Resources
In addition to the books and websites below, visit our Amazon store for additional selections.
Doctor/Healthcare Provider Referrals
We have had a lot of requests for good healthcare providers throughout the country. We are providing this listing as a service, but please read our disclaimer before using any providers listed. We will be adding some specific providers soon. Please check back.
- Visit The Pelvic Pain organization’s “Find a Provider” page. You will have a number of search options, including zip code and state.
- The National Vulvodynia Association provides its physician list if you join their organization.
- The Interstitial Cystitis Association will email you a list if you request it from this page.
- Section on Women’s Health - Find a Women’s Health Physical Therapist for pelvic pain: http://www.womenshealthapta.org/plp/index.cfm
Books for Patients
Below is a list of books that Dr. Echenberg encourages his patients to read:
Finding a Joyful Life in the Heart of Pain by Darlene Cohen
Pain Free for Women – The Revolutionary Program for Ending Chronic Pain by Pete Egoscue with Roger Gittines
The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook – Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief by Clair Davies, NCTMB and Amber Davies, NCTMB
Fitness for the Pelvic Floor by Beate Carriere, P.T.
Autogenic Training – A Mind-Body Approach to the Treatment of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Syndrome by Micah R. Sadigh, Ph.D.
Suffering is Optional – Three Keys to Freedom and Joy by Cheri Huber and June Shiver
Pelvic Pain and Low Back Pain – A Handbook for Self Care and Treatment by Janet Hulme, M.A., P.T.
The Interstitial Cystitis Survival Guide by Robert M. Moldwin, M.D., FACS
Interstitial Cystitis and Pain – Taking Control – A Handbook for People with IC and Their Caregivers Published by the Interstitial Cystitis Association
The Balance Within – The Science Connecting Health and Emotions by Esther M. Sternberg, M.D.
Full Catastrophe Living – Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D.
The Vulvodynia Survival Guide: How to Overcome Painful Vaginal Symptoms and Enjoy an Active Lifestyle by Howard I. Glazer, Ph.D. and Gae Rodke, M.D., FACOG
Books for Healthcare Professionals
The following books are geared toward the medical professional for the treatment and understanding of chronic pelvic/sexual pain. These are the best of the key works that address the full spectrum of understanding and managing chronic pelvic/sexual pain.
The Pelvic Floor by Beate Carrière, P.T. and Cynthia Markel Feldt, P.T.
Pelvic Pain: Diagnosis and Management by Fred M. Howard, M.S., M.D. with C. Paul Perry, M.D., FACOG, James E. Carter, M.D., Ph.D., FACOG, Ahmed M. El-Minawi, M.D., M.S.C., Ph.D., Rong-Zeng Lie, M.D., MAMS, CMI
Chronic Pelvic Pain: An Integrated Approach by John F. Steege, M.D., Deborah A. Metzger, Ph.D., M.D., Barbara S. Levy, M.D.
Cognitive Therapy for Chronic Pain: A Step-by-Step Guide by Beverly E. Thorn
Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology, December 2003, Volume 46, Number 4 by http://www.clinicalobgyn.com
Online Resources
Pain
American Pain Foundation: http://www.painfoundation.org/
American Pain Society: http://www.ampainsoc.org/
International Pelvic Pain Society: http://www.pelvicpain.org/
OBGYN.net’s Pelvic Pain page: http://www.obgyn.net/pelvic-pain/
The Wasser Pain Management Centre at Mount Sinai Hospital (Toronto): http://www.mtsinai.on.ca/wasser/
Bladder
Interstitial Cystitis Network: http://www.ic-network.com/
Interstitial Cystitis Association: http://www.ichelp.org/
International Painful Bladder Association: http://www.painful-bladder.org/
Lower Bowel
Irritable Bowel Syndrome: http://www.aboutibs.org/
Sexual Health
The Woman’s Sexual Health Foundation: http://www.twshf.org/
The Sexual Health Network: http://www.sexualhealth.com/
Information on Female Sexual Dysfunction: http://www.fsdinfo.org/
AASECT – American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists: http://www.aasect.org/
National Institute of Health – National Library of Medicine: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/femalesexualdysfunction.html
Dr. Laura Berman - Expert resource for sex and intimacy at any age: http://www.drlauraberman.com/
Dr. Jennifer Berman - Vibrance network and questions about sexuality answered: http://www.bermansexualhealth.com/
Institute for Sexual Medicine – Boston University School of Medicine: www.bumc.bu.edu/sexualmedicine
Vulvodynia
Vulvodynia.com – http://www.vulvodynia.com/
National Vulvodynia Association: http://www.nva.org/
National Women’s Health Resource Center: Vulvodynia article
Life Coaches
Abigail Steidley is a life coach who has expertise in working with women who suffer from pelvic pain. You can read her blog on her recovery from vulvodynia and interstitial cystitis at The Vagina Dialogues.
Some glossary definitions provided with permission by the Merriam Webster Online Dictionary