Book Description

In Contraception and Abortion from the Ancient World to the Renaissance, John Riddle showed, through extraordinary scholarly sleuthing, that women from ancient Egyptian times to the fifteenth century had relied on an extensive pharmacopoeia of herbal abortifacients and contraceptives to regulate fertility. In Eve's Herbs, Riddle explores a new question: If women once had access to effective means of birth control, why was this knowledge lost to them in modern times? ... Read more

Reviews (4)

It's good, but not...
If you are looking for do-it-yourself abortion information like I was, this is not a good book for that. It is a history book. It's good, but not an abortionary (abortion dictionary).

A work of history which also excels as an herbal
As a person who enjoys the study of social history (how people lived) and herbal medicine, this book exceeded my expectations on both counts.

Riddle is an historian, so the scholarship in the book is historical scholarship. He moves deftly between conflicting theories of demographics and actual family sizes, at home with his contemporaries and able to argue his somewhat novel opinion on a level playing field. Not surprisingly, historians tend to go along with modern medical thought that there were no effective systems of personal or professional health care prior to our own allopathic tradition in the past few centuries. Herbalists, homeopaths and the like are still fighting for legitimacy against exactly this mindset.

What surprised and delighted me was the thoroughness of Riddle's information on the herbs in question. It must be noted that he does NOT provide recipes for readers to use at home. He isn't playing (herbal) doctor. Regardless, a person with some experience in herbalism or access to alternate texts can easily take the list of herbs from this book and find appropriate dosage and other how to information from that other source--including the important caveat that herbs are not always safe and shouldn't be taken without professional advice or lots of research. Riddle's emphasis is on pointing out which plants have been indicated, by whom in the ancient world, and what science has (or has not) done to test for actual efficacy.

One interesting side note for readers who allow for the possible effectiveness of today's most revolutionary complementary medicine modalities is Riddle's reporting of the fact that, historically, chants (magic) were often listed together with the herbs (medicine) in any given herbal recipe. Riddle is careful and respectful of the potential for narrow-mindedness when he admits that, to our Western minds, there can be no believing in the usefulness of the magic side of the equation, but he makes no disparaging remarks and he allows for future scientific work to prove said "magic" effective. Of course, to a modern practitioner of Reiki or any other mental/spiritual healing system, it is certainly possible to suppose the intent of the healer and/or patient was a necessary or beneficent part of the ancient cures.

I expected to enjoy this book's subject matter, but I was actually delighted by how well Mr. Riddle covered both aspects of the topic, and even more so by the easy readability of his style. Any person who enjoys reading well-written history for pleasure will find this a work worth spending some time with.

awesome
The best book out there thus far on herbal contraception and abortion.

Brave scholarship upon the "secret knowledge" of women.
An outstanding work of scholarship. Riddle has gathered buried historical evidence of reproductive control through the ages. A must read for those who feel that we live in the most "enlightened" age, in regards to reproduction. Riddle will prove you wrong. Women have been in control of their reproduction for centuries. Readily available herbs have been more effective than "modern science" throughout society. ... Read more

Book Description

Without a doubt, the rapid growth and variety of assisted reproduction techniques (ART) has been a major factor in the increasing number of twins, and particularly, of higher-multiple births throughout the developed world. Almost one of every two twin pairs and the vast majority of higher-order multiples now result from the implementation of (ART). These iatrogenic multiple pregnancies threaten the health of mothers and their families and need to be understood by clinicians. Iatrogenic Multiple Pregnancy: Clinical Implications covers the full range of contemporary issues involved in iatrogenic multiple pregnancy. The text spans the spectrum from the highly pragmatic, as illustrated by how to avoid multiple gestation in ovulation induction, to the more esoteric and less well defined, as illustrated by the economic ramifications. The body of knowledge in this field is growing rapidly but has rarely been reviewed as a whole. This book brings together leading experts from all over the world to provide a critical and comprehensive overview of all aspects of the subject that are likely to be of significance to physicians. The text contains a wealth of information for professionals advising or caring for couples who are undergoing treatment that could result in a multiple pregnancy, as well as for those actually experiencing one or coping with their immediate family. Iatrogenic Multiple Pregnancy: Clinical Implications serves as a rich and invaluable resource that will enable you to provide the knowledgeable support these families need. ... Read more

Book Description

What do you get when a Seinfeld writer marries an OB/GYN? A doctor with a funny delivery. Actually, lots of funny deliveries. Marc Jaffe's job was coming up with hysterical stories for Seinfeld, but nothing was funnier than the stories his gynecologist wife would tell. So, he decided to write this laugh-a-page book about life married to an Ob/gyn. It includes all the crazy stories his wife tells about: * Flying Placentas * Sex toy parties * Immaculate conceptions * Intimate tattoos * Ridiculous 4:00 am phone calls...and more comical incidents of gynecologic and obstetric intrigue. While sleeping with your gynecologist would be wrong, reading Sleeping With Your Gynecologist is very right. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A hilarious book that was hard to put down
A must read for any male or female who wants to know what other women go through behing those secret doors! Many times I was laughing so hard tears rolled down my face. Some of the gynocological secrets (bacon) were too funny. I have reccomended this book to all my (mostly female) friends.

The Doctor is never home
Recently I had the unique opportunity of not only reading "Sleeping with my Gynecologist" but also meeting the author. I found the book to be a great "coffee table read". It was quite a easy read with real down to earth humour. As my wife and I have gone through child birth 3 times (not including our own), I was easily able to relate to the stories told in the book. For everybody who has been involved with pregnancy/childbirth I highly recommend this unique perspective on the most trying times of your life. It is tremendously funny and will allow you to view pregnancy from a totally different perspective. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and laughed more than I can remember!

Gotta disagree with the rave reviews
I was really, really disappointed in this book, especially after reading the raves from both celebrities and other readers. I thought, first of all, there were only about 20 pages of funny stories, and the rest was observational humor about how long we all get kept waiting at the doctor's office, etc. Maybe because Jaffe is used to writing for comedians/shows, his stuff would work really well if delivered in a droll voice, but when you write a book, you really need to have something to say that is fresh and interesting. I just didn't find that here.

The stories were amusing, but I've read one or two of them before, actually (in books by ER doctors). And even the stories didn't have me laughing out loud, as they did the other readers. I LOVE this kind of humor; I've got a huge collection of humor AND true-life medical books. But this left me wishing I'd browsed through it in a bookstore. I definitely wouldn't have spent the money on it.

If you like books by stand-up comedians (SeinLanguage, Ellen deGeneres, Paul Reiser, etc), then this is for you. But even just for light reading, it wasn't for me.

I'm ordering copies for my friends so they won't take mine!
How many times do you read something that actually makes you laugh out loud? I found myself reading passage after passage to my husband, who was initially squeamish about the subject matter. He asked me if he could read it when I was done! If you knew him, you'd know that this is a very special book!

I'll prescribe it for my patients
I've often wondered if our patients have any clue what it's like being an OB/GYN. If they don't then this very funny book will give them some insight into the craziness. It had my husband and I in tears, we were laughing so hard. The middle of the night phone calls were my favorite. That could be a book in itself. All OB/GYNs should get this book and when you're done laughing, put it in your waiting room, or get one for each exam room, then your patients won't mind when you are running behind. ... Read more

Book Description

Focusing on the cutting edge of recent medical knowledge and advances, this new edition of Fauser's highly acclaimed advanced textbook fills a unique role. Reproductive Medicine: Molecular, Cellular, and Genetic Fundamentals explains and clarifies for non-specialist physicians the complex biochemistry and biology underlying the current practice of assisted reproduction - understanding which is now essential for all those hoping to practice successfully in this field. The first edition, Molecular Biology in Reproductive Medicine represented a ground-breaking initiative in presenting complicated science in a comprehensible and practical way and received accolades from many authoritative reviewers for its remarkable achievement. The new edition takes this initiative to a new level, completely re-writing the original edition, incorporating and interpreting the latest research findings of this extraordinarily fast-moving field, while keeping those features that made the first edition a bestseller. With a uniquely distinguished team of international contributors, Reproductive Medicine: Molecular, Cellular, and Genetic Fundamentals represents the current state of knowledge essential for the most effective application of assisted reproduction techniques. ... Read more

Book Description

Filled with practical information for practitioners, this is a technically detailed, advanced clinical reference on three-dimensional power Doppler in obstetrics and gynecology. In 16 authoritative chapters, containing outstanding color illustrations, it covers three-dimensional power Doppler of the endometrium in assisted reproduction, in the assessment of vascularity, in angiography of the fetal brain circulation and vascular anatomy, of ovarian tumor angiogenesis and uterine lesions, in the study of early embryonic circulation, and in assessment of the septate uterus and the fallopian tube. It also reviews the elementary physics of three-dimensional ultrasound technology and includes references. ... Read more

Book Description

"Over a decade ago, the field of bioethics was established in response to the increased control over the design of living organisms afforded by both medical genetics and biotechnology. As part of the Readings in Bioethics series, this volume collects critical essays by leading scholars on reproductive technologies, abortion, in vitro fertilization, prenatal diagnosis, and cloning." ... Read more

Book Description

Bridging the gap between basic science and clinical practice, An Atlas of Human Reproductive Function is a comprehensive compilation of three-dimensional color images of various reproductive functions. Obtained using the most advanced transmission and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy techniques, these intricate images span the realms of both science and art. Providing complete and detailed renditions of complex reproductive functions, the Atlas will be of interest to embryologists, morphophysiologists, pathologists, and clinicians at every level, physicians interested in basic and clinical reproductive functions, and teachers. ... Read more

Book Description

In Genetic Dilemmas and the Child's Right to an Open Future, Davis examines perplexing medical cases as a means to discussion of ethical dilemmas raised by the availability of new reproductive technologies.Her discussion covers genetic ethics, as well as the ethics of parenthood.The author advances an ethical theory that can guide health care professionals, policy makers and parents when the rights and interests of parents collide with those of their "potential children" or children.Davis addresses four ethical issues in genetics in Genetic Dilemmas including disabled parents who seek assistance in conceiving a child who shares their disability; genetic testing of children with no immediate medical benefit; sex selection and determination of fetal sex; and the cloning of human beings. ... Read more

Book Description

Offering practical advice on nursing care for the exotic pet, this much-needed resource provides everything veterinary nurses need on the subject - in one valuable book! Ideal as a reference tool for daily use in the clinical management of exotic pets, it applies information on the treatment of domestic species to exotic pets with coverage that is specifically relevant to these species. Providing a hands-on approach, a nursing focus, and a concentration on exotics, it includes discussions of common diseases, anesthesia, radiography, supportive nursing, administering medication, housing and nutrition for the sick animal, and international species. ... Read more

Book Description

In recent years, three-dimensional ultrasound has become a valuable medical imaging modality.The first of its kind and beautifully illustrated, this comprehensive, authoritative clinical textbook covers the full range of modern clinical applications of three-dimensional sonography in obstetrics and gynecology. It explains the methodology of three-dimensional ultrasound and power Doppler and provides detailed how-to information on diagnosis and assessment across the full range of clinical applications in obstetrics and gynecology. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

True to form, this UMASS professor outdoes herself again
The book is available now and I love it !!!! I recommend it to all women ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Reproduction Review
A great book for the undergraduate and the vet student.

General Domestic Animal Reproduction
For a novice in the area of reproduction of domestic animals this book is excellent with graphics and illustrations that clearly explain the text. Basically presenting the main physiologic concepts without unessential detail. Its main drawback is its lack, at times of in-depth comprehension into certain topics especially of reproductive technology and its applications. ... Read more

Book Description

The definitive reference work on prenatal diagnosis, Genetic Disorders and the Fetus is now available in a completely revised and updated fifth edition reflecting the most current advances in research, technology, and clinical care.

Written by an international team of experts, the volume provides in-depth critical analysis of the latest work in prenatal diagnosis of genetic and other disorders. Topics include: fragile X syndrome, cystic fibrosis, neural tube defects, and hemoglobinopathies; the experience and techniques of amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, ultrasound, fetal blood sampling; abortion and fetal therapy; and medicolegal and ethical issues in prenatal diagnosis. The book describes the use of combined biochemical markers to screen for neural tube and chromosomal defects, presents the latest developments relating to testing fetal cells in the mother's blood, and reviews major advances in molecular genetics that permit prenatal carrier detection and presymptomatic and predictive testing.

Much has changed since the publication of the fourth edition. The new technologies of fetal MRI, 3-D ultrasound, and real time PCR of fetal DNA in maternal circulation yield crucial information. While, integrated screening of data from the first and second trimesters coupled with ultrasound now produces a 94 percent detection rate. ... Read more

Book Description

Much-anticipated, filled with in-depth and detailed information, the Boston IVF Handbook on Infertility: A Practical Guide for Practitioners Who Care for Infertile Couples is the premier resource in this field. Based on the gold-standard procedures developed and used at Boston IVF it presents information you will find in no other text on infertility that cover the subject with the scope that this one does.Authors Drs. Bayer, Alper, and Penzias, principal physicians at Boston IVF, have written The Boston IVF Handbook on Infertility specifically for obstetricians and gynecologists, reproductive endocrinologists and infertility nurses. They include a special chapter on preconception care to help gynecologists caring not only for infertile patients but also caring for couples contemplating a pregnancy. In addition to clinical algorithms, history and consent forms and insurance and coding issues, the main chapters cover the work-up, treatment options, success rates, clomiphene citrate, progesterone therapy, methotrexate, counseling, and educational resources. With the publication of this authoritative, one-of-a-kind volume you will have a comprehensive guide to the important tools designed by the specialists at Boston IVF to aid in the day-to-day management of infertile patients and couples considering pregnancy. It is practical, easy to use, and unquestionably the premier work in its field.Affiliated with Harvard Medical School, the Boston IVF at The Waltham Center in Waltham, Massachusetts, is a highly specialized outpatient fertility and in vitro fertilization center recognized as a leader in providing fertility services for couples around the world. ... Read more