An inquiry is examining the impact of endometriosis on women in the workplace, as personal accounts reveal the debilitating effects of the illness that can force individuals to leave their careers.
Carla Cressy, who began experiencing severe pain from the onset of menstruation at 13, was only diagnosed with endometriosis at 25. During the intervening years, she underwent an appendectomy due to a mistaken diagnosis of appendicitis and was repeatedly hospitalized for chronic constipation, with doctors attributing her symptoms to a stomach bug.
Due to the unpredictable and severe pain, Cressy felt she was "unemployable and unreliable." She retrained as a beauty therapist, adapting her work to accommodate her condition by taking frequent hot baths to alleviate stomach pain between clients. "It was horrible, but it was the only way I could earn a living," the 35-year-old stated.
Endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, affects an estimated one in six women to the extent that they leave the workforce. Cressy has provided testimony to the ongoing inquiry investigating how the condition affects women professionally.
Currently, there is no specific legislation in the United Kingdom to protect workers with menstrual health conditions who require time off work. The inquiry aims to address these gaps and explore potential legislative changes to ensure fairer treatment for affected individuals.