Cleaning Up Our Language in Practice and Policy: Evaluation of the Prefix Hytero- as a Linguistic Microaggression in Gynecology
Abstract
Introduction:
This paper examines the pseudoscience of hysteria and its etymological root hyster- as it relates to the pejorative use of the term hysterical. The historical and etymological context in which these words have been used against women perpetuates misogynistic bias as a microaggression within healthcare with terms such as hysterectomy. The aim for this paper is to offer background on the origin of the words hysteria and hysterectomy, the development of psychological and physical symptoms associated with hysteria, and the clear link between these diagnostic criteria and the female body, particularly the uterus.
Methods:
We performed an interdisciplinary and historical literature review to further understand the framework within which hysteria has developed as a medical diagnosis. We collated the information brought forth in these texts as evidence to assert that the term hysteria and its link to the female body continues to pathologize women pejoratively today.
Results:
We found that throughout countless ages and interpretations, hysteria, with its name derived from hyster-, womb, has been viewed and treated as a predominantly female ailment. Patriarchal society and medicine have fed into narratives of women as weak, defective, less than their male counterparts, which further bolsters the idea that the womb, feeble mindedness, and women who do not conform to accepted female norms contribute to the physical and psychological manifestations of hysteria.
Conclusion:
The word hysterectomy and other hyster- derivative words are no longer appropriate to use because this derogatory language constitutes a microaggression, which in this case, is pervasive in patient care including in medical education, diagnosis, electronic medical records, insurance current procedural terminology (CPT codes), and public policy. Therefore, we propose that policy and healthcare address this matter by abandoning the use of the prefix hyster- in favor of the etymological twin uter-. This realignment of language with current cultural values will intensify and expand current efforts ensuring respectful medical care for women.