Have you ever felt dismissed or judged by your doctor because of the terms they used? You’re not alone. We’ve all heard terms like “incompetent cervix,” “lazy ovary,” or “failure to progress,” and they hurt. These medical terms don’t just hurt emotionally; they can actually affect the quality of care we receive.
In this episode, we’re diving into something that affects many of us but is rarely talked about—how medical language, especially around women’s reproductive health, can be downright dehumanizing.
Think about it—would we call erectile dysfunction “incompetent penis” or baldness “follicular failure”? Probably not. This episode isn’t just about venting; it’s about sparking change. Language shapes perception, and perception shapes care.
Why Words Matter
Studies show that doctors who use stigmatizing language develop more negative attitudes toward their patients. This is especially problematic since medical language is deeply ingrained in their training and documentation. For instance, terms like “geriatric pregnancy” and “advanced maternal age” are being used despite changes in guidelines, simply because insurance coding hasn’t caught up.
That’s why we’re going to share:
- Historical and personal anecdotes to unpack how we got here
- How much of our medical language adds layers of guilt and shame to already painful experiences
- Efforts by business to rename these terms and make medical language more patient-centered
There’s a long way to go, but with continued conversation and advocacy, we can make a difference.
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We Love Our Sponsor
This episode is sponsored in part by Genate by SNP Therapeutics, providing genetics-powered nutrition tailored for every stage of the fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum journeys.
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