Endometriosis Friendly Employer with Lauren

Hello! My name is Lauren and I am one of the veterinary nurses here at Westport Vets. We are pleased to announce that we are the first veterinary practice to sign up to the Endometriosis Friendly Employers Scheme! The scheme is organised through Endometriosis UK, who are one of the leading Endometriosis charities in the UK.

Endometriosis is the name given to the condition where cells similar to the lining of the uterus are found elsewhere in the body. Each month the cells react the same to those in the uterus, which includes building up, breaking down and bleeding. However the blood has nowhere to escape and leave. This leads to inflammation, pain and the formation of scar tissue. 

The condition is life long and has a significant impact on day to day life including: 

• Chronic pain
• Fatigue/lack of energy
• Depression/isolation
• Problems with a couple’s sex life/relationships
• An inability to conceive
• Difficulty in fulfilling work and social commitments

In the UK, it is estimated that around 1.5 million women and those assigned female at birth are currently living with the disease and 1 in 10 are showing symptoms of the disease. Sadly however, it takes on average 8 years to reach a diagnosis even though it is the 2nd most common gynaecological condition in the UK.

The classic symptoms of the disease include:

• Painful and heavy periods
• Pain during or after sex
• Infertility
• Painful bowel movements
• Fatigue
• Pelvic pain
• Back and leg pain 

I was finally diagnosed in July 2021 after years of back and forth with multiple GPs. The diagnosis process was long and frustrating and highlighted the lack of support available to women going through this and after diagnosis. Since my diagnosis, I have been passionate about raising awareness of the disease as well as being a voice for women’s health in the workplace. I recently completed my volunteer induction with the Endometriosis UK charity in how to help and support others online and at in person meetings. In November we signed up to the Endometriosis Friendly Employers Scheme which means as a workplace we are able to support employees living with the condition and make adjustments to the workplace to help support their needs. Being an Endometriosis Champion means I can help and support my colleagues and signpost people for suitable information and advice when appropriate. 

As the months go on, we will be doing a number of different activities within the practice so we will keep you updated on our progress!