The Language of Endometriosis Prevalence: How Can Gender Inclusivity and Accuracy Coexist?
Hannah Adler, Sam Jeffrey, Louis Max Ashton, Danielle Howe, Michelle O’Shea, Cecilia Ng, Lanna Last, Genester Wilson-King, Deborah Bush, Mike Armour
Abstract
This paper invites and presents critical discussions relevant to how accuracy and gender inclusivity can be fostered when reporting and discussing endometriosis prevalence. While there has been increased awareness of the importance of inclusive language within the endometriosis community, certain language can also communicate inaccuracies and have other unintended consequences that can undermine the health of transgender, gender-diverse, intersex, and cisgender people. Using a cooperative inquiry methodology, this topic is explored through canvasing endometriosis definitions found in academic literature, social and digital media, and digital health care platforms. Through this research, we explore the challenges associated with defining “whom” endometriosis affects, describe the current barriers to use of accurate language, and provide some possible solutions to inaccuracies.