Tags: self-advocacy

What if the symptoms you’re brushing off are more than just 'normal'?

Jenna Scott thought she was just experiencing regular pregnancy symptoms—until she got a diagnosis that rocked her world. Her journey, shared in Business Insider’s unforgettable feature, is a powerful wake-up call for anyone on the path to parenthood.

The Invisible Red Flags—And Why They Matter Now

Let’s be real: when you’re trying to conceive, your body starts throwing all kinds of new sensations your way. Cramps, bloating, nausea—sometimes it feels like your body’s speaking an entirely new language. Jenna, young, fit, and determined to become a mom, experienced all of these. Doctors told her it was just part of pregnancy, or maybe IBS. For a whole year, Jenna was reassured… until she was finally diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at 31.

Imagine the shock.

But here’s the twist: Jenna’s story isn’t just about medical oversight. It’s about what happens when we start doubting our own instincts, especially as women and people trying to conceive. We’re taught to “trust the experts,” but what if your body is trying to tell you something critical?

Are You Overlooking Your Signals?

Have you ever dismissed symptoms with a wave—“Oh, it’s just my hormones acting up!” or “It’s probably stress from trying to conceive”? You’re not alone. In fact, so many people on fertility journeys are told to just “relax” or are reassured that what they’re feeling is normal. But sometimes, those signals are red flags waving for your attention.

Let’s pause.

  • How often do you self-advocate at the doctor’s office?
  • Do you keep a journal of new or worsening symptoms?
  • When was the last time you second-guessed your intuition?

The Silent Toll of Dismissal

When concerns are brushed off, it’s more than just annoying—it’s dangerous. Jenna’s yearlong struggle for answers cost her precious time. For those trying to get pregnant, this resonates on a deep level. Every month, every cycle, every appointment feels monumental.

So, what can you do? Let’s flip the script.

The Power of Self-Advocacy

Jenna’s journey teaches us that YOU are the expert on your body. If something feels wrong—if that ache, cramp, or sense of “off-ness” doesn’t seem right—don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Here are some bold steps to take:

  • Track everything: Use a fertility or symptom tracker (there are tons of great apps!).
  • Document changes: Write down patterns, new sensations, or worsening symptoms.
  • Be persistent: If you feel dismissed, ask for a second (or third) medical opinion.
  • Bring an advocate: Sometimes, having a partner or friend with you can help you advocate more powerfully.

Community and Technology: Your Empowerment Arsenal

You’re not alone on this journey. New technologies and support systems are making it easier than ever to take charge of your reproductive health at home. For instance, companies like MakeAMom’s at-home insemination kits are empowering countless couples and individuals to pursue pregnancy on their own terms—no sterile clinics or intimidating waitlists necessary.

Their kits are uniquely designed for a variety of needs—from low motility sperm to sensitivities like vaginismus. The bonus? Plain packaging and an impressive 67% average success rate. Resources like these can make the process feel less isolating and give you more control over your path.

Listening to Your Gut (Literally and Figuratively)

It’s 2025, and the conversation around reproductive health is shifting. We’re finally talking openly about the hardships, the triumphs, and the tough questions. Jenna’s story is a call to action: listen to your gut, advocate fiercely, and never stop seeking answers.

Let’s reframe what it means to pursue pregnancy:

  • It’s not just about the positive test—it’s about your entire, holistic wellbeing.
  • It’s about trusting your intuition, fighting for your health, and reaching out for support.

Whether you’re just starting your journey, in the thick of fertility treatments, or exploring at-home options like insemination kits, remember: your body is speaking up for a reason. Don’t let anyone silence it.

Still Wondering What’s Normal?

You’re not supposed to have all the answers, but you ARE supposed to ask the questions. If something feels off, say it loud. Seek medical advice, document your concerns, and don’t rest until you get the clarity you deserve.

You are your own best advocate.

Have you ever felt dismissed or misunderstood by your healthcare providers? How did you find your voice? Share your story in the comments—your experience could be the sign someone else needs to keep searching for answers.

Why Your Fertility Journey Deserves Protest Songs: Lessons From Kim Gordon’s Bold Stand

Did you ever think a punk legend’s protest song could unlock fresh hope on your fertility journey?

You’re not alone if you read that and thought, “Wait… what?” But stay with me. In a world where so much about our bodies, choices, and possibilities feels politicized or even outright controlled, the act of trying to grow your family can feel just as loaded as any headline you scroll past on your feed.

This week, alternative music icon Kim Gordon did something unexpected and electrifying — she remade her song “BYE BYE” into a fiery protest against political interference, especially in science and research funding (read the full article here). In “BYE BYE 25!,” Gordon lists out words targeted by ideological bans — words that, when erased, can erase real conversations about our health, our futures, and yes, our ability to conceive.

But here’s the twist: just like Gordon reclaims her voice, you can reclaim yours — and it makes a world of difference on your path to parenthood.

The Emotional Weight of Cancel Culture and Fertility

Let’s get real for a second. When you’re trying to conceive, every little thing — from media stories to public policy — starts to feel personal. News about restricted healthcare, grant “cancelations”, and bans on discussing certain words hits different when you’re planning a family.

It’s almost like “infertility,” “reproductive health,” or “inclusivity” have become protest anthems themselves. And that’s not fair, right? Your journey shouldn’t be a political lightning rod.

But what if you could channel Kim Gordon’s boldness?

Instead of letting headlines weigh you down, let’s take a page from her book: confront, express, and let your emotions power transformation.

Channeling Protest Into Emotional Resilience

So — how does a protest song help with conception? Let’s break it down:

  • Voice your frustrations: Name your fears and frustrations, just like Gordon calls out banned words. Writing them down or saying them out loud can remove their sting.
  • Connect with a community: Protest is powerful because it’s not solo. Find a support group, join an online forum, or talk to friends who “get it.” Their solidarity lifts you.
  • Turn frustration into fuel: Every time you face a setback — whether it’s a negative test, a judgmental comment, or unfair policy — reframe it. Let it inspire you to keep advocating for your needs.

Kim’s protest reminds us: expressing your feelings isn’t just cathartic, it’s a radical act of self-care.

Self-Advocacy: The Fertility Protest We Need

Here’s an uncomfortable truth: in 2025, the right to make decisions about your body, your care, and your family can’t be taken for granted. But that’s also why self-advocacy is more important than ever.

  • Ask for what you need: Whether it’s from a partner, a doctor, or your workplace, speaking up is essential.
  • Educate yourself: Knowledge is a shield. Learn about your options — from nutrition and cycle tracking to at-home insemination.
  • Embrace privacy: Sometimes, the most radical choice is to step outside the spotlight. Privacy, especially with something as intimate as conception, is power.

For example, organizations like MakeAMom’s home insemination solutions put the tools (and control) back in your hands. Their kits are discreet, reusable, and accessible — giving you agency when the world feels anything but supportive.

Creativity as a Coping Tool

What can we steal from punk protest for our own well-being? Get creative! Whether it’s:

  • Making a playlist of power anthems for ovulation days
  • Keeping a “fertility feelings” journal
  • Doodling affirmations on your calendar
  • Or, hey, rewriting your own protest lyric about insurance hoops!

You get to express your struggles, rage, and hope. That’s exactly what protest music is for — and what makes us resilient.

Your Journey Is Worth Defending

As Kim Gordon’s reworked anthem reminds us, “cancel culture” isn’t just for celebrities and academics — it affects ordinary people in ways both direct and subtle. If you’ve ever felt like your hopes, language, or health needs are pushed aside, know this: your voice matters.

Conception isn’t just a science, it’s an act of courage in a complicated world. Whether you protest on the streets, sing along in your car, or quietly reclaim your choices at home, your journey is a story worth telling.

So, which lyric will you add to your fertility anthem today?

Drop your thoughts below — and let’s build a community where every conception journey, and every story, is heard, valued, and fiercely protected.