Doody's Book Review
This book contains information on all modern methods of birth control. It also has significant sections about historical methods of birth control in addition to sections on male and female anatomy and physiology. This is a manual explaining various forms of family planning available to the interested reader. It is directed in general at a female audience, not necessarily the healthcare professional, but with significant areas applicable and of interest to males. Because it is available to the general public, it would meet the objectives as stated in the preface. Although the audience is general, no glossary is provided. The book is probably more useful to the student needing general information or to the health professional guiding an interested client who wants more information. However, it is not intended, nor would it work well, as a quick guide for those who want the "down and dirty" of an appropriate birth control method. While illustrations used are pertinent, a few more in the chapter on oral contraceptives showing other styles of packaging would have been useful. References are succinct in each chapter and include both classical as well as current literature. The table of contents is adequate and accurate. Although this book was interesting to read and easy to digest, I feel this book either needs to be more detailed for the family planning health care professional or briefer and perhaps in pamphlet form for the interested lay person wanting to know more about birth control methods. Rita H. Kelly, CNM, MS(East Carolina University). Copyright 2001, Doody Publishing
