What if being dismissed by a doctor nearly cost you your chance at parenthood — or even your life?
This isn’t a hypothetical. It’s the shocking reality uncovered in the recent Yahoo article, "I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at 31 despite being fit and healthy. Doctors brushed off my concerns as pregnancy symptoms."
Let’s face it: when you’re trying to conceive or already on the path to parenthood, it’s easy to believe every ache or fatigue is “just hormones.” But what happens when the medical system writes off your symptoms — and you know, deep down, something’s off?
The Hidden Danger: When "Normal" Symptoms Aren't So Normal
We’ve all been there. A strange pain, new digestive trouble, or unexplained fatigue. Google (and sometimes even our own doctors) reassure us it’s "just something that happens in pregnancy or with fertility treatments."
That’s exactly what happened to the woman in the Yahoo story. Despite being young, active, and healthy, her repeated trips to the doctor were explained away as pregnancy-related discomfort. Her intuition screamed otherwise — and she was right. The real cause was stage 4 colon cancer.
Why does this happen? - Early pregnancy, fertility treatments, and certain reproductive conditions can share symptoms with far more serious issues - Medical bias still affects women, LGBTQ+ folks, and people of color, leading to misdiagnosis or dismissal - Many of us are taught to “not make a fuss” — especially when dealing with the vulnerable, emotional terrain of building a family
So, what’s the risk? Missing that critical window for treatment, or feeling alone and unsupported on your family-building journey.
Fertility, Cancer, and the Overlap No One Warns You About
You probably already know that colon cancer rates are rising in young adults — but did you know that its symptoms (bloating, constipation, abdominal pain, changes in appetite or weight) are eerily similar to those of early pregnancy?
The reality is: the path to parenthood isn’t always straightforward. Some people face months (even years) of uncertainty, minor health complaints, or subtle changes that are easy to ignore. Yet, these same signals could be your body’s early warning system.
Here are common symptoms that overlap: - Abdominal discomfort or bloating - Unusual fatigue - Changes in bowel habits - Unexplained weight loss or gain - Pelvic pain
Do these sound familiar? If you’re going through IUI, IVF, or even at-home insemination, you’re probably told these are “side effects.” That doesn’t mean you should ever ignore persistent or worsening symptoms.
Self-Advocacy: Your Secret Weapon for Health and Fertility
What’s the solution? It’s twofold — and it starts with radical self-advocacy.
1. Trust your gut. If something feels “off,” it probably is. No matter what anyone else says, you know your body.
2. Insist on answers. It’s okay (actually, it’s essential) to ask your provider for further testing or a second opinion. Document your symptoms. Be persistent.
3. Find supportive resources. Organizations like MakeAMom not only provide practical solutions for fertility (like their reusable at-home insemination kits), but also empower you with education and a sense of community. Their site is packed with user stories and expert guidance, so you don’t have to navigate these tough conversations alone.
4. Choose discretion and comfort. Healthcare journeys are deeply personal; feeling safe and respected matters at every step, including when ordering fertility products. Opt for services — like those offering plain packaging, privacy, and tailored solutions (think kits for low motility or sensitivities) — that support your needs holistically.
Real Talk: Why This Matters More Than Ever in 2025
The past few years have seen a groundswell of people taking charge of their fertility and healthcare — especially outside traditional settings. Pandemic-era delays, rising costs, and distrust in institutions mean more of us are researching, self-advocating, and using innovative tools (like at-home testing and insemination).
But with empowerment comes responsibility. It’s never been more important to: - Push for answers, not accept “one-size-fits-all” explanations - Connect with peers and share stories — both the good and the hard - Demand products and services that put your health (and your privacy) first
If you take one thing from this story, let it be this: Your symptoms are valid. Your health matters. Your voice can literally save your future family.
Take Action: Don’t Let Your Concerns Be Dismissed
Are you trying to conceive, undergoing treatment, or just feeling “off”? Don’t let anyone — including yourself — minimize what you’re experiencing.
- Write it down. Keep a symptom diary, especially if you’re using fertility treatments or at-home solutions
- Ask questions. If you don’t get the answers you need, push for more
- Lean on community. Support forums like Nestful, and resources at MakeAMom’s information hub, are here for you
Have YOU ever had a symptom dismissed, only to learn it was something serious? How did you handle it? Share your experience in the comments — your story might empower someone else to speak up.