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March is Endometriosis Awareness Month and is a time to raise awareness of the condition, which can help to provide support to someone who may be struggling.
Did you know that one in 10 women and those assigned female at birth in the UK have endometriosis, mostly between puberty and the menopause.
Given this is the time women are most likely to be active in their careers, it is possible that employees in your business have endometriosis symptoms.
This can have a significant impact on physical health, emotional wellbeing, and daily routine, which can also impact an individual’s confidence and performance at work.
But what is endometriosis?
Endometriosis happens when the same kind of tissue which lines the womb grows in other parts of the body, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
When this happens, the tissue thickens, breaks down and bleeds with the menstrual cycle.
Endometriosis can cause pain, swelling and scarring, which can often lead to other symptoms.
The most common symptoms of endometriosis include:
- Pelvic pain
- Pain during sex
- Painful and/or heavy periods
- Extreme fatigue
- Difficulty getting pregnant (conceiving)
Six ways line managers can support employees with endometriosis
- Listen to an employee who may be struggling.
- Where someone may be struggling with fatigue, offer to help with daily tasks.
- Open communication is key. Ask questions such as ‘How can I better support you?’
- Consider flexible working options and necessary time off work.
- Offer emotional support at work.
- Encourage awareness in the workplace to educate employees that endometriosis is a chronic condition and can often be very difficult to manage.
It is also key to understand that endometriosis symptoms and treatment, including chronic pain, fatigue, infertility, and the struggle to get a diagnosis can affect mental health.
These can also lead to low mood, depression, and stress.
Diagnosis and treatment
It can take on average 8.5 years to get a diagnosis of endometriosis in the UK, which can add to the stress.
The nature of endometriosis symptoms can often mean people get misdiagnosed, and a lack of awareness of what the condition is may cause embarrassment.
Endometriosis treatments include over-the-counter pain medication, which can work for some, stronger painkillers or hormone medication. All come with side effects.
Surgery is also needed for many people to remove endometriosis.
Support for business
Download our toolkit for resources to share with your clients and their workplace to help understand endometriosis and how line managers can better support employees.
Download the Endometriosis Toolkit.