Humanizing Medspeak

“Doctor, could you speak to me in plain English, please?!”
I rarely hear this in my men’s health practice. It’s likely because I am aware that Medspeak, or the language of medicine, is a second tongue, and a very foreign one to many patients.  Just as it’s important for doctors to have an in-depth understanding of medical jargon, we should also have the communication skills to discuss these concepts in plain language to their patients. That’s why I always strive to humanize conversations with patients at The Turek Clinic.

The Language of Medicine

There are 750 muscles, 206 bones, 428 named nerves and 60,000 miles of named and unnamed arteries and veins in the adult human body. Add to this all known body organs and physiological and molecular pathways, and it becomes clear why the first two years of medical school involves learning 20,000 new vocabulary words, the equivalent of an entirely new language. Suddenly, sweating becomes diaphoresis, vomiting becomes emesis and red becomes erythematous. Throw in normal physiology and disease states in the second and third years of medical school, and then you have another 20,000 word vocabulary lesson. For some reason, patients now ambulate, visualize, articulate and masticate when the rest of us walk, see, talk and chew. Altogether, that’s two whole languages to be learned in 4 years.

The Beauty of Medspeak

The vocabulary of medicine can be elegant, efficient and sound oh-so beautiful with all those Latin words. There is something poetic and mellifluous about the word “vestigial” which is a leftover structure with no current function, like the appendix. Another example: I recently hurt my thumb after my daughter’s ace tetherball serve. Presenting my black and blue thumb to my favorite orthopedic surgeon, he said: “A minor bruise to your flexor pollicis longus and brevis muscles.” It just sort of rolls off your tongue. Felt better already.

The Vagueness of Medspeak

But Medspeak can also dehumanize. In the field of men’s health, I hear the words “idiopathic epididymitis” all the time. That’s eleven syllables of Medspeak in just two words. Sounds impressive but what does it really mean? How’s this: “unexplained scrotal pain that is not due to cancer or other badness.” When put in front of another word, “essential” also means unexplained. Admittedly, Medspeak can make even the vague and unknown sound official.

When commenting on written Medspeak, the late author-doctor Michael Crichton wrote: “I don’t agree… that medical writing is inept. I argue that it is actually a highly skilled, calculated attempt to confuse the reader.” Agreed. When used excessively or carelessly, it is dehumanizing and can change the moment and direction of a patient’s life.

While I was a resident at the University of Pennsylvania years ago, a college friend who trained with me gave me a small book of poems to carry around. I opened it during those rare, quiet moments that can happen while on call. The book was by William Carlos Williams, a noted doctor-poet. Dr. Williams fully understood the two-edged sword of Medspeak when he noted: “It is not what you say that matters but the manner in which you say it; there lies the secret of the ages.”

Medspeak in Male Sexual Health and Fertility

Male reproductive health and sexual medicine come with their own set of complex terms that can leave patients scratching their heads. Here are a few commonly used terms in our field:

• Azoospermia – A condition in which no sperm are found in the ejaculate, often requiring specialized treatments such as sperm retrieval.
• Oligospermia – A lower-than-normal sperm count, which may impact fertility.
• Varicocele – Enlarged veins in the scrotum that can affect sperm production and testosterone levels.
• Retrograde Ejaculation – A condition in which semen flows backward into the bladder instead of exiting through the urethra, potentially causing fertility issues.
• Hypogonadism – A condition characterized by low testosterone levels, which can affect energy, libido, and overall health.
• Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE) – A procedure used to retrieve sperm directly from the testicles when none are found in the ejaculate.

Making Sense of Medspeak — And Making It Personal

At The Turek Clinic, medical jargon never stands in the way of patient care. Dr. Paul Turek is known for translating complex scientific concepts into clear, actionable advice, ensuring every patient understands their condition and treatment options. Whether you’re facing fertility challenges, hormonal imbalances, or sexual health concerns, Dr. Turek meets you where you are—providing expert care in a way that makes sense.

If you’re looking for an expert in male reproductive health who values clarity and compassion, schedule a consultation with Dr. Turek today. Call 1-888-TUREKMD.