Harrogate endometriosis sufferer calling for support for those needing time off work
There are calls for employers to understand what endometriosis is and for more support in the workplace
A Harrogate endometriosis sufferer is calling for more support for women who need to take time away from work due to the condition.
Endometriosis is an often painful disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus — the endometrium — grows outside your uterus. Endometriosis most commonly involves your ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining your pelvis.
The pain can be constant or come in waves, meaning sufferers may need to take time from work to manage the pain or to have surgeries to remove the scar tissue.
A debate is taking place in Westminster today calling for more support in the workplace for people living with endometriosis.
But Sarah-Lou Harper from Harrogate runs her own business and has said when she can't work her income stops.
"I don't get sick pay so if I don't work I don't earn anything and that is always playing on my mind. It adds a lot of stress and a lot of pressure to running a successful business but also the financial contribution to my family. There is quite a lot of guilt that comes with that.
"My last one was a major surgery and that took me around 12 weeks to get back to work. Even if it looks like your incisions are healing, internally you have that much work done you have to be so careful. But obviously I don't earn anything in this time so I have to plan and save up in the lead up to having surgeries.
"It definitely dictates when I can and can't work. I'm a jeweller so it can be quite strenuous work and if I'm suffering with continuous and chronic pain it would be dangerous to work.
"I do have to pick and choose when I can work. it would be great if I could work more but as my endo has gotten worse over the years I've just not been able to work to the same capacity that I used to."
"Too many women in the workplace have been dismissed through ‘too much sick leave’, ‘lethargy’, ‘too much of a problem’."
The MP for Elmet and Rothwell is holding the debate 'to raise awareness of the issue of endometriosis both broadly in society, and specifically in the workplace, so that women who suffer can have the assurance of understanding and support by people around them.'
Around 1.5 million women in the UK are currently living with the condition. It can affect all girls, women, and those assigned female at birth, from puberty to menopause, regardless of race or ethnicity.
Endometriosis is a painful disease where the tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus instead is found growing in other places around the body.
This leads to symptoms ranging from extreme period pain, organ damage, to related bowel, bladder and fertility problems.
It's not clear what causes endometriosis.
What is the debate calling for?
Speaking about the debate, MP Alec Shelbrooke said:
"Due to the personal nature surrounding the subject, and being a traditionally taboo topic, particularly in the environment of the workplace, discussing menstrual problems can be a difficult conversation – especially without a formal diagnosis.
"Too many women in the workplace have been dismissed through ‘too much sick leave’, ‘lethargy’, ‘too much of a problem’. The huge impact this horrific disease can have on someone’s personal life is therefore compounded through difficulty in maintaining a job.