Is the 'biological clock' just one big scam?
How does it feel to be called hostile?
What about barren? Inhospitable? Geriatric? These are all words women over the age of 35 have heard in doctor's offices for decades to describe their reproductive health as they explore options for childbirth. The terminology has been changing, but for some, not quickly enough. When the culture is pushing for more humane ways to talk about women's bodies, how long will it take modern medicine to catch up? Brittany talks with Rachel E. Gross, author of Vagina Obscura: An Anatomical Voyage to understand what the use of these words reveal about our cultural expectations of pregnant people.
Want more on the culture of women’s health? Check out these episodes:
Sex is pleasurable. It should feel safe too.
The key to thriving later in life: menopause
Support Public Media. Join NPR Plus.
Follow Brittany on Instagram: @bmluse
For handpicked podcast recommendations every week, subscribe to NPR’s Pod Club newsletter at npr.org/podclub.
See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.
NPR Privacy Policy
What about barren? Inhospitable? Geriatric? These are all words women over the age of 35 have heard in doctor's offices for decades to describe their reproductive health as they explore options for childbirth. The terminology has been changing, but for some, not quickly enough. When the culture is pushing for more humane ways to talk about women's bodies, how long will it take modern medicine to catch up? Brittany talks with Rachel E. Gross, author of Vagina Obscura: An Anatomical Voyage to understand what the use of these words reveal about our cultural expectations of pregnant people.
Want more on the culture of women’s health? Check out these episodes:
Sex is pleasurable. It should feel safe too.
The key to thriving later in life: menopause
Support Public Media. Join NPR Plus.
Follow Brittany on Instagram: @bmluse
For handpicked podcast recommendations every week, subscribe to NPR’s Pod Club newsletter at npr.org/podclub.
See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.
NPR Privacy Policy
You May Also Like

Reddit Stories Podcast - Mr. Redder
mr redder

SERVANT LEADERS PRAYERLINE (REPLAY FROM DAILY 5AM LIVE CALL)
Queen of Collaborations Angela

Knicks Fan TV: The Podcast
Blue Wire

Order of Man
Ryan Michler

Destination Celebration | Presented By National Day Calendar
National Day Calendar

Rogue Energy
iHeartPodcasts

LOVERS by shan
LOVERS by shan

Hometown Ghost Stories
Be Afraid
Uncanny
BBC Radio 4

Let me tell you a Scary Story
Ghost stories ~ Paranormal ~ Hauntings ~True Crime ~ Unexplained
Community discussion