Warning: The Hidden Health Risks on Your Fertility Journey No One Talks About
Have you ever second-guessed your own body, only to be told, 'It's just pregnancy symptoms'?
If you nodded yes—or even hesitated for a moment—you’re definitely not alone. I came across Jenna Scott’s story on Business Insider this week, and it left me absolutely floored (and, honestly, kind of shaken).
Jenna was 31—fit, healthy, dreaming of building her family—when her life took a turn that nobody saw coming. She started feeling abdominal cramps, nothing dramatic at first. Doctors? They brushed it off: "It’s probably just pregnancy stuff...or maybe IBS." Um, what?
It took an entire year, countless appointments, and a gut feeling Jenna refused to ignore before she finally heard the words none of us ever want to: stage 4 colon cancer.
You can read her story here, and honestly, I think it’s a must for anyone even thinking about their fertility or future family.
When Getting Pregnant Isn’t the Only Thing to Watch For
Let’s be real: when you’re trying to conceive (TTC), every twinge, cramp, and weird symptom feels like a clue. Am I ovulating? Is this implantation? Is my body finally giving me the green light?
But here’s the twist: Not everything can—or should—be chalked up to hormones or baby-making.
So, how do we know when to push back? When to trust our gut over Google?
3 Lessons Jenna’s Story Taught Me (and Why You Need to Hear Them)
1. Your Intuition Is Your Superpower.
Jenna’s persistence literally saved her life. If a doctor shrugs off your concerns, don’t be afraid to get a second (or third) opinion. Nobody knows your body like you do.
2. Don’t Let Age or Wellness Stereotypes Fool You.
We all tend to link serious health stuff with “older” folks or people with a certain “look.” Jenna shatters that myth. Young, healthy, and fit does not equal invincible.
3. Advocacy Isn’t Selfish—It’s Survival.
If you’re on a fertility journey, you’re already dealing with enough. But don’t let the focus on baby hopes blind you to the rest of your health. Ask the awkward questions. Demand the extra tests.
What TTC Communities Need to Talk About (But Don’t)
Most TTC forums are full of ovulation tracking, supplement talk, at-home insemination rituals and hope-filled stories. (And trust me, I love those, too!). But too rarely do we make space for honest talk about other health issues—ones that, if ignored, could seriously derail our dreams or worse.
- Do you ever wonder: Is this pain just endo, or could it be something scarier?
- Have you had a doctor dismiss your worries because “that’s normal when you’re TTC”? (Raises hand)
- Are you afraid to ask for more tests because you don’t want to seem "dramatic"?
These questions need to be part of the fertility conversation.
Why I’m Obsessed With At-Home Solutions (But Still See My Doc!)
One thing I love about our little FertilityUnlocked community is how we all share hacks, reviews, and advice about making TTC less intimidating and more empowering. Tools like reusable at-home insemination kits are giving us options—and privacy—that previous generations didn’t have.
I personally recommend browsing the MakeAMom home conception resources if you want an honest rundown on user-friendly, cost-conscious insemination kits. Their detailed guides and real-life testimonials can help you prep in the comfort of your home, and their kits (yes, I especially appreciate that they come in plain packaging) are designed for everyone from those with low motility sperm to folks struggling with sensitivities like vaginismus.
But here's the key: At-home empowerment doesn't replace professional health care. It adds to your toolkit, making you more informed, more confident, and—hopefully—more willing to stick up for yourself when you need to.
The 2025 Reality: Why You Have to Be Your Own Advocate
Healthcare is still catching up to patient-centered advocacy. In 2025, we have more telehealth, more online support, and more do-it-yourself resources than ever before—but the onus is still on us to raise our voices.
So if you’re reading this and feeling a weird ache, or if something feels “off,” don’t let anyone—fertility doc, GP, or internet forum—make you doubt your instincts. It could be nothing. Or it could be everything.
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Final thought: Jenna Scott’s experience is a reminder that courage isn’t just about starting a family. Sometimes, it’s about demanding answers when things don’t add up. Here’s to trusting ourselves, supporting each other, and making the fertility journey a whole health journey.
Have you ever had a symptom dismissed by a doctor while TTC? How did you handle it? Share your story below or drop your tips—someone in this community needs to hear them.