According to the Teladoc Women’s Health Guide | PDF 8.6 MBOpens a new website in a new window, endometriosis is one of the most common women’s health conditions estimated to affect up to 10% of women ages 15 to 44.
“A woman’s uterus is lined with endometrial tissue. During each menstrual cycle this tissue thickens to prepare for the possible implantation of a fertilized egg. If an egg does not implant, the tissue is shed – this is known as menstruation or a ‘period,’” the guide goes on to say.
“Endometriosis is a condition where endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus, often around the reproductive organs but in some cases on the intestines, bladder or abdominal wall. Tissue outside of the uterus does not pass during menstruation, leading to build-up, inflammation, and painful scarring.”
While common, endometriosis can often go undiagnosed for years. In fact, because the symptoms vary and can be attributed to other conditions, 6 in 10 women who have endometriosis are not ever officially diagnosed with it, according to Teladoc. For those who are diagnosed, it can take an average of 4 to 11 years from onset of symptoms to diagnosis and treat, the guide adds.
What are the symptoms of endometriosis?
According to research published in the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and GeneticsOpens a new website in a new window, up to 25% of people with endometriosis don’t have any symptoms at all.
According to the Mayo ClinicOpens a new website in a new window, those who do experience symptoms can have:
- Pain in the lower part of the belly and pelvis area, that’s most noticeable when you’re using the bathroom, on your period, and during or after having sex
- Heavy bleeding on or between your periods
- Fatigue
- Anxiety and depression
- Trouble getting pregnant
What causes endometriosis?
The cause of endometriosis is unknown, according to the World Health Organization.
Are there treatments available for endometriosis?
Symptoms can often lessen or stop after menopause, but there is no cure for endometriosis.
If an employee is diagnosed with endometriosis, their healthcare professional might recommend, according to Teladoc’s Women’s Health Guide:
- Painkillers to help with pain management.
- Hormonal contraceptives to help manage symptoms like pain or heavy periods.
- Surgery may be an option for people who have tried medication but still struggle to manage their symptoms.
How can endometriosis impact your employees?
Endometriosis is a chronic condition that impacts people in many different ways.
In the workplace, for example, studies have shown that it can cause people to miss work or struggle with productivity due to symptoms like pain or fatigue.
This is why workplaces may want tocreate accommodations for employees who may have endometriosis.
This could include flexible work, ergonomic office furniture, and a benefits plan that includes coverage for prescription drugs and services that may help with symptoms, like massage therapy, mental health support, and acupuncture.
According to the World Health Organization, endometriosis can also affect mental health, potentially impacting social connections and overall wellbeing. This makes the ability to access the right support – a therapist, for example, or a nutritionist who can suggest dietary changes that could help with symptoms – an important part of living with this chronic disease.
Since most of these services are not covered by Canada’s universal healthcare, employers might consider a workplace benefits that can help cover some of these out-of-pocket costs.
How to support people with endometriosis in the workplace
You can support your employees with endometriosis with open communication, flexible work policies and a benefits plan that helps them manage their specific health concerns.
Offer a benefits plan
Offering a workplace benefits plan can help employees cover the cost of medications and other treatments that can help with symptoms – but it can do so much more.
You can also offer support by providing:
- Access to an employee assistance program (EAP) that provides help with programs for physical activity and stress management counselling.
- A health plan that provides access to mental health services and a drug plan that covers medications.
- A health care spending account or wellness account that offers coverage flexibility for individual needs.
- Access to a virtual health care service like Consult+ to answer non-urgent medical concerns, provide advice and write prescriptions without having to leave home or work. Learn more about our virtual health offering by speaking with your Canada Life representative.
- Access to Teladoc Medical Experts with expert medical advice from the comfort of your employee's homes. On top of trying to understand a new diagnosis of endometriosis, services through Teladoc Medical Experts like Personal Health Navigator service can assist in finding the right resources for your employees.
You could also:
- Make information on endometriosis available on your intranet.
- Create policies, programs and prevention strategies to support workplace mental health and psychological safety for everyone in the organization.