Page 18 RAIN July 1982 Women The Personal Fertility Guide: How to Avoid or Achieve Pregnancy Naturally, Terrie Guay, 1980, 224 pp., $7.95 from: G. P. Putnam's Sons 200 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10016 I'd tried a lot of methods of birth control but because of health concerns was never satisfied with any of them until, through a fortunate series of events, I met Terrie Guay. Terrie was giving an impromptu workshop at a large conference on a "natural" birth control method that I had not heard of before — the Billings, known also as the mucus or ovulation method. The method does not require regular menstrual cycles nor temperature monitoring. It is completely safe, and when followed correctly, reduces the chance of unwanted pregnancy to one percent. The method is based on what most women refer to as discharge, or cervical mucus which, when understood and applied, can be recognized as a sign of fertility or infertility. To learn this method, women must recover their lost understanding of cervical mucus; in certain parts of the world, however, this meaning is not lost. Australian aborigines relate that the true meaning is part of their native folklore. Some African tribes also know it, and it has been documented in a diary of a Pacific Northwest Indian grandmother. The method is now taught in 110 countries at the grass roots level, with a recent emphasis on mother-daughter programs. The Personal Fertility Guide: Haw to Avoid or Achieve Pregnancy Naturally includes an explanation of the mucus method — general guidelines of how it is used, effectiveness studies, rules and lessons for applying the method, and study charts. But for me (and perhaps because I already knew the mechanics of the method), the best part of the guide is found in the first chapter of the book, where the author and her co-contributor. Dr. Charles Norris, discuss some personal values they find inherent in the method. Norris contends that the ovulation method is not for everyone, that it requires motivation and a stable, mutually supportive relationship. "Use of the ovulation method, with the deliberate abstinence involved, reinforces the partnership and the combined responsibility ... It prompts the couple to realistically view their sexuality and all it encompasses." Shared responsibility alleviates the necessity for women to assume the burden of chenvical or mechanical products to avoid pregnancy. Partner cooperation when abstinence is required to avoid pregnancy reaffirms care and consideration for the total relationship. Fertility awareness promotes self-knowledge, self-awareness, and self-understanding. But this self-knowledge and self-under- standing is not limited to women in a stable one-to-one relationship. Any woman wanting to understand and apply the method can, and vrill ultimately benefit from it. — Nancy Cosp>er How to Stay Out of the Gynecologist’s Office, by The Federation of Feminist Women's Health Centers, 1981,136 pp., $6.95, from: Peace Press 3828 Willat Ave. Culver City, CA 90230 You've probably heard of using plain yogurt as a home cure for yeast infections, or p>erhaps you've tried p>otassium and calcium to deviate menstrual cramp®, or found relief from nausea during pregnancy by increasing your protein intake. How to Stay Out of the Gynecologist's Office covers these and numerous other home remedies for a variety of health problems often encountered by women. In the tradition of Our Bodies, Ourselves, published in 1973, How to Stay Out of the Gynecologist's Office amasses useful research and discoveries gleaned from the experience of numerous women's health clinics and self-help groups across the U.S. Much of this information has been available only through mimeographed handouts, word-of-mouth and brief notations in women's journals. Nutritional information, herbal remedies, exercises, and simple, common-sense suggestions such as the use of condoms or alternative positions during coitus which might help women suffering from vaginal or urinary tract infections are offered as a counterpoint to the medical profession's heavy reliance on drugs and surgery. How to Stay Out of the Gynecologist's Office frequently challenges conventional medical wisdom about "female troubles" and the female body, whether the topic be the "prop>er" angle for the uterus, the reasons for menstrual cramps, or the correct treatment for depression in women. Qear medical descriptions, vivid photographs, discussions on the pros and cons of conventional treatments, and pointers in choosing a medical facility help to arm women with information to demand the typ>e and quality of health care they want. A glossary of medical terms, a step-by- step breakdown of a gynecological examination, a resource list of women's health care centers and publications, and a description of a standard self-help group examination complete this densely packed publication. How to Stay Out of the Gynecologist's Office is as mu^ a testament to the achievements and evolution of the women's health movement as it is a valuable guidebook for women struggling to take control of their health and their bodies. An essential addition to your personal or library bookshelf. — Laura Stuchinsky Patterns for Change: Rural Women Organizingfor Health, 1981,63 pp., inquire for price from: National Women's Health Network 224 7th Street SE Washington, DC 20003 I've always maintained that work towards alternatives in health care — particularly women's health — is one of the cutting edges of social change work. I'm more than ever convinced of this now that I'm raising children in a rural community. It is encouraging, therefore, to find a booklet such as this one in which the information provided would be useful for any kind of small group — though particularly empowering for its intended audience. Patterns for Change covers a wide variety of topics essential to organizers such as using volunteers and fundraising. Some of it still sounds as if written from an urban orientation (e.g., TV coverage is rarely a possibility for our small community) but its general good sense makes it a good resource for inexperienced groups. Parts of its best section, on "health advocacy and the law," are soon to be expanded and made available through the National Women's Health Network. — Lane deMoU
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