Endometriosis: The Illness Driving Women Out of Work

Endometriosis is a condition causing significant distress for affected women, with estimates suggesting one in six are driven out of the workforce. This illness involves tissue similar to the uterine lining growing outside the womb, leading to severe pain and other complications.

Carla Cressy experienced excruciating menstrual pain from age 13, but her endometriosis was only diagnosed at 25. During the intervening years, she underwent unnecessary surgeries for appendicitis and was repeatedly hospitalized for severe constipation, with doctors attributing her symptoms to a stomach bug.

Feeling "unemployable and unreliable" due to her health, Carla retrained as a beauty therapist, finding ways to manage her symptoms between clients. She recently provided testimony to an inquiry addressing the workplace impact of endometriosis. Currently, the UK has no specific legislation to protect workers dealing with menstrual health conditions when they require time off.

The lack of legal recourse means many women face significant challenges in balancing their health needs with their professional lives, leading to career disruptions and financial insecurity.