Real Women, Real Stories
We’re proud to be a trusted voice in women’s healthcare, and even prouder that so many women trust us to share their stories with the world. We’re dedicated to making sure women from every walk of life are heard, and our Ready, Healthy & Able program is just one example of that commitment to furthering women’s health.
That’s why we’d love for you to tell your story, too. Real Women, Real Stories are short essays that document your unique health journey. And don’t worry, you’ll be interviewed by a professional writer who will tell your story with care — and you can always remain anonymous if needed.
Have a story you want to share? Please fill out our story submission form to contribute!
At Age 23, I Needed Persistence — and Data — to Convince Navy Doctors I Needed Fertility Treatment
Advocating for myself finally got me the baby I was trying for
Instead of Treating My Endometriosis, PCOS and Uterine Fibroids, Doctors Told Me to “Toughen Up”
I had to leave the military healthcare system to finally be taken seriously
In the Marines, I Struggled With an Eating Disorder. Fortunately, I Got the Help I Needed.
There’s so much support available to women in the military. I wish I’d sought out help sooner.
Military Doctors Told Me I Had UTIs — It Ended Up Being Bladder Cancer
By the time I was diagnosed, I had stage 4 cancer
Menstruating in the Military Can Be Challenging — So I Took Birth Control to Stop My Period
Having my period when I was a soldier was tough — so we got creative about it.
When I Was GI Jane, the “GI” Stood for Gastrointestinal Issues
Military fitness training triggered my severe irritable bowel syndrome — and I was arrested because of it
At My Army Aviation Battalion in Germany, My Health and Safety Were Under Constant Threat … from My Own Squad
I was sexually assaulted and harassed in the Army. Then, the ovarian health problems began. I’m still paying with my mental and physical health.
Rape Is a Lifelong Condition — But It No Longer Defines Me
Focusing on self-care and self-love helped me rebuild my identity
I Joined the Army to Serve My Country, but Becoming a Mom Ruined My Military Career
Postpartum depression and a lack of breastfeeding support drove me out of the Army
I Live with Lynch Syndrome, a Condition That Has Made Me a 3-Time Cancer Survivor
I’m dedicated to spreading awareness about Lynch syndrome and encourage others to get genetically tested for it
My Doctor Dismissed My Colon Cancer Red Flags as Normal Pregnancy Symptoms
I had to go septic before doctors paid attention
It’s Your Period Again? Really?
When endometriosis makes your periods unbearable, navigating a male-dominated career means crossing a minefield of dismissal and disbelief
One of My Hardest Missions in Afghanistan Was Getting Birth Control
The root of the problem? A lack of care for women’s health issues.
Getting Help for Your Mental Health Is Not a Weakness, but Try Telling My Asian Parents That
As Chinese immigrants, my parents taught me their cultural values of hard work and overcoming challenges through helping yourself — but when the challenge is mental health, that approach doesn’t work.
Keeping My HIV Diagnosis a Secret for a Year Taught Me a Lot About People’s Stereotypes
Managing your health with HIV is hard enough, but facing the stigma of HIV makes it even harder
My Symptoms Were Dismissed as Hemorrhoids, but I Had Colon Cancer
My cancer diagnosis led me to appreciate the little things — and learn to dance