Pear-Shaped

Fans of Dr. Jen Gunter and Emily Nagoski will love this science-based, practical, and empowering guide to your uterus.

It gives life to humankind, billions of people have one, and yet the uterus is still mysterious to many. And talking about it can feel taboo. But when you don’t talk about it, you don’t discover what’s normal and what’s not—or what questions to ask at the doctor’s office. The reality? This versatile, pear-shaped organ is worthy of everyone’s attention. In Pear-Shaped, a gynecologist and a science communicator join forces to tell the life story of your uterus.

Did you know that the uterus is a muscle? Or that it can stretch to the size of a watermelon? In Pear-Shaped, the authors reveal surprising facts about the uterus, alongside practical, helpful information including:

• A detailed anatomy of the uterus with illustrations.
• An overview of its many functions.
• Complications that can impact fertility, childbearing, birth, and menstruation.
• Tips for advocating for yourself at the doctor’s office.
• Descriptions and images of what the uterus looks like (including the fact that it doesn’t always look the same for everyone).
• Real case studies from the author’s gynecological practice.
• Information about menstruation, contraception, abortion, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause.

As Pear-Shaped shows, the uterus is truly fascinating. But it also can be a source of serious concern for many. Pear-Shaped also discusses various problems and diseases that arise in the uterus—including endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids, and unwanted pregnancy—and how everyday people work with their doctors to find a solution that works for them.

Marlies Bongers is a gynecologist at the Máxima Medical Centre in Veldhoven and Eindhoven, the Netherlands. Since 2015, she has been an associate professor at Maastricht University.

Corien van Zweden is a journalist who writes about health and has published several books, including Breasts: The Life of an Intimate Body Part, which was translated into several languages and nominated for the best journalistic book of 2019.