Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrium, the tissue that lines the uterus, grows in locations outside the uterus, most often within the pelvic region. Endometriosis may cause adhesions or fibrous scar tissue on the uterus and cause the uterus to adhere or become stuck to the ovaries, fallopian tubes or bowel. On occasions endometrial tissue can also be found in locations outside the pelvis.
Symptoms and characteristics:
The symptoms associated with endometriosis include:
- pain
- painful periods
- pelvic and/or abdominal pain (not necessarily at the time of menstruation)
- lower back pain
- ovulation pain
- thigh and/or leg pain
- bleeding problems
- heavy bleeding and/or clotting
- prolonged bleeding
- premenstrual spotting
- irregular bleeding and cycles
- bowel and bladder difficulties
- painful bowel movements
- pain when passing wind
- bowel pain
- diarrhoea and/or constipation
- bleeding from the bowel
- nausea and/or vomiting
- pain when passing urine
- urinary frequency
Other symptoms of endometriosis include:
- reduced fertility
- pre-menstrual tension (PMT)
- lethargy and/or malaise
- depression and/or irritability
- swollen abdomen
- insomnia.
Workplace adjustments and solutions:
In the workplace there are various factors that would greatly assist people with endometriosis to better manage their symptoms. These include:
- flexible work conditions such as enabling time off due to pain or times of lethargy if required
- if suitable to the work role, the capacity to work from home through the use of equipment such as a mobile phone and laptop on days when unable to attend the workplace due to symptoms
- proximity to bathroom facilities
- a supportive work environment.
In women who have undergone surgery for endometriosis, work involving lifting, climbing, prolonged standing, or physical exertion may need to be limited for a period of time based on medical advice to allow for adequate healing.
(MDA Internet 2005; Better Health Channel 2008; The Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health 2007; ECCA 2008).
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References:
Better Health Channel 2008, Endometriosis, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 16 January 2009, <http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Endometriosis?open>.
ECCA 2008, Endometriosis: Symptoms, Endometriosis Care Centre of Australia, National, viewed 16 January 2009, <http://www.ecca.com.au/symptoms>.
MDA Internet 2005, Reed Group Ltd, Colorado, viewed 26 April 2007, <http://www.mdainternet.com (secure site)>.
The Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health 2007, Endometriosis, The Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health Melbourne, viewed 16 January 2009, http://www.jeanhailes.org.au/images/stories/Education/Documents/info/2005endometriosis.pdf.