Why Some Women Face Workplace Challenges Due to Endometriosis
Why some women are being driven – Endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the womb lining grows outside the uterus, is often underestimated in its impact on women’s careers. Despite its prevalence, many sufferers face long delays in diagnosis and limited workplace support. This has led to significant challenges, with some women forced to leave their jobs or work under severe strain.
A Personal Struggle with Misdiagnosis
Carla Cressy, now 35 from Essex, began her career as a model at age five. However, by 17, she was frequently collapsing during photo sessions. “It was really embarrassing,” she recalls. “I couldn’t keep up with the demands anymore.” The pain began when she started her periods at 13, but it wasn’t until she was 25 that she received a correct diagnosis.
“I was hospitalised for chronic constipation several times. I couldn’t eat, I vomited, and endured severe pain. But I was told it was just a stomach bug,” Carla explains.
At one point, doctors removed her appendix, believing she had appendicitis. This misdiagnosis left her without proper treatment for years. Eventually, the condition progressed to frozen pelvis disease, where internal organs became fused. This required bladder reconstruction surgery and a total hysterectomy. Carla also had to freeze her eggs, as she can no longer carry a child naturally.
After her recovery, Carla connected with other women facing similar issues. This led to the creation of online support groups, which later evolved into the charity The Endometriosis Foundation. “It still shocks me how common this is,” she says. “When I was diagnosed 10 years ago, I was told it was rare. Now we know it’s absolutely not.”
The Emotional Toll of Persistent Pain
Abi Smith, 27 from Lowestoft, has experienced similar struggles. She was prescribed a gut health yoghurt at 10, after complaining of pelvic pain. When her periods began soon after, the pain intensified. “I felt like I was dying,” she says. “I would work in the post office, hunched over trying to serve customers. I’d throw up in the bin and run to the toilet every three minutes.”
“It’s disgusting how long some women wait for a diagnosis,” Abi says. “Doctors didn’t take me seriously until I was 21.”
Abi now goes through her third medically induced menopause, which suppresses her ovarian function and helps manage her pain. “I’ve become a very bitter person because of all this,” she adds. She has applied for disability benefits three times but has been rejected each time. Despite the pain, she continues working as a sales administrator.
Both Carla and Abi highlight the emotional and physical toll of endometriosis. “I’ve always worked, even when I felt like absolute crap,” Abi says. “But it’s hard to stay productive every day.” Their experiences underscore a broader issue: the lack of UK legislation to protect workers with menstrual health conditions.
Psychological Impact of Unrecognized Symptoms
Psychotherapist Dr Sula Windgassen notes that women with endometriosis often face skepticism. “They’re told their symptoms are ‘all in their head’,” she says. This lack of belief can lead to isolation, anxiety, and even career interruptions. The combination of severe pain and disbelief creates a damaging experience, as many women feel their struggles are dismissed.
With no legal safeguards in place, the burden falls on individuals to navigate workplace challenges. Carla’s advocacy has helped raise awareness, but more needs to be done to support those affected. “The inquiry is a good start,” she says. “But it should be expanded to cover all aspects of how endometriosis impacts women’s lives.”
