Sexually Transmitted Diseases: A Physician Tells You What You Need to Know
Author: Lisa Marr
Despite the emphasis on safe sex in the era of HIV and AIDS, sexually transmitted infections remain alarmingly common. Every year, more than 12 million people in this country will be diagnosed with one of the twenty STDs known to modern medicine -- from familiar diseases like HIV and syphilis to conditions such as chlamydia and herpes, which are less understood by the public. More than half of sexually active adults over age 35 will acquire one or more STDs at some point in their lives. The majority of STDs remain part of a "hidden epidemic" for reasons that range from reluctance of parents and teachers to talk about sex to the lack of symptoms produced by many disorders. Yet the long-term effects may be devastating and can include infertility, scarring, premature births, and death. There is a clear need for greater public awareness of how easily STDs are transmitted -- and how potentially dangerous they are.
With this book, Dr. Lisa Marr provides a much-needed resource on the subject of STDs in a comprehensive and easy-to-use reference format. As medical director at an STD clinic in Portland, Dr. Marr has worked on the front lines of the fight against STDs, and her approach is frank, nonjudgmental, and thorough. In Part One of the book, she describes male and female anatomy and reviews the symptoms that may indicate infection with an STD. She explains what an STD exam should include and discusses sexual communication as well as safe and unsafe sexual practices. Side bars, case studies, and illustrations help explain all of these important topics. Part Two is a comprehensive encyclopedia of STDs, with entries for each that describe symptoms, risk factors, transmission,testing, and treatment.
Throughout, Dr. Marr focuses on clearing up misconceptions by providing accurate, practical advice for people of all ages, races, sexual orientation, and economic means. All of the following statements, she notes, reflect commonly held beliefs about STDs -- and all of them are false:
• "If I don't have any symptoms, I can't have an STD."
• "If my partner and I get HIV tests and we're negative, that means we don't have to worry about using condoms."
• "When I get my yearly PAP smear, my doctor would tell me if anything was wrong."
• "If I use a condom, I can't get an STD."
• "Oral sex is safe. I can't get an infection from oral sex so I don't need to use a condom."
• "Only promiscuous people get STDs."
• "I had chlamydia before and I had symptoms. Since I don't have any symptoms now, that means I don't have an STD."
• "Douching after sex will help prevent getting an STD."
• "Lesbians don't have to worry about STDs."
• "I can't transmit herpes if I don't have an outbreak."
Dispelling these and other myths, Dr. Marr helps readers take steps to protect themselves against infection and, for those who develop symptoms or believe they have been exposed to infection, describes what to look for in appropriate medical care. She offers strategies for coping with chronic conditions such as herpes, as well as advice about STDs that respond to treatment if discovered early. This valuable book belongs in every public library and health clinic, and will be an important resource for all those who have been infected or who want to learn how to avoid becoming infected or infecting others.
"Because so many people are infected, it is very important to understand what STDs are, and how they are transmitted. Such knowledge allows people to take steps to protect themselves and helps to keep fear from controlling their lives. People who have information about STDs can lead a richer sexual life because they do not have to live in fear -- they know how to lower their risk of acquiring infection." -- from the Preface
David G. Strike
Written by an experienced physician, this book provides a complete medical discussion of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It readily adapts to various purposes (e.g., review of symptom, review of a disease, review of safety measures) through an easy to access format. The purpose is to provide accurate information and guidance to sexually active or potentially active persons. The expectation is that understanding, rational planning, and open communication will help to reduce the risk of STDs and will empower patients to take responsibility for their own health. Although the book is written as a guide and reference for patients, it can also serve as a model for teaching and advising patients. As such it would be of interest to all healthcare providers. The most useful feature may be the organization of information allowing the reader to easily access discussions of key symptoms and appropriate management. The patient can then readily find additional information as needed from the STD encyclopedia, and the section defining basic anatomy. Terminology is defined in the glossary and information is completely indexed. This is an excellent, well-conceived, and well executed book that includes complete discussion of STDs and significant information pertaining to health maintenance. The author's matter-of-fact style is objective and unbiased. It should be useful to patients of all ages, both sexes, and all sexual orientations. It would be worthwhile reading for healthcare providers as well.
Doody Review Services
Reviewer: David G. Strike, MD (HealthPartners)
Description: Written by an experienced physician, this book provides a complete medical discussion of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It readily adapts to various purposes (e.g., review of symptom, review of a disease, review of safety measures) through an easy to access format.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide accurate information and guidance to sexually active or potentially active persons. The expectation is that understanding, rational planning, and open communication will help to reduce the risk of STDs and will empower patients to take responsibility for their own health.
Audience: Although the book is written as a guide and reference for patients, it can also serve as a model for teaching and advising patients. As such it would be of interest to all healthcare providers.
Features: The most useful feature may be the organization of information allowing the reader to easily access discussions of key symptoms and appropriate management. The patient can then readily find additional information as needed from the STD encyclopedia, and the section defining basic anatomy. Terminology is defined in the glossary and information is completely indexed.
Assessment: This is an excellent, well-conceived, and well executed book that includes complete discussion of STDs and significant information pertaining to health maintenance. The author's matter-of-fact style is objective and unbiased. It should be useful to patients of all ages, both sexes, and all sexual orientations. It would be worthwhile reading for healthcare providers as well.
Rating
4 Stars! from Doody
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Jonathan Lerman: Drawings by an Artist with Autism
Author: Lyle Rexer
"The story of Jonathan Lerman, a young artist with autism, seized the attention of the art world at the 2002 Outsider Art Fair. This selection of more than seventy drawings, with a text by critic Lyle Rexer, presents the full range and astonishing growth of Jonathan's extraordinary talent." "Diagnosed with autism and at first scarcely able to communicate, Lerman began drawing at age ten. By age twelve his drawings were exhibited in a solo exhibition at K.S. Art in New York. Working with the assurance of a Matisse, the speed of a Picasso, and the humor of a born cartoonist, Lerman has created an unforgettable body of work. His drawings include portraits of actual figures as well as figures from his own imagination, all rendered with great acuity. These drawings overturn the stereotype of the so-called savant artist as an unchanging talent sprung to life fully formed. Instead, they detail the restless experimentation and rapid growth of an artistic sensibility." Jonathan Lerman: Drawings by an Artist with Autism is a book not just for art lovers but for everyone who values the rich diversity of the creative imagination. In addition to an illuminating essay on Lerman's work, the book also contains an afterword by Caren and Alan Lerman, Jonathan's parents, describing the sudden appearance of his talent and the challenges and satisfactions of raising a gifted child with autism.
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