Have you ever wondered if your doctor’s reassurance is truly the full story?

Imagine this: you're a young, healthy individual, maybe even in the early stages of planning for a family. You start experiencing abdominal cramps, fatigue, maybe a bit of bloating. Your doctor chalks it up to pregnancy symptoms, or maybe irritable bowel syndrome. You push for answers, but the message is always the same—"It’s normal, don’t worry." But what if worry is exactly what you should be doing?

This isn’t a hypothetical. It happened to Jenna Scott, whose ordeal was chronicled in a recent Business Insider article. At just 31, Jenna was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, after a YEAR of her concerns being dismissed as "just pregnancy symptoms." The real kicker? Jenna was fit, healthy, and a classic picture of wellness—except she wasn’t.

The Data: Women’s Symptoms Are Too Often Dismissed

Jenna’s story isn’t an outlier. Data from multiple studies confirms what many already suspect: women's health complaints, particularly related to abdominal and reproductive symptoms, are more likely to be minimized or misattributed to benign causes. According to a 2024 survey by the Women's Health Research Institute, nearly 48% of women felt their unexplained symptoms were not taken seriously by healthcare providers in the past three years.

  • Symptom Overlap: Many early pregnancy symptoms—bloating, cramps, nausea—also masquerade as signs of underlying conditions, from endometriosis to gastrointestinal disorders to, yes, cancer.
  • Diagnostic Delay: Research shows diagnostic delays for conditions like colon cancer are significantly longer in young women compared to men—often because their symptoms are presumed to be gynecological in nature.

Fertility Science: Why It’s All Connected

For anyone on an alternative parenthood journey, whether via IUI, at-home insemination, or donor conception, being in tune with your body is crucial. But what if the signals your body sends are misread—not just by you, but by the professionals you trust?

Let’s break down a few hard truths:

  1. Fertility challenges can mask other underlying issues.
  2. Diagnostic bias is real. Doctors may unconsciously attribute stomach pain or irregular cycles to pregnancy, stress, or "women’s issues"—especially if you’re of reproductive age.
  3. Early detection is EVERYTHING. The difference between early-stage and late-stage cancer isn’t just about survival—it can determine whether you can, or even want, to pursue parenthood options.

What Should You Do? 5 Data-Backed Steps for Self-Advocacy

If you’re pursuing parenthood—especially via non-traditional means—you’re already tuned in to your health. But how can you advocate for yourself if something feels off?

1. Trust Your Gut. You know your body. If a symptom persists, don’t be afraid to push for further testing. Studies show that persistent self-advocacy increases the odds of early diagnosis by up to 30%.

2. Document Everything. Keep a detailed log of your symptoms—dates, severity, duration. This makes it harder for busy practitioners to dismiss your concerns.

3. Seek Multidisciplinary Opinions. Not every doctor will see the full picture. Scheduling consultations with both fertility specialists and general practitioners can help.

4. Educate Yourself. Reliable sources like Mayo Clinic, CDC, and peer-reviewed journals offer symptom checklists and red flags. Cross-reference your experiences with reputable data.

5. Utilize Trusted Resources. Companies like MakeAMom’s educational resources not only provide alternative conception pathways but also foster an environment where you can learn about reproductive health, track symptoms, and access community support. Their kits—CryoBaby, Impregnator, and BabyMaker—are tailored for various needs and can help you monitor your reproductive health at home, outside of the clinical setting.

When At-Home Solutions Are (and Aren’t) Enough

The rise in at-home insemination kits is a game-changer for alternative family builders. These systems are cost-effective, approachable, and discreet—67% of MakeAMom users report success. But the home setting also means you may miss regular clinical check-ins, where subtle health shifts can be caught early by a trained professional.

So, is there a risk? Yes—and it’s one we can manage through information and proactive advocacy.

The Bottom Line: Don’t Let Your Story Mirror Jenna’s

Jenna Scott’s experience is a wake-up call. Don’t let anyone—no matter their credentials—convince you that unexplained, persistent symptoms are "just part of parenthood." The data shows that early detection saves lives, preserves fertility, and could help you realize your family-building dreams sooner and with less risk.

Are you actively tracking your health as you explore parenthood? Have you had an experience where advocacy made all the difference? Share your story below, and remember: your voice is as vital to your health journey as any test or technology. Your future family—and your future self—are counting on it.