Leading Dutch lexicographers have announced the inclusion of the term “vulvalippen” in the latest online edition of the Dikke van Dale dictionary, offering a neutral alternative to the traditional “schaamlippen,” which translates literally as “shame lips” or “pubic lips.” The decision marks a significant milestone in a broader campaign to strip gendered medical and anatomical language of historical stigma.
The change follows sustained pressure from activists who argue that terms rooted in the word for shame reinforce negative societal attitudes toward female sexuality. Shari Klein, a founder of the Schaamteloos campaign, emphasized the psychological impact of language. “Language shapes how we see ourselves,” Klein said. “It is crucial people have a more neutral, anatomically correct word, rather than one that links to shame, whether consciously or sub-consciously.”
Ton den Boon, editor of the dictionary, stated that the addition was justified by the term’s growing prevalence in media, biology textbooks, medical leaflets, and even veterinary medicine. However, the extent to which the public and healthcare providers will adopt “vulvalippen” remains to be seen.
Campaigners are now directing their efforts toward convincing doctors and officials to utilize the new terminology in patient consultations and informational materials. The movement mirrors similar linguistic reforms across Europe. In Sweden, a 2009 campaign led to the adoption of “slidkrans,” meaning “vaginal corona,” to replace “mödomshinna” (virginity membrane). Proponents argued the old term was anatomically inaccurate and perpetuated myths about female sexuality.
In Germany, journalists Gunda Windmüller and Mithu Sanyal launched a petition in 2018 to replace “Shamlippen” with “Vulvalippen.” Windmüller was motivated after a gynecologist highlighted the shame women often feel during examinations. Although the German term has not yet been adopted by a major dictionary, it appears in some school textbooks and women’s magazines.
The debate also extends to other medical terminology. In the UK, a petition led by feminist podcast host Nicola Denson-Elliott seeks to replace “hysterectomy” with “uterectomy,” arguing that the former is linked to outdated concepts of female hysteria. Linguistics researcher Dr. Beth Malory cautioned that any terminology changes require careful study to ensure they are unambiguous and widely understood.
Dr. Brooke Vandermolen, an obstetrician, noted that judgmental phrases such as “incompetent cervix” or “failure to progress” can cause distress among patients. While the Royal College of Midwives issued guidance in 2022 offering alternative phrasing, traditional terms persist. Vandermolen expressed hope that the Dutch initiative would spark further conversation in the UK about how language impacts the validation and respect of women’s health experiences.
Interesting that Germany hasn’t adopted it yet. I wonder if Dutch medical textbooks will change quickly or take years.
Seems like yet another political correctness move gone too far. We are overthinking simple anatomical terms.
Will doctors actually start using it, or is this just symbolic? I want to see it used in medical practice.
I had no idea ‘schaamlippen’ literally meant ‘shame lips.’ That history is fascinating and truly concerning.
Finally! It is about time we stopped using words rooted in shame for basic anatomy. Language shapes reality.