Euphemisms and their Effect on Women’s Healthcare
- avanadiashv
- Sep 4, 2023
- 5 min read
Why do we say that it is “that time of the month” instead of “I am on my period?” Why are we (a society as a whole) so uncomfortable using the correct terminology to describe reproductive body parts and natural bodily functions? For instance, many people likely do not know what the “vagina” really is, that there is a difference between the vagina and the vulva, or that it is possible to get pregnant while menstruating, despite that, arguably, this is basic, fundamental knowledge (especially in relation to knowledge about your own body). Some people may say that these euphemisms sound better or that they are nicer ways to say, and while these things may be true, the impacts of the euphemisms on healthcare cannot be ignored.
Euphemisms are used to “replace language that some may find displeasing.” Thus, the creation of a euphemism implies that the original topic of the word was “displeasing” or inappropriate to discuss. As a result, euphemisms have the power to create something along the lines of a taboo around particular subjects, which leads them to not be discussed or taught within communities.
Imagine this: You are 12 years old and sitting in a classroom, casually waiting for the bell to ring to signal the end of class. As you get up from your seat, you notice blood is smeared all over the chair. What do you do? Well, I think there are two main responses that you could have. 1. If you have prior knowledge about periods, then you may be uncomfortable and embarrassed, but you will understand the situation. 2. If you have no idea what a period is, then you may currently be scared that you are dying or bleeding out. I think it is important to notice here the difference prior knowledge and education have on this experience: the difference between understanding and panic. This is not a new topic of discussion or a rare experience for young people. In fact, there are even numerous shows that depict these types of first-period experiences.
So what is the point? There is no doubt that these euphemisms create an impact on young adults experiencing their first period. By making periods a taboo topic, these kids are not educated about periods: what they are, or how to deal with them. This lack of information takes a sense of autonomy away from these people because now their own bodies have become foreign to them. Also, it perpetuates this stigma that periods are disgusting and creates this narrative that periods should be private when in fact, they are plainly normal, healthy bodily functions. Our use of language has created negative connotations around this topic and thus (in many cases) shame.
I think that this shame about periods translates into embarrassment about female healthcare (especially reproductive care) that changes the way women can receive treatment. This is especially prevalent in countries where period taboos are more prevalent than in the United States. For instance, “In a survey of 4,127 boys and young men from four countries – Brazil, Indonesia, the Netherlands, and Uganda – the most common reason cited for avoiding the topic [periods] was that menstruation is a ‘private matter’ for girls and women” (Plan International). This “private matter” is isolating women around the world. How can women feel comfortable talking about their reproductive health, periods, pregnancy, infections, etc., to doctors if they have grown up in a world that tells them these topics are “private” and “disgusting?” How can we expect women to talk freely about their health and expect that they will trust doctors when many are not even told what a period is before they get it? How can we expect women’s healthcare to preserve women’s dignity if we create taboos around normal, healthy bodily functions? Lastly, if many parts of the world are too uncomfortable to even use the word period, how can we expect those parts of the world to have period products available for those who need them? For example, “In Uganda, poor women have used banana peels, old newspapers, and leaves” in the place of pads, tampons, or other hygiene products because “many of these products either are not available or are too expensive for girls to use” (UNFPA). The use of these products creates an increased risk of infection, and alongside the tendency for women’s physical pain to be written off as “the symptoms of being a woman” (discussed in a different blog post called: Compliance and Cultural Clashing), puts more and more women at risk of serious health problems, since it creates a further disconnect between patients and doctors. It makes it harder to talk about women’s healthcare issues, even in spaces like a doctor’s office, a place where vital and detailed descriptions of these topics are vital to finding the best treatment options for a person.
A historical example of the implications of creating taboos around women’s healthcare can be seen in the past use of “Chinese medicine dolls” between approximately the 15th century to the mid-20th century (only some were still in use by the 1950s). Due to a belief that it was improper for men to see or touch nude women, these medicine dolls were used as a way for women to convey their medical problems and pain. Women would point to places on the doll to show the doctor where they were hurt. These dolls tended to be lying on their sides and naked except for some jewelry. The pose and jewelry almost convey a provocative undertone of the doll, which defines women’s bodies as sexual and, therefore, improper to view. As a result of this depiction, doctors were forced to diagnose and treat their female patients only using a doll and some words. I think it goes without saying that there were almost certainly many severe consequences and bad outcomes from this practice.
Shame perpetrated through euphemisms stigmatizes women’s healthcare and makes it an uncomfortable discussion topic. However, this uncomfortable discussion topic is vital in practically every area of health for people with female reproductive organs. If society cannot say what it is, then how can patients and medical professionals discuss it in the most effective and open manner possible? In the past, stigmas have limited women’s healthcare to the point where it was practically inaccessible or at least ineffective. While stigmas have definitely improved since the invention of medicine dolls, they still exist and have an effect on people’s lives, and breaking the stigma of women’s bodies and bodily functions could drastically improve healthcare around the world.
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