Women with endometriosis earn less on average after being diagnosed
Gutting new research published by the Office of National Statistics has found that those with endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to that in the lining of the womb is found growing elsewhere in the body, earn less on average.
The stark new study (which looked at the income of 55,000 people) sadly shows just how much of an impact the condition can have on sufferers and how many employers are still not adequately set up to support those with endometriosis.
After receiving an endometriosis diagnosis, study participants saw a drop of £56 per month in income in the four to five years post-diagnosis, this is when compared to the two years prior to learning of their condition. Just as a reminder: on average, it takes almost nine years to receive an endometriosis diagnosis.
Symptoms of the condition can be debilitating and range from excruciating periods to bowel and bladder problems, full body fatigue, poor mental health, extreme bloating and fertility issues.
Following the data's release, leading charity Endometriosis UK highlighted how many with the condition are forced to take on part-time work rather than full-time roles in order to accommodate pain flare-ups, or opt for lower paid work for other reasons linked to having endometriosis.
Some women have had to leave their jobs after employers have refused to let them work from home on days that they have been in pain.
Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK, said the new research shines a much needed spotlight on just one aspect of how endometriosis can impact a person's life. "Those with endometriosis symptoms shouldn't have to worry about losing their job, having to change career, or feel restricted in the types of work they can do," she explained.
"Symptoms vary person to person, from mild or no symptoms to very severe. We need employers to understand endometriosis and overcome myths and embarrassment about periods and menstrual health, and support their employees," Cox continued. "Our Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme shows that where workplaces provide support, understanding and reasonable adjustments for endometriosis – as they should for any medical condition – they can retain talented employees."
Cox continued on to say as well as employers developing a greater awareness of and support system for those with endometriosis, the NHS needs to prioritise decreasing the wait time for a diagnosis and improving access to treatments. This comes as there are concerns that women's health has fallen off the agenda as the government tries to focus in on reducing ambulance wait times and shrink waiting lists overall.
Many women with endometriosis, which can sometimes be helped by surgery, have reported getting into debt after paying for private healthcare after struggling with NHS wait times, medical misogyny and a lack of understanding from medical staff.
”As well as employers understanding endometriosis, we need the NHS to speed up diagnosis and access to treatments, and more research investment to further understand the impact of the disease and find new treatments," adds Cox. "We also eagerly await the Government’s response to the Women and Equalities committee report that recommends amending the Employment Rights Bill to include those with endometriosis and other menstrual health conditions - in line with Endometriosis UK's own campaign."
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