A WOMAN TALKS TO HER DOCTOR: A Comprehensive Guide to Women's Health Care

by ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 28, 1979

Dr. Flowers begins his book with the unpromising explanation that he became a gynecologist because, having grown up near a farm, he was familiar with reproduction and could therefore empathize with women. Equally unimpressive his concluding story about a widow who, with his approving assistance, obtained a face lift, breast implants, and an operation to tighten her vagina, and was then able to find a new husband. In 13 Chapters, from ""Getting Acquainted"" to ""Vaginitis and Bladder Disorders"" to ""Menopause,"" Flowers answers questions (contributed by Maxine Abrams) which women supposedly want to ask their gynecologists. When he is able to leave himself out of the discussion, and is responding to questions about physiology or addressing such topics as the mechanics of birth control or a pelvic exam, Flowers usually provides clear and adequate answers. Even in these areas, however, he occasionally includes information which is either incomplete or not altogether correct: he states that a woman need only know her size to purchase a diaphragm, when in fact she must have a prescription; and he says that a woman will not become pregnant if she nurses six times a day, which is usually, but not invariably, true. More disturbing is his enthusiasm for oral contraceptives, which he claims may be taken indefinitely. Unfortunately, Abrams' queries too often give him opportunity to condescend (""Should a woman tell the consultant everything?""; ""If you could describe the model patient what would she be like?"") or don't cover matters that most women really want to discuss with their doctors (""how much hanky-panky goes on in the office?""). An unnecessary addition to a groaning shelf.

Pub Date: June 28, 1979

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Morrow

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 1979

Categories: NONFICTION