A new study revealed the impact of endometriosis women have to bear especially when it comes to their work and earning a stable income. The study published in the Office for National Statistics, titled The impact of an endometriosis diagnosis on monthly employee pay and employee status, England: April 2016 to December 2022 highlight how women suffer in work and payment, especially since their jobs are not accommodative of their conditions, meaning that they would have to switch for flexible and lower-paid jobs due to endometriosis. Experts have also suggested that following a diagnosis, many women find themselves working less hours due to the challenging posed by the debilitating condition. What is Endometriosis?As per the World Health Organization (WHO), endometriosis is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grown outside the uterus. It can cause severe pain in the pelvis and make it difficult to conceive. Endometriosis can start at a person's first menstrual period and last until menopause. With endometriosis, tissues can be found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes or the intestines and the most common symptoms are pain and menstrual irregularities. How Does It Affect Employment?For many women, these symptoms become overwhelming, making it difficult to maintain a full-time job or progress in their careers.Recent research analyzed data from over 55,000 women in England, comparing their earnings and employment status before and after an endometriosis diagnosis. The findings revealed a concerning trend: women aged 25 to 54 experienced an average decrease of £56 per month in their earnings within four to five years post-diagnosis. Additionally, the likelihood of remaining in paid employment dropped by 2.7 percentage points, highlighting the struggle many women face in maintaining their careers.Working With Endometriosis Patients who have to work for hours, it becomes more so challenging as the pain is debilitating and many industries are not accommodating. This leaves women with little choice but to switch to a more flexible or lower-paying jobs. Some also have to leave the workforce entirely. Some patients have to settle for a pay cut, earning third less than before just so they could manage their health. The financial strain further force them to sell their house and relocate to a more affordable area. This often leads to guilt and frustration over not being able to perform at their best. What Can Be Done?Experts emphasize the need for workplace awareness and accommodation for women with endometriosis. Many worry that their condition would force them to leave their jobs, which is why it is important that there is more awareness and advocacy to extend support to those who are experiencing this. Flexible working arrangements, medical leave policies and a supportive work environment could help retain important and talented employees rather than forcing them out of workforce. Experts also point out for earlier diagnosis and better treatment options which could help women manage their symptoms while maintaining a career. This is especially a drawback, as for most cases, many women have to wait for years for a diagnosis, during this time the condition worsens, leaving them no options for non-invasive treatments.