A case for Moving Past the F Word.

We know FMT is a powerful, proven, often life-saving treatment for patients suffering from Clostridium difficile (C. diff), a debilitating illness that affects over 500,000 people annually in the United States alone.

FMTs are a clinically-supervised treatment used successfully for years to treat recurrent C. diff. Infections. The procedure involves transplanting gut microbiome material from the stool of a healthy donor to patients. Given its efficacy with C. diff, more research is ongoing to evaluate the impact of FMT on a variety of other serious health conditions.

With such potential for healing, we believe more people should know, ask, and learn about this treatment.

But beyond the interested clinical community, the “ick” factor of talking about FMT and its area of research is unfortunately high.

“Fecal Microbiota Transplant?”

“You mean poop from one person into another?”

“Swallowing poop?”

“…”

This is the point in the conversation where you can practically feel a wall going up with patients and others who could benefit or help advance the cause.

Instead of opening a pathway to a better dialogue (and a better treatment), the conversation stops before the real benefits—and the easy, clean, fully encapsulated administration—can be fully explored.

That’s exactly why we’re writing this article.

We believe that creating wider access to affordable, successful, and naturally available treatment options like FMT starts with being able to easily understand and talk about them. With words that are easier for patients to say and ask about.

Because the path to treatment starts long before preparing FMT capsules. It starts with conversations with potential donors and with patients. Those who could benefit most from FMT have had enough barriers to better health. They deserve an easier way to talk about treatment options.
Because leading with the word “fecal”—in anything—doesn’t encourage dialogue. Or open doors. And it certainly doesn’t reduce barriers for patients and health seekers hoping to learn more about FMT and its tremendous potential for health and healing. Is there anything wrong with “fecal”? No. But are there more welcoming and engaging words? Yes.
Because the active ingredient here are the microbiota. By only focusing on what we see—the ”poop”—we fail to articulate the source of the true healing power, the microbiota. Framing is critical here. Compare this to the millions of people who take supplements every day without always knowing where those minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants actually come from—yet it’s part of their healthy routines.
Because this isn’t just any microbiota. Gut microbiota uniquely and powerfully support our bodies in ways we’re only beginning to understand. Let’s clarify what we’re actually using, researching, and restoring with this type of treatment.

Our proposal: focus on what’s doing the work, the Gut Microbiome. Reserve the word “fecal” for the most clinical vocabulary. It’s not that it’s a dirty word; most clinicians and researchers have no problem using it. But there are other words that are not only more accurate and descriptive, but also more approachable and easier to say.

Gut Microbiome Transplant.

GMT.

There, we said it.

Obviously, we’re not going to change the name of one of the most powerful treatment options for C. diff (and potentially others) overnight. But we’re bound and determined here at Tend to introduce more people than ever to the superpower of the gut microbiome.

If that cause is aided by small steps like dropping the F word, you can bet we’re going to do it.

Let’s Talk About FMT

A case for Moving Past the F Word.