Are Doctors Ignoring Your Gut? The Shocking Truth About Women's Health, Fertility, and Medical Dismissal

Picture this: You’re in your early 30s, fitter than a Peloton instructor, but every weird cramp or bout of bloating is met with, “It’s probably just your period—or are you pregnant?” from your doctor. Sounds familiar? You’re not alone. In fact, Jenna Scott’s recent story on Business Insider just dropped a truth bomb that everyone in the fertility world (and really, the whole dang internet) should read.

Jenna, a healthy 31-year-old, spent a YEAR bouncing from doctor to doctor with intense abdominal pain, only to be told—repeatedly—her symptoms were just "pregnancy-related or IBS." Spoiler: It wasn’t. By the time she was taken seriously, she was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. Let that sink in for a second.

The Invisible Epidemic: Medical Dismissal and Women's Health

Why do so many women leave appointments feeling unheard or, worse, doubting their own bodies? Here’s the uncomfortable truth: Medical dismissal is a pandemic all on its own—especially for women, BIPOC individuals, and anyone outside the "textbook patient" box. And you don’t need a PhD to know that when it comes to fertility, every weird symptom or delayed diagnosis matters.

What Does This Have to Do with Fertility?

A LOT. Navigating fertility is already an emotional rollercoaster—ovulation tests, vitamins, tracking apps, and a never-ending parade of acronyms (TTC, IUI, OMG!). But what if your legitimate health concerns are brushed off as “just baby fever”—or, ironically, as pregnancy? You might miss a critical diagnosis. Or lose precious time when every month is a high-stakes game of biology.

Here’s a reality check: - Unexplained pelvic pain? Could be endometriosis, PCOS…or something non-reproductive at all. - Spotting between cycles? Not always “just stress.” - GI symptoms while TTC? May not be “just your nerves” (Jenna, we see you!).

Sound familiar? You’re not being dramatic. You’re advocating for yourself.

So, What Can You DO?

1. Channel Your Inner Detective (or, At Least, Your Inner Annoying Little Sibling)

• Document everything. Symptom trackers and daily notes aren’t just for fertility apps.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for second (and third) opinions. Even if you feel like a hypochondriac.
• Bring a friend. Sometimes you need a witness who will say, “No, actually, she has been in pain for months.”

2. Trust Science—But Trust Yourself More

• Did you know that the average time to diagnose endometriosis is 8 YEARS? That’s not a typo.
• Early cancer symptoms can be subtle, disguised as “women’s issues.”
• Just because you’re trying for a baby doesn’t mean everything is fertility-related.

Where Home Fertility Solutions Come In

One silver lining in this whole “doctors-might-not-listen” saga? At-home fertility options are more advanced and accessible than ever. Take MakeAMom’s innovative insemination kits—they’re not just about privacy and convenience (although, shout-out to discreet packaging for saving us from nosy neighbors). They’re designed by people who get it—who know that everyone’s body is different, everyone’s story is unique, and every path to parenthood deserves respect.

• The CryoBaby kit? Perfect if you’re using frozen or donor sperm.
• Impregnator? Made for folks dealing with low motility sperm (science, we salute you).
• BabyMaker? Thoughtfully crafted for users with vaginismus or sensitivities, because pain shouldn’t be the price of parenthood.

Plus, these kits are reusable (because who needs more waste in their life—am I right?) and boast a reported 67% success rate. Not too shabby for something you can use surrounded by houseplants and snacks, minus the sterile clinic vibes.

But Remember: Technology Isn't a Substitute for Advocacy

Using at-home kits like those from MakeAMom puts control in your hands—but listen, you still need a medical team that listens to you. These kits are a tool, not a replacement for real healthcare. If you feel like something is off, say it. Say it again. Bring charts. Make awkward eye contact if you must.

The Takeaway: Your Body, Your Rules

• Don’t let anyone—doctor, partner, or stranger on a Facebook group—tell you what you should feel.
• Push for answers, even if it’s uncomfortable.
• Support each other in this wild, weird journey.

And if you need a space to swap stories, crowdsource advice, and find the tools that put you in the driver’s seat? You know where to find us—right here at FertilityGeek.

Have you ever had your symptoms dismissed or misattributed? How did you advocate for yourself? Drop your story in the comments—let’s make sure no one has to walk this road alone.