Endometriosis is a chronic and painful gynaecological condition. In the UK, around 1.5 million women, and those assigned female at birth are currently living with the condition, regardless of race or ethnicity. The condition can impact individuals from puberty to menopause, although the impact may be felt for life.
March is Endometriosis Awareness month, and is a time to raise awareness about the condition and support those affected by it.
Understanding Endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, often on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, other organs in the pelvic region, and elsewhere in the body. This tissue responds to hormones and can cause inflammation, scarring, and pain. Common symptoms include painful periods, pelvic pain, pain during sex, and infertility.
Despite its prevalence, endometriosis is often misunderstood, and its impact on women’s daily lives, including in the workplace, is frequently overlooked. Endometriosis costs the UK economy £8.2bn a year in treatment, loss of work, and healthcare costs.
Recognising the Symptoms
The symptoms of endometriosis can vary, with some women being severely affected while others may not have any noticeable symptoms. Common symptoms include:
- Pain in your lower tummy or back (pelvic pain) – usually worse during your period
- Period pain that stops you doing your normal activities
- Pain during or after sex
- Pain when urinating or defecating during periods
- Nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, or blood in urine or stool during periods
- Difficulty getting pregnant
You may also have heavy periods. You might use lots of pads or tampons, or you may bleed through to your clothes.
For some women, endometriosis can have a big impact on their life and may sometimes lead to depression.
Other symptoms may include bloating, tiredness, fatigue, and lack of energy. It is important to note that these symptoms may have other causes and may not necessarily be related to endometriosis. Seeking medical advice is crucial to clarify the cause of any symptoms. If symptoms change after diagnosis, discussing these changes with your doctor is important. It is easy to relate all problems to endometriosis, but it may not always be the reason.
Seeking Medical Help
If you experience symptoms of endometriosis, especially if they significantly impact your life, it is essential to consult a GP. Keeping a pain and symptoms diary, such as the one provided by Endometriosis UK, can be helpful when discussing your concerns with a doctor.
Diagnosing endometriosis can be challenging due to the varying symptoms and the fact that many other conditions can cause similar symptoms. A GP will ask about your symptoms and may perform an examination. They may recommend treatments if they suspect endometriosis and might refer you to a gynaecologist for a laparoscopy. This is the only way to be certain you have endometriosis.
What Can Managers Do?
Our blog, Endometriosis in the Workplace: A Manager’s Role, outlines the steps managers can take to support colleagues affected by Endometriosis. These include:
- Educating themselves about endometriosis
- Providing flexible work arrangements and workplace adjustments
- Being understanding
- Providing resources
- Being proactive
If you would like to bring education about female health to your business, ensuring a more supportive and inclusive workplace for all employees, The Thrive Team are here to help. Get in touch with us to discover how we can work together to make a positive difference in your organisation.
