Words matter: How women talk about their genitals affects sexual well-being
Study links women's genital terminology to body image, sexual pleasure, and health behaviors.
Why it matters
- Language shapes body image and sexual experiences.
- Study provides empirical evidence for long-held feminist and sex educator beliefs.
By the numbers
- 457 U.S. women surveyed.
- 75% use anatomical terms in non-sexual contexts.
- 45% use vulgar terms in sexual contexts.
The big picture
- Language about genitals has evolved over 20 years.
- Playful terms linked to negative outcomes; vulgar terms in sexual contexts linked to positive experiences.
What they're saying
- Commenters note childish terms may be coping, vulgar terms embracing sexuality.
Caveats
- Study is correlational; causation unclear.
- Sample mostly white, highly educated women.
What’s next
- Research in more diverse populations.
- Studies exploring causation and empowerment through language.