Women suffering from endometriosis are being forced out of work and losing income, leading to significant financial hardship, according to a new report by MPs. The inquiry, conducted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Endometriosis and supported by Endometriosis UK, found that nearly half (47%) of women with the condition have lost income due to their symptoms.
The report also revealed that 28% of women with endometriosis have left a job entirely. Furthermore, 39% of those affected have experienced financial hardship because of the condition, and 40% reported turning down career opportunities due to a lack of workplace support.
Chloe Ward, from Bolton, shared her experience, stating that her endometriosis, which can cause severe pain, fatigue, heavy bleeding, and fertility problems, has cost her thousands of pounds and impacted her ability to run her own business. She noted that being self-employed in the beauty industry meant flexibility but no financial safety net, leading to lost clients due to flare-ups.
Megan Gomersall, 30, from Rochdale, a former paediatric nurse, has been out of work for about two and a half years due to her symptoms. She believes more could be done to help women remain in work through reasonable adjustments and greater awareness of the condition. The inquiry found that fewer than half of employees with endometriosis had received workplace adjustments, and 94% believed employers lacked a good understanding of the condition.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson acknowledged the "devastating impact" of endometriosis and stated that the government's renewed Women's Health Strategy identifies it as a priority condition. The spokesperson added that the findings underscore the need for improved support in both healthcare and the workplace.