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Sex For Dummies
Try new sexual positions
The bestselling guide to a rewarding sex life and a deeper relationship
Looking for the straight facts on sex? In this friendly, authoritative guide, renowned sex therapist Dr. Ruth gives you the latest on everything from oral sex and popular positions to new methods of birth control. She also debunks sex myths and covers new therapies to manage low libido, overcome sexual dysfunction, and enhance pleasure.
Praise for Dr. Ruth and Sex For Dummies
"Her energy level is higher than that of a charged particle."
–People Magazine
"Dr. Ruth writes the way she talks – enthusiastically, nonjudgmentally, and informatively. . . ."
–Booklist
"Her name and the distinctive thrill of her voice have become inextricably linked with the subject of sex."
–New York Times
Discover how to
The bestselling guide to a rewarding sex life and a deeper relationship
Looking for the straight facts on sex? In this friendly, authoritative guide, renowned sex therapist Dr. Ruth gives you the latest on everything from oral sex and popular positions to new methods of birth control. She also debunks sex myths and covers new therapies to manage low libido, overcome sexual dysfunction, and enhance pleasure.
Praise for Dr. Ruth and Sex For Dummies
"Her energy level is higher than that of a charged particle."
–People Magazine
"Dr. Ruth writes the way she talks – enthusiastically, nonjudgmentally, and informatively. . . ."
–Booklist
"Her name and the distinctive thrill of her voice have become inextricably linked with the subject of sex."
–New York Times
Discover how to
408 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2006
202 people are currently reading
1135 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Westheimer
68 books140 followersKarola Ruth Westheimer, better known as Dr. Ruth, was a German-American sex therapist, talk show host, author, professor, and Holocaust survivor.
Westheimer was born in Germany to a Jewish family. As the Nazis came to power, her parents sent the ten-year-old girl to a school in Switzerland for safety, remaining behind themselves because of her elderly grandmother. They were both subsequently sent to concentration camps by the Gestapo, where they were killed. After World War II ended, she immigrated to British-controlled Mandatory Palestine. Despite being only 4 feet 7 inches (1.39 m) tall and 17 years of age, she joined the Haganah, and was trained as a sniper, but never saw combat. On her 20th birthday, Westheimer was seriously wounded in action by an exploding shell during a mortar fire attack on Jerusalem during the 1947–1949 Palestine war, and almost lost both of her feet. Moving to Paris, France two years later, she studied psychology at the Sorbonne. Immigrating to the United States in 1956, she worked as a maid to put herself through graduate school, earned an M.A. degree in sociology from The New School in 1959, and earned a doctorate at 42 years of age from Teachers College, Columbia University, in 1970. Over the next decade, she taught at a number of universities, and had a private sex therapy practice.
Westheimer's media career began in 1980 with the radio call-in show Sexually Speaking, which continued until 1990. In 1983 it was the top-rated radio show in the area, in the country's largest radio market. She then launched a television show, The Dr. Ruth Show, which by 1985 attracted 2 million viewers a week. She became known for giving serious advice while being candid, but also warm, cheerful, funny, and respectful, and for her tag phrase: "Get some". In 1984 The New York Times noted that she had risen "from obscurity to almost instant stardom." She hosted several series on the Lifetime Channel and other cable television networks from 1984 to 1993. She became a household name and major cultural figure, appeared on several network TV shows, co-starred in a movie with Gérard Depardieu, appeared on the cover of People, sang on a Tom Chapin album, appeared in several commercials, and hosted Playboy videos. She is the author of 45 books on sex and sexuality.
The one-woman 2013 play Becoming Dr. Ruth, written by Mark St. Germain, is about her life, as is the 2019 documentary, Ask Dr. Ruth, directed by Ryan White. Westheimer had been inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame, and awarded the Magnus Hirschfeld Medal, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the Leo Baeck Medal, the Planned Parenthood Margaret Sanger Award, and the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Westheimer was born in Germany to a Jewish family. As the Nazis came to power, her parents sent the ten-year-old girl to a school in Switzerland for safety, remaining behind themselves because of her elderly grandmother. They were both subsequently sent to concentration camps by the Gestapo, where they were killed. After World War II ended, she immigrated to British-controlled Mandatory Palestine. Despite being only 4 feet 7 inches (1.39 m) tall and 17 years of age, she joined the Haganah, and was trained as a sniper, but never saw combat. On her 20th birthday, Westheimer was seriously wounded in action by an exploding shell during a mortar fire attack on Jerusalem during the 1947–1949 Palestine war, and almost lost both of her feet. Moving to Paris, France two years later, she studied psychology at the Sorbonne. Immigrating to the United States in 1956, she worked as a maid to put herself through graduate school, earned an M.A. degree in sociology from The New School in 1959, and earned a doctorate at 42 years of age from Teachers College, Columbia University, in 1970. Over the next decade, she taught at a number of universities, and had a private sex therapy practice.
Westheimer's media career began in 1980 with the radio call-in show Sexually Speaking, which continued until 1990. In 1983 it was the top-rated radio show in the area, in the country's largest radio market. She then launched a television show, The Dr. Ruth Show, which by 1985 attracted 2 million viewers a week. She became known for giving serious advice while being candid, but also warm, cheerful, funny, and respectful, and for her tag phrase: "Get some". In 1984 The New York Times noted that she had risen "from obscurity to almost instant stardom." She hosted several series on the Lifetime Channel and other cable television networks from 1984 to 1993. She became a household name and major cultural figure, appeared on several network TV shows, co-starred in a movie with Gérard Depardieu, appeared on the cover of People, sang on a Tom Chapin album, appeared in several commercials, and hosted Playboy videos. She is the author of 45 books on sex and sexuality.
The one-woman 2013 play Becoming Dr. Ruth, written by Mark St. Germain, is about her life, as is the 2019 documentary, Ask Dr. Ruth, directed by Ryan White. Westheimer had been inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame, and awarded the Magnus Hirschfeld Medal, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the Leo Baeck Medal, the Planned Parenthood Margaret Sanger Award, and the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
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May 24, 2020
May 31, 2012
I don't remember any other book which made me laugh so hard...
March 17, 2011
The book covers the pretty basics but at least the author has humor. Most things are common knowledge but it didn't hurt to refresh my memories.
March 25, 2021
This is a really important book which should be part of every family's library and it should also be taught in schools. I can't believe that sex is still not part of compulsory education in Bulgaria. What are we waiting for? This is really basic knowledge for everyone over 15 (or even younger). Leaving this book somewhere hidden in the shelves of bookstores where few would probably think to reach for it is a recipe for disaster. There is only so much you can learn about sex on your own or with your partners. Sexual and mental health go hand in hand and they should both be taught and not neglected. It's sad really. The book might be a tease, funny at times, helpful, but most of all sad. Especially in countries in which such important topics are still taboo.
May 22, 2021
great read! i feel so much more knowledgeable 🙏
May 5, 2008
Yeah, I know...who wants to be the dummy that doesn't know anything about sex? Well, I certainly don't want to be, so I read the book and now I know something about sex. This really is worth the read, especially for those with traditional values (well, you'll have to skip the chapter on homosexuality if you have traditional values).
July 25, 2016
Terlepas dari judul, pembahasan di buku ini justru lebih banyak soal kesehatan organ reproduksi yang kita miliki, mitos seputar organ reproduksi, dan cara menanganginya. bahasa yang dipakai di buku ini ringkas, jelas dan tidak menggunakan kalimat yang..membingungkan. Pembaca seperti saya jadi tidak ''jijik'' dan takut dengan organ reproduksi yang kita miliki.
menarik dan informatif banget
menarik dan informatif banget
March 30, 2017
I wanted to check this out of curiosity. I skipped a lot much information I already knew or didn't need. I say this is good for people who don't have much knowledge or maybe have some issues.
January 4, 2024
Simpel, vlot boekje. Geen al te grote nieuwigheden of verrassingen, maar een leuke opfrisser. Kan wel een update gebruiken naar de huidige tijdsgeest.
July 15, 2011
This book is a wealth of knowledge and the information is presented in a way that is easy to understand. The book is also quite humorous.I was happy to see that Dr. Ruth included Natural Family Planning in the birth control section of the book. I like that the book included information on so many topics. I give this book a three, only because I disagree with some of Dr. Ruth's teachings on things like abortion and planned parenthood.
December 22, 2007
There will be a day when this subject can be captured in a great book. That day is not today.
August 24, 2017
I guess it could be something for teenagers mostly, as a sex education guide but generally, almost everything contained here is pretty basic and I dare say, conservative at times.
November 4, 2017
As an expert on the subject, I approve of this book.
February 15, 2023
Calificar estos libros es difícil. Así que será neutral. Hay mucha información que considero que es importante dependiendo de lo que buscamos y sobre ello está el grado de satisfacción con lo que encuentres en el libro.
Es muy sencillo de leer y dependiendo del tema haces hincapié o continuas a lo que llegaste a buscar
Es muy sencillo de leer y dependiendo del tema haces hincapié o continuas a lo que llegaste a buscar
October 4, 2020
The book had some good points and important information. However, I don't think personal, subjective opinions should be expressed in such a book, yet it was ridden with such things. I would prefer just objective facts instead of author's ultra-conservative views (or any views for that matter) I'm not interested in.
I was particularly shocked by one fragment. In one of the chapters women are advised to close their eyes on their partner's fancy for pornography and the argument is that they shouldn't worry, because anyway, thèse beautiful pornstars wouldn't be interested in their partner, or even if they would, he would probably be afraid of them!
How on earth is this supposed to be a valid argument? It's like telling women "Well, your partner is too affraid of the real beauties so he's in a relationship with you. You can't compete with them, but hey, they wouldn't have him anyway so smile!". Basically it's like telling women they're not an amazing beauty, so their partner settled with them just because it was easy. Actually many female readers of this book might be conventionally beautiful, but seriously, are we supposed to say "oh yeah, what a relief!" here? So many young women already feel insecure about their looks and this is what they get. A confirmation of this and a suggestion their partner is with them just because there was no one better around or he was afraid. Yep, very thoughtful indeed.
I was particularly shocked by one fragment. In one of the chapters women are advised to close their eyes on their partner's fancy for pornography and the argument is that they shouldn't worry, because anyway, thèse beautiful pornstars wouldn't be interested in their partner, or even if they would, he would probably be afraid of them!
How on earth is this supposed to be a valid argument? It's like telling women "Well, your partner is too affraid of the real beauties so he's in a relationship with you. You can't compete with them, but hey, they wouldn't have him anyway so smile!". Basically it's like telling women they're not an amazing beauty, so their partner settled with them just because it was easy. Actually many female readers of this book might be conventionally beautiful, but seriously, are we supposed to say "oh yeah, what a relief!" here? So many young women already feel insecure about their looks and this is what they get. A confirmation of this and a suggestion their partner is with them just because there was no one better around or he was afraid. Yep, very thoughtful indeed.
February 4, 2017
Eğer 18 yaşında olsaydım bu kitap bana hediye edilebilecek en iyi şey olurdu.
Seks, hiç tartışmasız insan hayatındaki en önemli konulardan biri. Temel bilgileri edinmenin zorunluluğu bir yana, kitapta da vurgulandığı gibi bilmek ya da şüpheden kurtulmak daha büyük bir hazzın da anahtarını teşkil ediyor.
28 yaşında bir erkek olarak ise bu kitapta aradığım başarı kıstası bana yeni bir şey öğretip öğretemeyeceği idi. Adı üzerinde ''for Dummies'', yani acemiler için. Çok genç birinin öğrenebileceği çok şey var ama bu konularda okumayı seven ve yaşını başını almış birine de faydalı olabilecek miydi? Doğrusunu söylemek gerekirse hayır. Çok güldüğümü, ufak tereddütlerimin giderildiğini ve birkaç cümlelik taze bilgi ile karşılaştığımı açık yüreklilikle söyleyebilirim ama benim için bundan fazlası yoktu.
25 yaşın altındaysanız, seks ve insan anatomisi hakkında etraflıca bilginiz yoksa veya cinsel bir sorununuz varsa bu kitap sizin için inanılmayacak kadar faydalı olacaktır. Biraz daha ileri gideyim: Önem sırasında kutsal kitapların gerisinde kalmakla birlikte geri kalan her şeyin önüne konulabilir. Eğer kendini yetiştirmiş erişkin bir bireyseniz de keyifli birkaç saat geçirmenizi sağlayabilir. Her halükarda insanı yormayan, lezzetli bir okuma. Seks konusunda okumaya yeni başlayacaksanız mükemmel bir başlangıç noktası. Her kesimden insana tavsiye edebilirim.
Seks, hiç tartışmasız insan hayatındaki en önemli konulardan biri. Temel bilgileri edinmenin zorunluluğu bir yana, kitapta da vurgulandığı gibi bilmek ya da şüpheden kurtulmak daha büyük bir hazzın da anahtarını teşkil ediyor.
28 yaşında bir erkek olarak ise bu kitapta aradığım başarı kıstası bana yeni bir şey öğretip öğretemeyeceği idi. Adı üzerinde ''for Dummies'', yani acemiler için. Çok genç birinin öğrenebileceği çok şey var ama bu konularda okumayı seven ve yaşını başını almış birine de faydalı olabilecek miydi? Doğrusunu söylemek gerekirse hayır. Çok güldüğümü, ufak tereddütlerimin giderildiğini ve birkaç cümlelik taze bilgi ile karşılaştığımı açık yüreklilikle söyleyebilirim ama benim için bundan fazlası yoktu.
25 yaşın altındaysanız, seks ve insan anatomisi hakkında etraflıca bilginiz yoksa veya cinsel bir sorununuz varsa bu kitap sizin için inanılmayacak kadar faydalı olacaktır. Biraz daha ileri gideyim: Önem sırasında kutsal kitapların gerisinde kalmakla birlikte geri kalan her şeyin önüne konulabilir. Eğer kendini yetiştirmiş erişkin bir bireyseniz de keyifli birkaç saat geçirmenizi sağlayabilir. Her halükarda insanı yormayan, lezzetli bir okuma. Seks konusunda okumaya yeni başlayacaksanız mükemmel bir başlangıç noktası. Her kesimden insana tavsiye edebilirim.
April 9, 2008
Surprisingly enough this was a great book! Not to read all at once, but to pick at bits and pieces throughout High School. Then once college came along and the parts were relevant - ALL of my friends and their boyfriends, and their boyfriends friends borrowed it.
Yeah its a sad version of my mother's "maturation" book. But hey at least I can't say I wasn't well informed.
PS very clinical. NOT porno style. I'd recommend it to every pre-teen, teen, college student & adult.
Yeah its a sad version of my mother's "maturation" book. But hey at least I can't say I wasn't well informed.
PS very clinical. NOT porno style. I'd recommend it to every pre-teen, teen, college student & adult.
September 16, 2012
This nice sexual advice that has been written by Ruth K. Westheimer are really so great to the extent of Joy, I find all her recommendations and advice quite acceptable and understandable. she speaks about sex in General and to It's forms in particular with focusing much attention to the health section and safe sex recommendations, her book is really recommended to any person who is new to the world of sex and its joy and magic.
December 27, 2011
It's not really what you would think to be honest. I got the book as a joke for a friend and never ended up sending it. Sorry Miss. But the book is great! It tells you everything from medical information, psychological, sociological, sexual and everything between and beyond. It's educational and not just about coitus.
September 3, 2018
Might be informative for high school students, esp the part about STDs. Many things I haven’t known about such as gonorrhea and herpes could be transmitted orally! Have no idea why American movies seem to promote the hookup culture where everybody kisses everybody else.. This book is a good start but far from being an excellent one.
January 25, 2013
Quite humorous and has some good advice and tips. Lots of information that I wish I had found out years ago. Interesting read for the most part, most stuff I wanted to skim because was pretty basic. Recommend for a young adult or teen curious on the topic. Would probably be most beneficial to them.
March 12, 2008
I think I am probably beyond the "dummies" stage, but if you imagine Dr. Ruth's cute little old lady German voice narrating, then this book is a hoot!
May 27, 2008
The only part that sucks about this handy guide (I really do own this, and I don't know why) is it barely covers anal.
So, not such a good book for porn research.
So, not such a good book for porn research.
Read
June 14, 2008Seru & lucu juga ternyata...hahaha....
May 17, 2010
Got it from a friend just before I got married. Very educational.
February 13, 2013
It was a small book I got during my Bridal Shower.
June 15, 2013
GREAT educational book with practical information, humor, and words of wisdom from Dr. Ruth. She tells it like it is!
June 26, 2015
Für erfahrene 20jährige nicht viel neues. Ausserdem scheint mir die Wahl der Autorin, eine eher konservative Jüdin, nicht die beste Wahl dafür zu sein. Für andere Leute gute Allgemeinlektüre.
May 31, 2021
Sex is not only about positions
Sex also became very wide science with too much varieties for this frustrated civilization
Dating is considered as a part of sex so chapters about it is there
There is alot of things related to safety of sex like talking about contraceptions and sexually transmitted disease which is tremendously important to know about
Foreplay and afterplay and how to make the sex more emotional and less mechanical
Now we admit the homosexuality as a variation of sex so LGBT culture made the sex thing more complicated
Even From non religious point of view still monogamy is the best for safety although not always the most enjoyable relationships
Myths about maturbation are all demolished here
Thanks god and of course the author
It made me remember my shock at my 4th year in medical school reading a book about behavioral science and read in the definition of masturbation that it is a normal human activity
Also there is a talk about sex for old and sex for disabled people
There is a full chapter which had great details about sexually transmitted infections or diseases it is nearly a medical one like this in my gynacology book but of course more simplified
Another amazing part is the talk about male sexual diseases like erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and others
Poor performance in my point of view in the part of legal aspects as it explained the laws but with little details about justifications behind every one
Sex also became very wide science with too much varieties for this frustrated civilization
Dating is considered as a part of sex so chapters about it is there
There is alot of things related to safety of sex like talking about contraceptions and sexually transmitted disease which is tremendously important to know about
Foreplay and afterplay and how to make the sex more emotional and less mechanical
Now we admit the homosexuality as a variation of sex so LGBT culture made the sex thing more complicated
Even From non religious point of view still monogamy is the best for safety although not always the most enjoyable relationships
Myths about maturbation are all demolished here
Thanks god and of course the author
It made me remember my shock at my 4th year in medical school reading a book about behavioral science and read in the definition of masturbation that it is a normal human activity
Also there is a talk about sex for old and sex for disabled people
There is a full chapter which had great details about sexually transmitted infections or diseases it is nearly a medical one like this in my gynacology book but of course more simplified
Another amazing part is the talk about male sexual diseases like erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and others
Poor performance in my point of view in the part of legal aspects as it explained the laws but with little details about justifications behind every one
August 3, 2024
I had several problems with this book mainly the author though. It contains the basic information but it feels directed at straight people. The author is very convinced that people should get married. She argued that it's safer having sex with someone you already know for a longer time, which I disagree with. It very much feeds into the misinformation and harmful opinion that spousal rpe or if you're in a relationship you can't get sexually assaulted or rped. She also says that men don't get rped and women should always be careful not to get rped by men. While I do think that you should be careful and aware of possible danger, I don't think it's a healthy view on every potential sexual partner. I feel like the author also implied that it's the victims fault if she does get rped in a situation where she and her partner were intoxicated or drunk.
I had another problem with something she wrote, I find it ridiculous. She said that women shouldn't rely on only their vibrator for an orgsm because then potentially one wouldn't be able to climax just with their male partner, since no man is as good as a vibrator. Uhm, lady, if my partner can't satisfy me better than my vibrator then I don't see the point of having a partner in the bedroom. She did say afterwards that it's not the end of the world if you do require a vibrator though, but it just made me shake my head.
I had another problem with something she wrote, I find it ridiculous. She said that women shouldn't rely on only their vibrator for an orgsm because then potentially one wouldn't be able to climax just with their male partner, since no man is as good as a vibrator. Uhm, lady, if my partner can't satisfy me better than my vibrator then I don't see the point of having a partner in the bedroom. She did say afterwards that it's not the end of the world if you do require a vibrator though, but it just made me shake my head.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews