colon-cancer

Ever been told your symptoms are 'just pregnancy stuff'? If you’ve ever wrestled with mysterious cramps, bloating, or a sense that something “just isn’t right”—and had someone wave it away as ‘just hormones’ or ‘the wonders of conception’—boy, do I have a wake-up call for you.

Let’s kick things off with a jaw-dropping real-life story that’s making waves: Jenna Scott’s year-long medical odyssey. At just 31, fit as a fiddle and ready for the next chapter, Jenna’s nagging abdominal cramps were repeatedly dismissed as early pregnancy symptoms. Spoiler: It wasn’t “new-mom nerves.” It was stage 4 colon cancer.

Yikes, right? But before you panic-Google your last 12 twinges, let’s unpack what this means if you’re on the path to parenthood—or even thinking about it.

The Great Symptom Shuffle: Why Your Body's Signals Get Mixed Up

You’d think that in 2025—with our AI health trackers and smart toilets—we’d have this whole diagnosis thing down. But the truth? Reproductive-age women, especially those actively trying to conceive, are still more likely to have their legitimate health complaints chalked up to ‘just pregnancy’ or garden-variety IBS. Sometimes, it’s a brush-off. Other times, it’s just that the symptoms do overlap: think bloating, cramps, fatigue, weird appetite shifts.

But what happens if we stop at “you’re probably just pregnant” and don’t probe deeper?

Open Loop: The Hidden Risks (and Why You Shouldn’t Be Shy with Your Doctor)

Here’s a wild stat: Colon cancer rates in younger adults—especially women—are rising in the last decade. So when you get told “it’s nothing, just a sign of fertility,” it can be easy to shrug and wait it out.

But what if waiting means missing a diagnosis, like Jenna did?

• Cramping can be ovulation. Or it can be a red flag.
• Nausea could be morning sickness—or something much worse.
• Unusual bleeding might mean implantation… or signal something more serious.

How to Be Your Own Best Advocate (No, It’s Not ‘Being Difficult’)

Let’s get real: You’re not annoying. You’re proactive. And that could save your life—or your fertility. Here’s how to push for answers without needing a medical degree:

• Track Your Symptoms: Write down what you feel, when, and any patterns. Apps are great, but old-school notebooks work too.
• Ask Direct Questions: Challenge your provider (nicely!): “If it’s not pregnancy, what else could it be?”
• Push for Testing: If your gut says something’s off, press for bloodwork, scans, or referrals.
• Bring Backup: If you have a partner, friend, or fellow fertility warrior, bring them to appointments. A second set of ears helps.

Fertility Tech to the Rescue: More Than Just Baby-Making

Modern fertility tools aren’t just about getting you pregnant—though, let’s face it, that is the main event. They can also empower you to notice when something doesn’t fit the pattern.

Take MakeAMom’s at-home insemination kits: CryoBaby for frozen sperm, Impregnator for low motility, BabyMaker for folks with sensitivities—they’re designed to put you in control of your journey and help you spot what’s normal for you.

And let’s talk about data: When you’re tracking your cycle, attempting insemination at home, and working with tools built to empower (not confuse), you get an up-close look at your body’s unique rhythms. Most MakeAMom users report a 67% success rate with home insemination. But just as importantly, being hands-on with your fertility means you notice when something changes—and that’s priceless.

When Should You Worry? And When Should You Celebrate?

I won’t sugarcoat it: Navigating fertility is a wild, twisty ride with more “what does THIS mean?!” moments than you’d expect. But if you:

• Experience persistent pain, bloating, blood in stool, or dramatic changes in energy that can’t be chalked up to fertility hormones
• Feel ignored or dismissed by medical professionals
• Aren’t getting answers you trust

…then pause the Google rabbit hole and demand a second opinion. It’s not just about maximizing your odds of conception—it’s about protecting your whole future.

TL;DR (But Seriously, Read This Twice)

Fertility and health aren’t a zero-sum game. Don’t let anyone—no matter how well-meaning—wave away your concerns. Yes, preparing for pregnancy is exciting, confusing, and occasionally terrifying, but it should never come at the expense of your well-being.

If you want to get hands-on with your conception journey, while staying alert to your whole-body health, consider exploring innovative, judgement-free resources like MakeAMom’s empowering kits and guides that support you every step (and cramp) of the way.

Have you ever had your symptoms dismissed, or advocated for yourself and caught something big? Share your story below—your voice might just save someone’s life.

Stay curious, stay loud, and never let anyone tell you “it’s just in your head.”