My Venus Flytrap Won't Open

by Danielle Dumais

Painful sex is normal for All women and people with cycles have Your doctor always knows better than you.My Venus Flytrap Won’t Open disrupts and debunks commonly misrepresented ideas and myths about “normal” female sexuality and sexual health, topics that are massively under-discussed and under-researched. Millions of women who struggle with a health issue or who are marginalized by mainstream culture from the sex positivity sphere are continuously ostracized. This book highlights why we need to stop accepting the notion that female reproductive systems and sex are naturally painful.In this book, you'll learn

The history and limits of sex education and the sex positive movement in the United States.Perpetuated myths about female sexuality, sexual health, and pain.How physical disabilities and trans health are overlooked.The importance of advocating for oneself.Doctors who are making positive waves in sexual health care. If you have ever doubted your own intuition because a doctor invalidated your concerns; if you have ever hated that movies made sex look so easy and fun; if you ever wondered why you didn’t learn that in sex ed... Flytrap is a must-read.

Genres: Nonfiction

231 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 6, 2020

Reviews

[Mira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an important read and I am so glad that this book has been published! Many women and AFAB individuals face challenges related to sexual health and sexuality, but often are hesitant to want to talk about them for many reasons, one of which being the sense of taboo that our society has placed on these topics. Danielle Dumais has written a book that will help people understand that discussions regarding these topics should not be clouded by shame and women and AFAB individuals should be able to feel that they are comfortable expressing any concerns or thoughts they have regarding this area of their physical wellbeing.

[Alice Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had a really important message for me. It’s so important to highlight the shortcomings of the sexual health care that women are reviving. And I think even though this book is US centric many of the points apply to other healthcare systems. You won’t get anywhere without making a fuss and being insistent that there is something wrong.

However this is also an easy read (well referenced but not too heavy). The style and extracts of stories of people who have experienced the conditions made the book approachable. I found myself having to share some sections with my housemate, reading them aloud because they were so shocking/resonant.

[Jessie Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book in 2018 and recently picked it up for a re-read. The second time through, better prepared for the powerful stories, I see the important messages regarding inclusive health care for all women, AFAB and others identifying as women. Dumais strikes the perfect balance between an emotional and educational-without-being-overly-clinical read. 5 ⭐️

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book! MVFWO managed to both resonate with my own experiences and also educate me on so many health issues, communities, and systemic issues that I'm woefully uneducated about. Cannot recommend enough if you're looking to learn more about sexual health and wellness.

[Lexie Jamieson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Venus Flytrap Won’t Open is a provocative, eye-opening insight into the lives of assigned female at birth individuals and the daily pains they face trying to receive reproductive health care. If health care is a human right, why do so many AFAB individuals have to tirelessly advocate for themselves in order to receive basic care? Dumais sheds a light on the historically “taboo topics” surrounding our bodies and sex, highlighting the unsung stories of individuals who are constantly battling the sex positivity movement, fighting for their rights within the health care system, and so much more.

[Melissa Shumacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly informative and eye-opening.