Work and education
Endometriosis and the problems associated with the disease are most prominent during the years of education and work life. The pain can cause even young girls to struggle to complete their education and some end up dropping out of school due to pain. This means that when endometriosis reduces the ability to work, the disease has major personal consequences for the woman, but also major socio-economic consequences.
A Danish study has shown that, on average, women with endometriosis have a lower work capacity compared to women without the disease. Pain in particular is the cause of the reduced ability to work, but other symptoms such as fatigue or gastrointestinal problems can also make it difficult to perform certain tasks, attend meetings, etc.
The symptoms can also make it more difficult to participate in social events at work or school and lead to a feeling of being left out. The reduced ability to work is found to be due to reduced efficiency at work when symptoms are at their worst, but also due to absence from work because of pain or repeated surgeries and treatments.
Another problem is that women find it difficult to talk about their endometriosis at work or school and fear the consequences of telling their boss. Many feel that there is a lot of taboo and shame associated with a women’s genitals and menstruation, which makes it difficult to talk about. In general, it can be difficult to talk about menstruation, bowel problems, and sexual problems with people you do not have a very close relationship with.
Of course, social conditions play a large role in how difficult a pain problem is experienced. If you are financially well off and have the support of friends and family, you are better equipped to deal with the pain than if you are alone and financially strapped.
For some people, it will be possible to work despite chronic pain, which can help to relieve the pain, give meaning and structure to daily life, and help to maintain self-respect and social status.
If you have the opportunity to work reduced hours, it can be a good idea to try to maintain your job. Losing your job after a long period of sick leave can be a bit of a shock, and for many, the encounter with the social system can be an unpleasant surprise, where your house, car, and marriage can go down the drain. It is important to try to avoid a prolonged clarification process, and for the pain sufferer, it is important not to allow themselves to be negatively affected by the process, as worries and resentment make it more difficult to deal with the pain.
