No matter what kind of bits you have, the 'private' bits between our legs often leave us with ... many feelings and many questions.
Is it big enough? Is it too big? Why is it so dark? And hairy? How are babies made? Why do periods hurt? As John Mayer so beautifully sang, your body is a wonderland, but in the land of the Kama Sutra, we often forget this. Words like vagina, clitoris, penis, scrotum tend to confound and embarrass people.
Maybe even you, dear reader?
Even though everyone has a body, nobody wants to talk about it. Especially those 'private' bits. With so much shame and stigma, we have nowhere to go to learn and understand our bodies. Instead of a beautiful, technicolour musical, our relationship with our bodies remains a drab black and white production.
This is where this book comes in-a one-stop scientific, funny, and easy to understand guide to everything
you've always wondered about what's 'down there'.
Or even up there! Whatever your concern, Dr Cuterus has got you covered.
I wish every educational class was like this book! It made me laugh out loud at so many parts and the DDLJ Simran and Raj did justice in teaching about contraceptives! That’s one just example. Just get this book and read it and get yourself some fun reading about our most private shush worthy body parts & functions that WE ALL MUST KNOW by now.
I follow the instagram page Dr Cuterus, so I was excited about the book and bought it immediately. I knew this book was going to be super informative, but I hadn't anticipated that it would be so engaging! Dr. Tanaya has a gift for communicating really technical scientific stuff in simple layman's terms with accessible analogies, and she does so with a lot of humour. I definitely learnt so much more than I knew, and absolutely more than I was taught in my non existent sex education classes! I loved the trivia, anecdotes and historical facts throughout the book. I also really appreciate that this book is inclusive of trans people, and I love how feminist and sex positive it is. I am so glad that this book exists, and I strongly recommend it to everyone!
Good decision to write this book. Bad decision to write it in the form of insta reel scripts.
Issues-
1. If the entire book is in english, why would the author mind translating just a few words in hindi for humour. Words as common and unfunny as curd.
2. The book is loaded with lines like "and I forgot to tell you", "let me tell you one more thing". It's a book, for God's sake, you can add one more point without literally writing that you need to add another point!
3. Too many analogies to simplify which are a bit too stretched.
An informative read for mass audience, despite all that. Everyone should know these basics!
Likeable book with some facts we all should know. I have been following Tanaya since some time and have always loved her no-nonsense and bold approach of making people more aware and less ashamed about their bodies and natural things we all experience. This book is an extension to it, and I enjoyed learning more about humans, some history in there and in general - everything nobody tells you about your body.
Having seen a couple of her reels on sexual health topics shared by a friend (thankfully I'm not on Insta) and also being wary of "Insta-authors", I had certain expectations from this book considering how knowledgeable the author is.
It definitely met my expectations on learning things that I never knew (well, my teachers conveniently skipped over the reproductive system topic) and in a fun way. Few of the jokes were cringe af, but I appreciate the author's intention to make it fun to learn about stuff that's majorly hushed up. I do wish I had a nickel for every time the author said "Sexy Times" though.
The chapters are bite-sized and most have pieces of history in them. It seems like a lot of research went into making it "not boring" and concise and filled with humor. From bursting major myths to standing up against misogyny, she makes this a book with some serious substance.
Overall, this was a really fun book that is sex-positive, inclusive and empowering.
"Imagine teaching your children that the nose is actually called the mouth, and never telling them what a nose is. almost all of us, in fact, have called the vulva the vagina our whole lives."
"The egg that created you was already formed inside your mom when she was a baby inside your grandmom. So, your grandma quite literally carried you too. Isn’t that wild? Two generations inside one human!"
"When you are old enough and the time is right, it creates a series of contractions to eventually push you out, and safely deliver you into the hands of a doctor, who will give you a tight slap on your bum bum. Doctors aren’t sadists—this is just to get you to scream, so your airways can clear and you can breathe like a normal human being."
"You see, women, vulvas, and vaginas have been blamed for all of humanity’s ills since the beginning of time—Eve ate the apple, Pandora opened the box, periods and labour pains are the price we pay for our womanly sins, and the vagina is so inherently dirty that most of our cuss words revolve around being a pussy, or being fucked like a pussy."
I first found out about Dr Cuterus (the instagram profile) about a year ago and have learnt a lot from her about sexual and genital health so it was a no-brainer for me to get this book and I definitely wasn't disappointed.
It's a very in-depth read of everything related to the parts of our body we're too embarrassed to talk about. While some of the information was pretty basic, things anyone who knows anything would know, there was also a lot of things that were new to me, especially the biological processes that go behind our 'private bits'.
The book was also fun to read with Dr Tanaya's signature humour, although at times the Indian pop culture references did feel a bit too much but for the most part it was an enjoyable read, especially with impromptu history lessons about things we never really talk about.
Overall, it was a pretty good and informative read and is perfect for a young person wanting to learn about their body.
I have been following Dr Cuterus on Instagram for a while now.
Please see - A male friend of mine recommended to follow her.
She has an amazing account, where she talks about female health issues (yes, yes even male health issues too) and sex education. So how can I not pick her book when she released it.
Wow! This book is amazing. I wish someone had explained at least half of what is written when we were at school. It's a must read by one and all. This mighty book of 262 pages covers all the topics, and how!
What I also liked is the rustic drawings and hilarious way of writing the book.
This book must be essential reading when you turn 18 or 21 (I cant decide but either is better than 35!), for men and women, whether you like it or not, whether you are a reader or not. I wish I could say that I knew most facts in this book, but apart from the feminist thoughts on beauty and patriarchy, I found myself constantly learning new and extremely interesting facts about our bodies and the magic of science and its advancements. I had only one feedback for her writing - with the many Hindi and Bollywood references, I felt that this book may not be globally or even nationally accessible to everyone.
IF ONLY WE WERE TAUGHT ABOUT OUR BODIES THE DR CUTERUS WAY!!
No but seriously, we NEED teachers like Dr. Tanaya. She is the embodiment of how learning can be fun. I have actually laughed out loud AND understood what she's explained. She has an incredible sense of humour; I was sold by the end of the first chapter itself.
A lot of millennials would agree when I say that the way we were introduced to our bodies was quite disastrous. There was just so much stigma around the topic, that I even remember studying these chapters in school/college as if I were reading some highly secretive data👀
We have been brainwashed in unfathomable ways. When misinformation is so prevalent, it gets a bit tricky to find credible facts. But Dr. Tanaya has this magical wand, which she has beautifully used to sprinkle her wit and destroy every myth🪄
I only wish to have stumbled upon this book sooner. But I guess it's better late than never. Now that I have read it, do I feel empowered to treat my body with a bit more love and make better decisions? Hell yes! :))
I loveddd the book! It is packed with amazing insights about the human body, especially the stuff that is NEVER talked about - our private bits and every topic under the sun related to it!
Consider it your primer to know about periods, uterus, masturbation, penis, testicles, birth control, and what not!
The book has simple language backed with history bytes, also giving you chuckles along the way, bringing out the author Dr Tanaya’s amazing persona to the fore! The humour makes it an even more fantastic read and helps you retain the info even more.
Must read for EVERYONE. Period!
P.S. To all the Parents -Hand it over to your teenage child if discussing these topics with them make you uncomfortable or to just enhance their knowledge to a whole new level. Make them correctly and well- informed about their bodies, there rights, correct precautions and more.
First off, let me just say that this book is an absolute delight for anyone and everyone who is enquistive about sexual health and wellness. This book is informative, funny, and empowering all at the same time.
One thing I particularly appreciated about this book was how it tackled common misconceptions and taboos surrounding women's and men's health in a lighthearted yet informative way. The author's writing style is engaging, witty, and often laugh-out-loud funny.
So, if you're looking for a book that will educate, entertain, and inspire you, then look no further! Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
Loved it. Its simple, its cute and its really informative and I think everyone should read it. Even as a student of biology with keen interest in human biology, I thought I would know most of stuff but a lot were really surprising.
Read via audiobook and some jokes were cringe but still good humor and still on point :)
Absolutely love her way of portrayal through writing, this book feels like a hug from one of the coolest medical professionals ever. Absolutely love the content, the research behind it and the adorable illustration. It is entertaining and informative.
In a world where talking openly about women's health can still feel awkward or uncomfortable, Dr. Tanaya Narendra's book, "Dr. Cuterus: Everything Nobody Tells You About Your Body," is like a friendly guide through the maze of our bodies.
This book is all about helping women understand themselves better, from periods to pregnancy and everything for example from PCOS to the science of orgasms. It's like having a knowledgeable friend who's there to answer all your questions and make you feel more confident about your body. Many people, regardless of gender identity, sometimes feel hesitant or shy to discuss personal health concerns. This can be due to various factors, including fear of judgments, lack of information, or cultural norms.
Forget awkward conversations and hushed questions – this book empowers us, from the mysteries of our first periods to the miracle of pregnancy. It's like having a cool, older sister by your side, patiently answering every question with humor, honesty, and scientific knowledge. So, let's dive into this insightful journey together and discover the secrets of our amazing bodies!
Do you remember those times when we fumbled in silence, embarrassed to ask even our closest friends about cramps, discharge, or that confusing rash? Or maybe you, like me, desperately searched online for answers amidst a sea of misinformation. "Dr. Cuterus" cuts through the noise, offering clear, factual information about everything from PCOS to the science of orgasms. It debunks myths, dismantles shame, and replaces fear with knowledge – all with a healthy dose of Dr. Narendra's signature wit.
Dr. Cuterus is a comprehensive and informative guide to all things human anatomy and physiology, with a particular focus on the reproductive system and sexual health. The book is written in a friendly and engaging tone, making it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds. Dr. Narendra does an excellent job of breaking down complex medical concepts into easy-to-understand language, and she is not afraid to use humor to keep things light.
This book isn't just for teenagers navigating puberty's choppy waters. It's for every woman seeking to better understand and appreciate the incredible machine that is her body. Whether you're battling body image issues, curious about birth control options, or simply want to reclaim your reproductive health narrative, "Dr. Cuterus" is your empowering companion. So, let's ditch the awkwardness and embark on this insightful journey together – our bodies are waiting to be understood!
One of the things that I liked most about Dr. Cuterus is that it is inclusive and body-positive. The book celebrates the diversity of human bodies and debunks many common myths and misconceptions. Dr. Narendra also emphasizes the importance of self-care and self-acceptance, and she encourages readers to develop a healthy relationship with their bodies.
Many girls and young women struggle with body image and shame, especially surrounding reproductive health. The book's emphasis on body positivity and self-acceptance could be highly relatable and uplifting. Many girls may appreciate the straightforward and non-judgmental approach to sensitive topics like periods, sex, and body changes. This could create a safe space for learning and open discussions.
If you are from open minded family members, friends group or If you have access to consult with a doctor then discuss with them or ask them if you are facing any sort of problems related to your body and last but the most important thing if you can't find anyone then I'm dam sure this book will going to help you to understand some common problems or myths and also clear your mind about the long term taboo topics especially for girls.
Girls often face a lack of information or misinformation about their bodies. Tackling topics like consent, hygiene, and sexual health directly can be extremely valuable and empowering. Dr. Narendra's use of humor and personal anecdotes could resonate with young women, making the learning process more engaging and memorable.
While body positivity is a growing movement, not all cultures share the same perspective. Consider if any aspects of the book might conflict with your target audience's cultural norms. Every girl's experience with their body is unique. While the book may address common concerns, it's important to acknowledge that it might not resonate with everyone. Depending on the age and maturity level of your audience, some readers might find the explicit language or descriptions uncomfortable.
Overall, *Dr. Cuterus* is a valuable and informative book that I would recommend to anyone who wants to learn more about their body. It is a great resource for teenagers, young adults, and anyone who is curious about human sexuality and reproduction. However, it is important to note that the book does contain some explicit language and descriptions, so it may not be suitable for all readers.
Thank you so much Dr. Tanaya, lol I know you as dr_cuterues though haha! This book is a work of labor and you've added so much knowledge and awareness in the society by this book. I don't know how to begin but okay...
Before I begin, please buy this book, gift this book and read this book. You might have never read a book in your life and that's okay but this is a must read, you owe this to your body. If you have ever been able to afford cosmetics, any electronic device and a decent meal at a decent restaurant, you can invest in this book because it's more affordable than any purchase you've done so far.
I always felt angry that we had limited resources to know what are body is made up of, like where do I learn about my body without feeling intimidated by a lot of medical jargon, learning about your body should come in a easy human language for people in non medical sector right? And learning about anything, especially about your body should be fun, non scary and non judgemental, with facts and history ofcourse. So when dr_cuterues announced she's writing a book, I knew all my requirements would be fulfilled because she is the only content creator we all care about when it comes to medicine, trust me we do.
I learnt so much about my body parts and how it can be taken care of, what goes in and outside my body, how important it is to be aware of this body I have and most importantly learning about the opposite sex. Blaming penis owners to not understand uterus owner's needs is one thing, but how much do we know of both body's counterparts? And why did no one teach us about these important things? We are constantly under a pressure of being a know-it-all that we forget deep under, we know nothing at all, which should be nothing to be ashamed of, but we are constantly busy making memes about important topics, this is how we create stigma.
I could go on and on about this book, I've literally nerd-ed this book out, quite literally, every page is highlighted and every single line of this book has been soaked by my mind. I would really appreciate if this book gets included in academic institutions as a part of our education. We need this book, this is education.
Read this book to have a better relationship with your body and to have better experience with people you would engage with in your life, it's important. Gift this book. One copy of this book should be present in every house, just read it.
Also, translate this book in as many languages as possible, this will be of great use and help.
"Dr. Cuterus: Everything Nobody Tells You About Your Body" by Tanya Narendra is a groundbreaking and enlightening read that dives deep into the mysteries of our bodies. This book stands out with its unique blend of humor, science, and straightforward explanations, making it a must-read for anyone curious about their health and bodily functions.
Dr. Tanya Narendra, a gynecologist and popular science communicator, breaks down complex medical information into bite-sized, easy-to-understand pieces. The book covers a wide array of topics, from menstrual health and contraception to the intricacies of sexual health and body positivity. What makes "Dr. Cuterus" particularly engaging is its approachable and witty tone, ensuring that readers not only learn but also enjoy the journey.
Why This Book is a Must-Read Clear and Concise Information: Dr. Narendra dispels common myths and misconceptions about the body, offering clear and concise explanations.
Relatable and Engaging: With relatable anecdotes and a conversational style, the book feels like a chat with a knowledgeable friend.
Empowering: It empowers readers to take charge of their health with informed choices.
Inclusive Content: The book is inclusive, addressing issues relevant to people of all genders and orientations.
Favorite Takeaways
Body Positivity: The book emphasizes the importance of body positivity and self-acceptance.
Sexual Health: It provides comprehensive insights into sexual health, often a taboo topic.
Practical Advice: From dealing with period pain to understanding birth control options, the book offers practical advice for everyday concerns. Final Thoughts
"Dr. Cuterus" is an essential addition to your bookshelf if you value straightforward, honest discussions about health. It's perfect for teenagers, adults, and anyone looking to demystify their body. Tanya Narendra has created a resource that is as educational as it is entertaining, making this book a standout in the realm of health literature.
Being a 90s kid, I hardly received any sex education while growing up. There was a lot of stigma about everything - be it periods, sex, boobs, or genitals. You utter these words, and you will be told to shut your mouth the very minute. I remember having my periods in a boarding school, and I legit thought I am suffering from cancer. Nobody ever told me about periods and they send me to boarding. WOW...they thought I was big enough to live alone but not big enough to know about periods. All I can say is that it was not a pleasant experience. I wish I knew better. But How? Such brilliant books did not exist then and even if they did, I did not know about them. . And SEX! Let's not even go there. While growing up, I heard so many senseless things about it. Like sex hurts, it is very painful for girls. When you have sex for the first time, you bleed like a waterfall. Sex makes your boobs bigger. Sex will make you impure and whatnot!!! And I remember being scared of sex my whole life. . I remember we were in 8th class and there was a reproduction chapter that our brilliant teacher decided to skip altogether. WOW! For the longest time, I was not aware that there are two different holes - to pee and for periods or to have sex. And boy, it is not called Vagina but Vulva. This fact I learned while reading Dr Cuterus's brilliant book. It is so sad we women don't even know the right term for our genitals. But it is not our fault. Absolutely not! . This book not only made me much more aware of everything but also made me fall in love with my body and more comfortable with my body. Dr Cuterus says, "this book is not about sex but about your body." Read it to know your body better.
Everything nobody tells you about your body; Dr. Cuterus is here to help you embrace it. This book is a sort of led-the-way journal. With interactive, thought-provoking insights about your genitals, you'll be guided to map and explore the inner landscape of your body—the textures, shapes, tempos, and temperatures that bring you bliss.
This book is not about sex, but preferably a book that explains the anatomy and physiology of sexual organs subtly with the help of simplified diagrams and fun analogies.
From history to medicine, from masturbation to orgasm, from American caps to Condoms, from stuffing the vagina with crocodile dung for contraception to gulping a pill, Dr. Cuterus replenishes many knowledge voids with her sharp insights, developed over years of researching the physical, social, and emotional aspects of sex and sexuality.
Twenty-six chapters have been sliced into four parts. The first part, "It's Your Bits" deals with the detailing of genitals (anatomical part), and the second part, "Ew! What's that Goo?!, deals mainly with the functions of genitals, the third part is, "Foetus Deletus", as the name implies deals with the history and methodology of contraception, and the fourth and last part, "Ohemgee! What's wrong with me?!, deals with STIs their causes, symptoms, treatment, and preventive measures.
Scientific, rivetingly comical, (outstanding interplay of homophones🤣), and enriching.
Dr. Cuterus feels like a warm, unfiltered conversation with a doctor-friend—witty, funny, and deeply human. It’s an informative, sex-positive book that invites all readers (men and women alike) into a deeper understanding of the human body and sexuality. It also brings the scope to consider the often-unspoken implications of sexual repression and the feminist questions the medical approach to it over the centuries raise, as she brings in some amount of history to her themes.
Dr. Tanaya (I felt like just saying Tanaya because she truly feels like a friend after reading this) approaches complex topics with clarity, humour, and minimum (the right amount of) jargon, making science feel accessible and even fun. The book is full of fascinating human and animal kingdom facts—like how embryos start out on a path that resembles the female form until sex differentiation begins around the 9th week (might be a more known fact for some, but as much as I was aware of how the XY chromosomes work, I wasn’t aware of this) - just one of the many fun insights packed into the book. Her jokes and Raj-Simran references are delightfully silly and make understanding technical topics breezy. No wonder the book about a lot of technical stuff still reads like a novel—easy to drift through, yet filled with insights that linger. She’s made it so approachable.
Whether you’ve had questions about your body or someone else’s and didn’t know who to ask, this book makes space for all of it. Honest, educational, and empowering—a must-read for anyone curious about the body and the cultural stories we carry about it.
I cannot wait to gift it to my little sister when she turns 16!
This is a fun and empowering book that speaks about your body, genitals, why does your body behave the way it does, safe sex, contraception, periods and STIs, everything related to sexual health a young adult or a full adult should know.
Dr. Cuterus’ narration is like you’re talking to a friend, but a verified doctor friend, who’s sharing facts, voicing her opinions and calling out misogyny without abandon. The language is simple, dotted with some of Dr. Cuterus’ funny and sometimes bad jokes here and there. It isn’t boring like a sexual health blog or a medical journal, and you don’t have to keep constantly googling to verify facts.
Reading the book has made me reconsider and adopt practices that are not only safe but also empathetic. It made me fall in love with myself and my partner once again, for everything we embody.
I recommend anyone and everyone to read it since it’s so empowering and helps make decisions related to our body. Whether you have a Uterus, or a penis or neither, whether you’re sexually active or anticipating it, you should read it.
If you follow dr Tanaya Narendra on instagram, then you might’ve read this book as an extension of all the educational information she shares on insta. So you have come as a fan :) if not, then you are in for a treat, especially if you are from India, as education on sexual health needs more work in our country. So to have an expert talk about this on insta and reach millions of people, and then write a book is beyond amazing. She talks about basic physical anatomy and topics related to ‘down under’ that are taboo and hence remain much stigmatized and neglected. This is pretty sad as despite being under wraps, all of us need this education for our own well being. Dr Tanaya talks about these topics in a very no nonsense manner and throws Hindi slang just how you would talk to a friend. For folks not familiar with Hindi language, that might be a wrench in your experience, but please persist as you might learn a thing or two. Her writing style may not be for everyone as it is infact like speaking to a friend, but I think that is a great way to keep attention of the readers to a very academic topic. Kudos to her and I hope she publishes another one soon!
Picked up Dr Cuterus – Everything Nobody Tells You about Your Body, as I follow Dr Tanaya Narendra on Instagram who talks about all the stuff related to human body which society usually considers taboo. On social media, she has a humorous way of putting out informative stuff. I am glad that the humorous streak continues in her book.
As the author puts it, this book is not just about sex. It’s so much more – it’s about science, it’s about knowing your body and above about loving your self just the way you are. I like her cheeky sense of humour, cute illustrations, bollywood references and her conversational approach to encouraging body positivity. It's a delight that she doesn't shy away from topics like vaginal washing (an absolute capitalist nonsensical concept), sexual health, birth control among others.
This book tells you all about your body that probably your school curriculums should teach you. Recommending this as a read to all so that it at least opens a window for conversation about sexual health. Thank you doc for giving that tightlipped wall a push daily via your posts and now through this book.
Wow! How unaware are we about our body. And also - Wow! The power of storytelling, because that made me keep reading this book. Most people generally want to watch a video on Youtube or read a blog answering their questions. I’d do the same thing.
Reason 1 - I don't want 500 pages of ‘gyaan’ on what is what and what to do when. Reason 2 - Most of the educational books are boring lol.
But this one educated me, undid the myths I was believing, made me more aware about my body without making it sound like ‘gyaan’. Infact, I was smirking and laughing at times. Wide range (almost everything) about sex education is covered in this book. From explaining in clear concise manner about our body parts, dealing with period pain to understanding birth control options, the book offers practical advice and understanding for everyday concerns.
100% would recommend people to read and even gift it to people (especially younger audiences) for them to be more aware about themselves and to build a body-positivity attitude.
Informative, fun to read. The way she talk about genital facts, sex misinformation, precautions it's like teaching someone to you in interesting way. Most of the them i already know with the help of my curiosity and wiki, but still i considered the best book i read about sex education .
In india sex is like a taboo word so as like sex education, so greater per of teen don't get sex education. This problem created so many myth to reality so people eventually belived,and they act according to them, this causes greater problems like STDs,behaviour issues, rape per, bdsm statics increase etc.. Sex education is really help you to lead a healthy, long lives it also erases the fear about sex, and embrace body positivity. I wish everyone read this and educate you're self. (those who didn't get sex education in school then you must read)
Dr Cuterus (as her Insta family knows her) is a sex-positive doctor/influencer who has a special talent of being able to explain important sex-education topics easily to layman.
She highlights information that is not easy to come across in a country like India where talking about sex and other sex-related topics is a major taboo.
In her book, she has done a fantastic job elaborating on these, empowering us to understand our body better and also teaching us how we can take good care of ourselves.
Would highly recommend to everyone.
If you’re from her Instagram, you might already be aware of some things and might find the beginning slightly repetitive and boring, but please do stick till the end. You will definitely find new and helpful information towards the end too!