Endometriosis and its impact on women's careers

[WORLD] Endometriosis, a chronic and painful condition affecting about 10% of women of childbearing age, has long been recognized for its physical toll. However, its impact goes beyond just the physical realm. It can significantly hinder women’s careers, making it a challenge for them to maintain consistent employment or career advancement. With symptoms such as chronic pelvic pain, heavy periods, fatigue, and fertility issues, endometriosis can create a barrier in the workplace, often requiring women to reduce their working hours or accept lower-paying jobs. But why does this condition, which is largely underdiagnosed, cause such disruption in women’s professional lives?

Endometriosis is a hormone-dependent, inflammatory condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it. This tissue, although found in places such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the tissue lining the pelvis, acts in the same way as the uterine lining, bleeding and shedding each month during the menstrual cycle. The result? Intense pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and sometimes infertility.

The physical symptoms vary between individuals but can include chronic pelvic pain, severe backaches, fatigue, and pain during intercourse. For many, these symptoms often disrupt their daily routines, and for working women, they can lead to frequent absenteeism or an inability to work at full capacity.

Impact on Women’s Careers

Endometriosis can substantially affect a woman’s career trajectory. A study conducted by the British Office for National Statistics found that women suffering from the disease tend to experience a decline in income over time. In the years following diagnosis, their average salaries drop by £56 (approximately RM311) per month, with a significant reduction in job retention. In the four to five years after diagnosis, the employment rate for women with endometriosis falls by 2.7 percentage points.

"Some women are forced to reduce their working hours or accept lower-paid jobs because of their endometriosis," emphasizing the financial and professional toll the condition can impose.

The symptoms themselves can make it difficult for women to maintain a consistent work schedule. Endometriosis is unpredictable, with flare-ups ranging from mild to severe. The chronic fatigue and pain can make it difficult for women to focus, complete tasks, or attend meetings without being distracted by their condition. This can result in missed opportunities for promotions, raises, or career advancement.

Moreover, the condition is often underdiagnosed, with an average delay in diagnosis of 8 to 10 years, as noted by activist Jen Moore. "The journey to diagnosis is often long and chaotic, making it difficult for women to seek help early on," she writes in People Management. This delay in diagnosis means that many women go years without proper treatment, enduring years of pain and suffering that could potentially affect their professional lives.

Workplace Challenges: Silence and Stigma

For many women suffering from endometriosis, discussing their condition with employers or colleagues is a daunting prospect. The stigma surrounding menstruation and reproductive health can discourage women from opening up about their struggles. "Many women choose to remain silent about their situation. For them, evoking a gynaecological illness means exposing a part of their intimate life to colleagues and superiors."

The fear of discrimination or a lack of understanding in the workplace often leads women to suffer in silence. According to a report by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, about 7% of women with endometriosis report experiencing workplace discrimination because of their menstrual symptoms. Alarmingly, 3% of women have even left their jobs due to a lack of support from their employers.

This stigma, combined with a general lack of awareness and understanding of endometriosis, can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and a diminished sense of self-worth. For women already grappling with the physical and emotional burden of endometriosis, these additional challenges can be overwhelming.

The Importance of Workplace Support

Given the challenges that women with endometriosis face in the workplace, it is crucial that employers take proactive steps to support affected employees. Providing a supportive and accommodating work environment can not only help ease the physical burden of the disease but also contribute to improved employee morale and productivity.

Companies should make an effort to better understand endometriosis and the impact it has on women’s lives. This includes deconstructing the preconceptions and stigma surrounding menstrual health disorders and offering practical support options. For example, providing ergonomic chairs or flexible working hours can help alleviate some of the physical discomforts associated with endometriosis. Additionally, allowing easier access to remote work can be an important solution for women who find it difficult to commute or work long hours due to their condition.

Appropriate workplace support can lead to improved well-being and productivity. When women feel understood and supported by their employers, they are more likely to remain in their jobs, continue advancing in their careers, and contribute to the success of their companies. "Appropriate support could help improve both the well-being and productivity of employees with endometriosis."

Raising Awareness and Promoting Education

One of the key factors that can help mitigate the negative impact of endometriosis on women’s careers is increased awareness and education about the condition. Educating employers, managers, and coworkers about the symptoms, challenges, and needs of individuals with endometriosis is crucial in creating a more understanding and supportive work environment.

Organizations should consider offering training programs or resources to help employees better understand the condition and how to accommodate colleagues who may be affected. This could involve providing information about flexible work options, the impact of chronic pain on productivity, and how to approach sensitive conversations with colleagues who may be suffering in silence.

Additionally, promoting awareness of endometriosis can help break down the stigma surrounding reproductive health. When more people understand the challenges faced by women with endometriosis, it becomes easier for those affected to seek support and advocate for their needs in the workplace.

Endometriosis is much more than a medical condition; it is a challenge that significantly affects the lives and careers of many women. With its painful physical symptoms, the disease can act as a brake on women’s professional growth, limiting their earning potential, job retention, and career satisfaction. However, with increased awareness, understanding, and workplace accommodations, women with endometriosis can lead successful, fulfilling careers. Employers have an important role to play in supporting women with this condition, and by doing so, they not only improve the well-being of their employees but also enhance the overall productivity of their organizations. By addressing the challenges of endometriosis head-on, we can create more inclusive, compassionate workplaces that empower women to succeed.