Endometriosis: Workplace debate takes place today
There are calls for employers to understand what endometriosis is and for more support in the workplace
Last updated 9th Feb 2022
A debate is taking place in Westminster today calling for more support in the workplace for people living with endometriosis.
"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.'
Keisha Meek suffers from endometriosis and PCOS:
Speaking about the impact the condition has on work life, Keisha said:
"I had fertility treatment and it went wrong, and unfortunately I lost my baby.
"I just didn't get support or kind words from my manager, I got in a lot of trouble at work for my sickness because of that and the support just wasn't there.
"I get really bad anxiety sometimes, if I start having a flare up at work I do worry, there's times I've been sick at work, crying in the toilet at work."
What is endometriosis?
According to leading charity Endometriosis UK:
"Endometriosis is a chronic and debilitating condition that can cause painful or heavy periods. It may also lead to infertility, fatigue and bowel and bladder problems.
"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.