Women with endometriosis have been found to earn less after receiving their diagnosis. A new report from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) found that there was a decrease in monthly earnings for women with endometriosis, in comparison to the two-year period preceding their diagnosis. This was claimed to be due to possible working fewer hours or taking lower-paying jobs.
‘Among those in paid work, monthly pay decreased on average from one to five years after the condition was identified, compared with the two years prior, reaching an average decrease of £56 per month in the four to five years post-diagnosis,’ the report stated. ‘This suggests that, following the diagnosis, women in work may be taking lower-paying jobs or working fewer hours.’
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A better understanding of women’s health is therefore crucial for women to be able to thrive in their careers. The report also found that the probability of becoming a paid employee also decreased by 2.7% in comparison to the period pre-diagnosis. With 51% of the population being women, women’s health charities have called for a better understanding of and investment into women’s health issues to help tackle the obstacles women can face. Endometriosis UK have launched an ‘Endometriosis Friendly Employer Scheme’ to help women suffering from the condition to find workplaces that are committed to supporting their careers.
Endometriosis is a severely painful condition that affects 10% of women from the start of puberty to menopause, where cells similar to those found in the uterus grow elsewhere in the body. This leads to painful inflammation and scar tissue around the body in response to hormonal changes i.e. severe period pain. Treatment includes pain and hormone management pills and surgery, with extra support available through the NHS or women’s health charities.
‘We need employers to understand endometriosis and overcome myths and embarrassment about periods and menstrual health, and support their employees,’ said Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK. ‘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.’