“Benign” is used to describe a category of non-cancerous gynecological conditions, but University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing researchers say the term is hurting patients’ health.
In a commentary paper published in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing on March 11, 2026, lead author Mary Hoberg and co-author Lacey Heinsberg write that the word “benign” is “nonspecific, clinically misleading and potentially harmful.”
They argue that because the word can also mean “harmless” and “mild” in addition to “non-cancerous,” its widespread use makes symptoms more likely to be overlooked or dismissed by physicians.
“Better language leads to better health outcomes,” Heinsberg said. “So if we're dismissing these conditions from the outset, then medical professionals might not pay attention to them.”
This contributes to and compounds existing issues in women’s health care, including limited research funding and long delays in diagnosing chronic gynecological conditions, according to Hoberg and Heinsberg. Many of these conditions are common but remain underdiagnosed.
“On average, it takes six to 11 years for women to receive a diagnosis for endometriosis, so they're facing a lot of challenges in the health care system just trying to be heard,” Hoberg said. “And when you look at prioritization of research and clinical practice, it’s the worst-kept secret that women's health faces huge disparities in funding.”
Hoberg and Heinsberg, both assistant professors in Pitt Nursing’s Department of Health Promotion & Development, started thinking about the limitations of this language while discussing Hoberg’s research proposal at a department meeting. Hoberg studies disorders and diseases collectively classified as Benign Gynecological Conditions (BGCs), including endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts and genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).
As they outline in their paper, these conditions can cause chronic pain, heavy bleeding, infertility and a variety of other symptoms.
“We have tons of research that they cause decreased quality of life, depression, anxiety, bowel and bladder issues—they run the gamut,” Hoberg said. “When I was articulating these different complications, that's when Lacey said, ‘Hey, these don't sound benign.’”
Hoberg and Heinsberg recommend replacing “benign” with “chronic,” “disruptive” or “burdensome” —words that acknowledge the impact of these conditions. However, they are also inviting other researchers and medical professionals to recommend a path forward.
“We wanted to start the conversation that we’re rejecting this language, and here are some alternatives,” Hoberg said. “We ended our paper by opening up the door to others in this area and asking what approach should be taken as a collective.”
Change won’t happen overnight, as any new terminology would need to be integrated into electronic health records and billing systems. In the meantime, though, Hoberg and Heinsberg urge medical professionals to communicate clearly and openly with patients. They say that nurses can lead by the charge by explaining to patients that a “benign” diagnosis does not mean their condition is harmless or painless.
“I think that nurses, first and foremost, are patient advocates,” Hoberg said. “Most people with these conditions want to be validated, so it’s important to acknowledge that they are experiencing pain and that we're going to take the next steps to get them treatment.”
Their paper is part of a larger push for more patient-centered language across the health care industry, including calls to phase out terms that diminish people’s experiences. There is also evidence that stigmatizing language in clinical settings can perpetuate bias and erode patients’ trust, according to Heinsberg.
“Language shapes care. When a condition is called ‘benign,’ it sends a subtle message: Don’t worry about it,” Heinsberg said. “Women are told their pain is normal or that it’s all in their head. That’s not OK.”