Book Review: 2/5 Impact On Me (Book By Karen Tang)
Read more about the book here
This book provides valuable insights into women's health. It builds on themes from "Invisible Women," which explored how data-driven decisions can perpetuate gender bias.
While I rate its personal impact as 2/5 since much isn't directly applicable to me, the quality of research and evidence-based recommendations is excellent. It's more specialized than "Invisible Women," focusing specifically on women's reproductive health. The book works better as a medical reference guide than a cover-to-cover read.
The book traces how the term "hysteria" originated from the antiquated belief that women's mental state was controlled by their uterus. It also highlights a concerning finding: many college students lack basic sexual health literacy.
The section on reproductive organs was enlightening. It reveals how doctors historically removed women's ovaries and uteri without explaining side effects, and examines the reasons behind these over-prescribed procedures.
The anatomical descriptions are fascinating: fallopian tubes can actively move to capture eggs from either ovary, the bladder and uterus are physically connected, and the uterus's proximity to the colon explains why uterine issues can affect digestive function.
A troubling historical revelation shows how male doctors conducted gynecological research without proper understanding of female anatomy, performing experiments on black women without anesthesia.
Below are my notes on key medical topics:
Fibroid risk increases with age and earlier menstruation onset, both situations involving longer hormone exposure. Vitamin D supplementation may help reduce this risk.
Endometriosis typically takes 7 years to diagnose correctly. Patients often see multiple specialists and receive normal test results, only to have their symptoms dismissed as imaginary. Surprisingly, this condition can also affect men with high estrogen levels.
Fat cells produce estrogen in both men and women.
Ovaries continue estrogen production even after menopause.
PCOS, affecting 10% of women, is the most common reproductive disorder and shows strong links to diabetes and insulin resistance.
Ovarian cancer cells require careful removal to prevent spreading.
Pelvic floor muscles maintain constant activity to support abdominal organs.
Incontinence affects most women at some point. During pregnancy, reducing fluid and caffeine intake helps manage bladder compression.
While sperm quality can be tested, egg quality remains unmeasurable.
Successful pregnancy depends on numerous precise conditions.
IBS and other abdominal conditions can impact fertility.
PMS is a legitimate medical condition. Interestingly, menopause can't be diagnosed through hormone levels alone due to their natural fluctuations.
Estrogen can be effective in reducing acne.
Depo-Provera injections offer 96% effectiveness compared to daily pills' 93%. Side effects include temporary weight gain and bone density reduction.
About miscarriage:
50% are caused by genetic abnormalities
70% of fertilized eggs may not survive
Official miscarriage rate is 25%, but underreporting is common
Usually safe to try conceiving again without waiting
Cancer-related information:
HPV can lead to cervical cancer, which could be eliminated through vaccination
Ovarian cancer is difficult to detect, but hormonal birth control may help reduce risk
Skin and breast cancer are most common in women
12.5% of women will develop breast cancer
The book addresses abortion rights, including a significant case from Ireland where abortion restrictions resulted in a woman's death, leading to legal reforms—particularly relevant given my location in Ireland.