ob gyn, etc. There's a lot of facts that often women are afraid or ashamed to ask about. Even though it is from Thinx, they do not push any agenda for their products other than mentioning what it is during a section describing products to be used for your period.

This was really interesting. You learn a whole lot about the female reproductive system. It sure is a better guide than google and I have seen interesting reviews on Thinx. I was glad I got the opportunity to read this. It helps you get a non convoluted view on issues that you just want simple explaining on.

What a great book for women. So informative and makes me feel like I’m not alone and not crazy!! More women should read this!!

Useful and descriptive. Very detailed and helpful. Wish that there are more books like this to help women understand their bodies better.

Oh, how I wish someone had written and given this book to a younger me!
Separated in 4 sections (periods, vaginal health, sex & contraception, wellness & self-care), it is, indeed, what it claims to be-- an honest, compassionate, and inclusive resource. and manual for all who have a vagina or would like to learn about vaginas.
Highly educational and entertaining, I would gift this book to many of my teenaged students.

This is a category of books that I truly believe that all women, or those who identify as women need to take part in. This book is no different, like other books that I’ve read, The Vagina Book, digs even deeper than just the vagina. Dr Jennifer Conti goes beyond the classic anatomy lesson, she speaks about wellness and self care, she speaks about abortion, about pregnancy, about body hair and STI’s. There are stories from a number of women, about periods, pregnancy loss and masturbation. This is a book that should be in school libraries, women need to have all the correct knowledge when it comes to their own bodies.

The book is a great way to start a conversation about periods and vaginas. It shouldn't be a taboo subject when it has to be a MUST being curious to learn about how the human body works.

I like the aproach this author gave to certain topics many people find uncomfortable. We need to teach little girls that learning about their bodies it's normal, and to not be scared to ask questions because the more we learn, the more prepared we are going to be. This book is not groundbreaking, but it's a start... For moms who want to begin The Talk with their daughters, or any woman that it's interested to learn a bit more. The information this book gives you it's straightforward.

I’m always on the hunt for a good sex-positive read, and even more so for books I can recommend to others as a crash course or guide to their own bodies. (Especially because you know, sex education in the US is far from comprehensive!) The Vagina Book will certainly make its way onto that list of resources! I was surprised to see so many other reviewers seemed to be put off by Margaret Cho’s foreword - I might be biased because I already enjoy her, but it just seems to speak a bit to how important having a period, body, and sex positive resource like this is. Despite being “written by the makers of Thinx” surprisingly there’s not a single drop of this book that comes across as trying to sell me something. (Unlike some of the feminine-hygiene bran funded sex ed tapes!)

The addition of Daiana Ruiz’s illustration - simple, bright - and inclusive of all sorts of shapes and skin colors, keeps the Vagina Book from feeling too much like you’re reading a stereo manual. Each chapter includes a page or so from other women offering advice (“what would you tell your younger self about birth control?” “What are your favorite ways to get relief during your period?” etc.) and a bit by Dr. Jenn Conti typically answering a question or two mentioned in each section. Again, keeping things light hearted and not too encyclopedia-esque.

But it does function as an encyclopedia of sorts - almost everything under the sun regarding having a vagina is mentioned! From masturbation, to grooming, to anatomy that we weren’t taught in school, the concept of “virginity”, to fertility & even menopause. (Which I rarely see mentioned at all, period!) The last section on the importance of self-care (and the many forms it can come in, form hot baths to therapy!) was great to read - especially because it didn’t focus on the more capitalism-centric aspects of “self care” as a buzzword, and actually got to the root & importance of caring for yourself.

I would happily hand this book off to any teenager I knew that needed an honest resource on the care and keeping of their bodies - and even my peers (I’m in my mid-twenties) I think most people with a vagina could benefit from a book like this - even as someone that considers themselves well versed in sexuality & their own health there were a few things mentioned that I wouldn’t have given a second thought before. Better read in parts though - some of the chapters can seem sort of randomized as they try to cover so much ground. (That’s a minor complaint, I wasn’t really bothered by it reading in one sitting but I can see how others could.)

The Vagina Book sets out to be an “honest, compassionate, and inclusive resource” and for the most part they achieve that. My only complaint with that is that this books phrasing leans heavily on cisgender women and beside a brief mention of LGBTQ identities & intersex people in the section about sex, the concept that people with vaginas (and that have children, and have periods…) aren’t always women wasn’t brought up. So, one inclusivity point was lost of me for that, though the book tries it’s best to be inclusive as far as race & sexuality goes - and that’s always awesome to see.

My only other negative point would be that in a resource that “mostly” manages to be so sex positive (even talking about the importance of sex work decriminalization, never assuming that someone reading the book is monogamous, lots of great - positive points!) immediately after a segment explaining revenge porn, what it is - and how to report it, “What People Can Do To Protect Their Private Images” gets a bit shame-y. The blame shouldn’t be shifted to the victims of revenge porn (“Avoid taking compromising photos - and keep them to yourselves if you do” - paraphrased, but still shit advice, frankly.) and it gave me a bit of whiplash because again - for the most part, this is an incredibly sex-positive resource free of shame on many other topics.

Nobody’s perfect though, and The Vagina Book does a great job for the most part. (I’m just notoriously nitpicky at times.) And in case what’s included isn’t enough, there’s a slew of resources in the back of the book - from more things to read, online resources, and organizations to reach out to & support. It was a quick read for me, but I can see it being something I would refer to & “check back” with as it definitely has great reread value.

Thank you NetGalley for giving me an ARC in return for my honest feedback & review, I’ll be editing this with a link to a “full” review on my blog closer to it’s release date. (August 2020)

A good, sex-positive resource and a fast read that covers a lot of ground but doesn't go too far in depth on any one topic. The articles were quite brief but were informative and there were many subjects I wasn't really expecting to see, like BDSM, sex positions for your period, and revenge porn. I think I would have preferred certain articles (like the orgasm one!) to be longer and more in depth but this book was a good overview. I was actually expecting Thinx to be mentioned a lot more and was impressed that this book didn't turn out to be an ad for their products.

I really enjoyed how easy this book was to read. It's also very informative, but it has a sense of humor and kept my attention. This book would have been a much better teacher than the awkward sex-ed/period class I had to take in 5th grade.

A very honest and open book about the often taboo subject on women’s health. Refreshing to read and I still learnt things, even despite my age!

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

There was some useful information in this book. I think it was open and transparent about women's heath. I like how they reviewed myths especially around pregnancy. I did find the transitions were alittle off though. The chapters didn't flow together.

Very approachable and conversational in tone. Provides information in a ver accessible way. There are sections by Dr Conti theoughtout to provide more context. There are also sections by co-authors.

Very interesting book covering specific topics that are not common at all. Vagina-relating topics have been considering a tabu for so long but it's time society just gets comfortable with talking about another human part. I wish I read this book before puberty.. well.. I'm glad my children will have access to this type of literature.

The kind of book every young woman should read, and which I wish had been available back when I had so many questions about my body, and not many resources to answer them.

This book is well informed and very well organized. Having grown up on "Our Bodies, ourselves" - I realize how this one speaks to our time in the same way that the former text spoke to a different generation. It comes with useful resources. The message to young women today never to feel ashamed of their bodies.

Ok, so it was an enjoyable read with some very important information. Not groundbreaking though. I guess it is important for teens to have access to this book but as a 28 yo woman I was like "yeah ok I know that".
Probably because I was very lucky? Very not American?
Who knows!

I also think that it can be a good read for guys. They deserve to know what's going on too!

Anyway, I think it deserves a read anyway even though you think you know it all!

Plus it is funny, so yeah no reason at all not to read it.

It's been so long since I've accepted an ARC for review, so I figured a book about vaginas written by a company selling special period underwear was as good a choice as any for diving back into book reviews. Although I wasn't originally familiar with Thinx, a quick browse of the company's website definitely opened my curiosity, although I'm not sure how likely I am to try these... unique.... products in the near future.

Anyways, I initially thought The Vagina Book might be intended for much younger readers, like the awkward books your mother pushes under the door around age 11 that awkwardly discuss arm pit hair and picking your first maxi pads .... but a quick flip to the chapter showing the best positions for period sex quickly changed my mind on the intended audience. I assume this book is more targeted to a slightly older crowd, mostly seeking validation and inclusivity more so than novel facts, as I think the personal stories that relate to the audience are probably a much bigger selling point than the facts (none of which are particularly new or earth-shattering). It was a nice touch to have authentically candid stories from well-known voices like YouTuber Ingrid Nilsen, who related her struggles balancing her emotional health during her menstrual cycle, making a familiar topic feel more relatable and a little less taboo.

The book focuses a lot on inclusivity of size, gender, and sexuality, which ventured into a little more politics than I was expecting. Again, there's probably nothing that you've never heard somewhere else here, but it's convenient and easy to have such an easily accessible collection of voices speaking on such a wide topic of women's issues.

Imagine: I go back to school, study astrophysics, become the world's most experienced astrophysicist, invent the world's first time machine, take this book, go back in time, and shove it in front of every person with a vagina on their thirteenth birthday. I LOVE this book so much. It was absolutely thrilling, which, believe me, is not what I expected to say about a book about vaginas. The amount of information they have included this book makes me giddy and so, so, SO excited for young girls everywhere. Hell, even young adults. Proper, fully-grown adults. I've been on this planet for 25 years, and I learned so much from this book. It's incredibly reaffirming. Every page made me feel immeasurably comfortable by simply reminding me that I am NOT ALONE. We are NOT ALONE. There is an incredible group of people out there that should exist to support one another, and throughout history, we NEVER HAVE. From periods and vaginal health, to sex & contraception and wellness & self-care, this book covers everything you have ever wanted to know. Everything you ever NEEDED to know. Everything you didn't even know you wanted or needed to know. EVERYTHING!

Bonus things that particularly made me happy while reading this INCREDIBLY HELPFUL AND RESOURCEFUL BOOK:
-"we must understand that virginity is an idea formulated eons ago by people concerned with policing bodies with vaginas"
-"we must combat the bullsh*t around virginity and replace it with inclusive, healthy, and medically accurate sex education; we must do this because virginity simply does not exist"
-"if you find you're uncomfortable with some of your desires or their origins, or if there are certain practices that start to overwhelm your life, it's worth taking a look at what's driving you"
-the very concept of cultural orgasms
-the fact that not in a single instance did they reference girls or women (although I know I did, above), but instead PEOPLE WITH VAGINAS
-filmed pornography was invented almost at the same time as film, which means humans are kinky af
-"learning how to ask for, recognize, and give consent requires communication and emotional maturity"
-"the idea that sex is something men try to 'get' and women have to protect against, for example, takes away agency from both parties, and ignores queer identities altogether"
-"there are three parts of a person's gender: body, identity, and expression. All these parts operate independently"
-the fact that they included talking about sex workers and their rights!!!
-this sentence: "opt for slower, low-impact exercise [while on your period] like yoga, Pilates, or walking to the store that's kinda far from your apartment but carries the ice cream you like (it counts, OK?)"
-this sentence, also: "and hey, maybe anyone who thinks they deserve an opinion on your pubes doesn't deserve access to your vagina, just a thought"
-advice on finding a therapist to work on your mental health, which is a huge part of owning a vagina!! (and life, in general)
-of course, like any good non-fiction book, including a list of other reading resources for further information

Things that Did Not Bring Me Joy that I learned:
-reminding me that free healthcare does not exist in Some Parts of the world, and lack of access is often the most debilitating thing when it comes to taking care of yourself
-the fact that I was never once introduced to the concept of a female condom in school
-SIX different American states (Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas) all have laws that PROHIBIT the mention of homosexual relationships apart from teaching that gay sex is associated with AIDS (particularly horrifying, imho)
-There is some underlying tones when you consider that the same states that try to implement "heartbeat bills" and other similar cutthroat laws are typically the same states that formed the Confederate States in the attempt to prolong slavery

Overall, an EXCELLENT book and resource for absolutely everyone. EVERYONE. I would happily read a book titled "The Penis Book" because everyone should know about human bodies. There is just SO MUCH TO KNOW and SO LITTLE that we learned. Learn it, appreciate it. Love it.

Give this book to every single teenage girl in the world. I wish someone had spoken to me as openly and honest as Conti does in this book. From contraception, periods, safe sex, and anatomy, this book covers everything you have ever questioned or had concerns on. It’s beautifully illustrated and written in a way that educates without any judgment. If I ever have a daughter you’re damn sure I’ll be giving this book to her. Hell, I’m about to be buying this book for every teenage girl in my family.