1 Year of Being an Endometriosis Friendly Employer

The Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme provides guidance on how to support employees with the condition, with employers committing to providing those with the condition the necessary support to thrive at work.

RVN Lauren has put a lot of hard work into getting this fantastic achievement and continuing to support and teach people about this condition. In our practice we have a “Loo Library” where information on the condition gets posted and there are leaflets around that anyone can pick up and have a look through to find out more.

Lauren has been working hard with the charity and is aiming to go around more vet practices and universities giving talks on how they can also become an Endometriosis Friendly Employer and teaching them what more they can do to help.

Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth.

The condition is where cells, similar to the ones in the lining of the womb, are found elsewhere  in the body, usually within the pelvic cavity. Each month these cells react to the menstrual cycle in the same way to those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding. Unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood has no way to escape. This leads to inflammation, pain, and the formation of scar tissue.

Symptoms can vary in intensity from person to person. Whilst some may not experience any symptoms, for others it can be debilitating.

Common symptoms include:

- Pelvic pain

- Painful or irregular periods

- Pain during or after sex

- Painful bowel movements

- Pain when urinating

- Fatigue

- Difficulty getting pregnant.

By joining this scheme, companies like Westport Veterinary Clinic are committed to ensuring those with the disease can contribute to the best of their ability and continue to pursue their career within the veterinary industry.

If you think you may have endometriosis it is important to speak to you GP for further guidance. Questions and further advice, including how to sign up to the

Endometriosis Friendly Employer, can be found on the Endometriosis UK website

(https://www.endometriosis-uk.org).

For those interested in hearing more about the work done at Westport Vets, please contact Lauren: lauren.wilson@westportvets.com