Understanding Endometriosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Self-Care
YOU CAN HELP RAISE AWARENESS IN YOUR WORKPLACE, SCHOOL SPORTING CLUB AND COMMUNITY BY PURCHASING A DISCOUNTED BOX OF 18 COPIES OF "THE AUSTRALIAN GUIDE TO LIVING WELL WITH ENDOMETRIOSIS." TAX RECEIPTS ARE ISSUED.
Endometriosis (endo) is a 'taboo' health condition in Australia, affecting 14% of girls and women, totalling around one million people. It's as prevalent as diabetes, yet it takes an average of six and a half years for a diagnosis, even longer in rural and regional communities and among those challenged by 'gendernomics' and intersectionally disadvantaged groups.
Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 190 million women and girls of reproductive age are affected by endometriosis. This chronic condition impacts every aspect of life, including fertility, body image, and sexual health, while often causing pain severe enough to prevent people from fully participating in daily activities, study and work.
The Australian Guide to Endometriosis in the Workplace
The book also interviews influential figures in sports, fitness, media, television, First Nations, LGBTIQA+, and CALD groups. Other 'endo warriors' sharing intimate insights include successful businesswomen who thrive despite living with endometriosis. They share their personal journeys and perspectives.
It sets out Australian workplace law, health and safety requirements, as well as rights and responsibilities for managing endometriosis and other chronic conditions in the workplace.
Safe Work Australia and Fair Work Act provisions guide employers and employees, with general protections, the right to flexible work arrangements and occupational health and safety requirements covered, with employer obligations.
Supporting the needs of employees living with endometriosis can help retain workers who might otherwise leave due to health-related challenges. This is particularly relevant in sectors with high female representation, such as healthcare and education.
This allows individuals to manage their health effectively, contributing to closing the gender pay gap and enhancing overall workforce productivity.
Empowering those living with endometriosis and their circle with the knowledge and safe space to discuss managing endometriosis symptoms and time impacts at work promotes flexibility. It improves productivity and retention of great women+ with experience and corporate memory.
A workplace assistance program that aims to support women+ living with the life-impacting symptoms of endometriosis and challenges like fertility and surgical treatment leads to endo empowerment, ultimately improving outputs for staff and their workplaces and the wellbeing of those living with endometriosis or caring for them.
The cost of under- or unemployment and casualised jobs impacts the financial security of women+ living with endometriosis, and their
ability to pay for treatment and health insurance.
According to a report from the Australian Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet 'We could add $128 billion to the economy through boosting women’s workforce participation and productivity growth if we tackle the factors holding women back.' (page 210)
Tips for facilitating the process of educating your workplace about endometriosis and to help manage symptoms day to day are included, along with the art of asking for accommodations to support those in need.
Comprehensive Coverage of Endometriosis
The guide covers a broad range of topics, including medical misogyny and how women+ can advocate for themselves.
There are sections on how the medical world excludes and ignores women, the End Gender Bias survey results, bias in research funding and intersectional disadvantages.
Fertility challenges result in around 50 per cent of those undertaking IVF living with endometriosis. This impacts woman and men in the workforce.
The impact on young girls and women of endometriosis leads to them being three to five times more likely than those without pain or with “a little” pain to miss school or university. As a result, their grades and employment opportunities are limited compared to their peers. This can lead to lifelong economic disadvantage.
