The second week of September marks Women's Health Week in Australia. This is a nation-wide campaign of events and online activities aimed to educate and improve women's health. The five days each focus on different facets of health and conditions that affect women.
One such condition is called endometriosis. This is a diagnosis in which uterine tissue grows in areas outside of the uterus. This can cause symptoms such as pain in the low back and pelvis, pain with sex, menstrual cramps, fatigue, nausea, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and fertility problems.
Endometriosis management is relevant to both women and the workplace because of its prevalence and because of its affects on quality of life and productivity. Approximately 10% of women globally have endometriosis, and it is common in women aged 30-50, during ‘prime working’ years. Due to the associated symptoms, women can suffer mentally, physically, and socially.
In a study on the effects of these symptoms on absenteeism and presenteeism in the workplace, a significant relationship was found between the number and reported severity of symptoms and the hours of employment and household productivity lost. In this study, approximately 6 hours/week was lost in total productivity, with endometriosis contributing to losing 16.9% of employment productivity. Similarly, 6.6 days per year were lost because of absenteeism, and 31.8 days from unproductive days at work (presenteeism). This can cause a multitude of problems, not the least of which is financial loss to both the individual and the employer.
Many women may not discuss conditions such as endometriosis with their employer due to fear of negative repercussions or misunderstanding, especially with male employers.
Workplaces need to provide better support and understanding for their employees affected by pain conditions such as endometriosis. An onsite physiotherapy presence, such as an Employ Health – Health Hub, is perfectly positioned to help develop strategies and provide guidance on ways to manage symptoms whilst at work and help move a business from a reactive to a proactive situation.
References:
Soliman, AM, Coyne KS, Zaiser E, Castelli-Haley J, Snabes MC, Surrey ES. The effect of endometriosis symptoms on absenteeism and presenteeism in the workplace and at home. J Manag Care Spec Pharm. 2017;23(7):745-54.
Culley L, Law C, Hudson N, et al. The social and psychological impact of endometriosis on women’s lives: a critical narrative review. Hum Reprod. 2013;19(6):625-39.
Moradi M, Parker M, Sneddon A, Lopez V, Ellwood D. Impact of endometriosis on women’s lives: a qualitative study. BMC Womens Health. 2014;14(1):123.
De Graaff A, D’Hooghe T, Dunselman G, et al. The significant effect of endometriosis on physical, mental and social wellbeing: results from an international cross-sectional survey. Hum Reprod. 2013;28(10):2677-85.