Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown writes to Ministers over endometriosis “health and economic crisis”

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is writing to the Minister for Health and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, calling for action on the impact of endometriosis on women and girls across the county and nationally.

The move follows a motion proposed by Green Party Councillor for Stillorgan, Eva Dowling (Dublin Rathdown), which was passed unanimously at July’s Council meeting.

The motion was proposed as endometriosis is not only a severe and under-recognised healthcare issue, but also a critical economic one, with businesses across Ireland losing untold revenue due to absenteeism and presenteeism (sick leave, medical appointments, reduced productivity in the workplace) due to lack of awareness and accommodations for women’s health in the workplace.

Endometriosis is a chronic, whole body condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows anywhere in the body, causing debilitating pain and fatigue that is dismissed and misdiagnosed.

It is estimated to affect at least one in seven women and girls.

There is a staggering delay in diagnosis, on average ten years, though for  many women it can take decades.

From an economic perspective, international research consistently shows that one of the greatest costs of endometriosis and loss of revenue comes from lost productivity at work and women at senior levels leaving the workplace, therefore costing businesses significantly by losing experienced female workers (costs of retraining, rehiring etc.).

Missed days, appointments, sick leave and reduced efficiency add up to a significant cost to businesses every year.

In the UK alone, an NHS study found that £11bn sterling in revenue is lost per year due to  lack of investment and care for women’s health issues at work.

Figures for local businesses in Ireland are not currently available.

Speaking after the motion was adopted, Cllr Eva Dowling said: “Endometriosis affects one in seven women and girls, yet so many are still made to feel that their pain is normal or imagined.

“This is a catastrophic failure in terms of women’s health, and it is also an economic one.

“Every missed appointment, every sick day, every hour of lost productivity carries a cost, both to the woman and to businesses right across the country.

“I’m delighted that every individual on this Council backed my motion and I would like to thank colleagues from all parties and independents for supporting it.

“We are now asking both Ministers to treat this with the seriousness it deserves.”

Local women’s health advocate and writer, Lisa Tierney-Keogh (pictured above), has spent six years working to raise awareness of the condition and its symptoms, has welcomed the Council’s decision: “I warmly welcome this motion, and the fact that it passed unanimously.

“It will help address the failures in how endometriosis is diagnosed and treated in this country, but just as importantly it raises awareness for the women and girls who are living with these symptoms. For too long they’ve been told to just get on with it.

“When it takes an average of ten years to get a diagnosis, awareness is crucial. It took 28 years for me to be diagnosed, no woman should have to wait that long.

“If a woman or girl knows the symptoms, she can push for answers rather than waiting years or decades for answers.

“Seeing the Council speak with one voice on this means everything. I want every woman and girl in our community to know the signs, to trust her own body, and to know there is support out there.”

Common symptoms of endometriosis include severe period pain, chronic pelvic or lower back pain, leg and hip pain, pain during or after sex, pain when going to the toilet, heavy or irregular bleeding, bloating, fatigue, and difficulty becoming pregnant. Symptoms can begin from a first period or they can start later.

It varies from one individual to the next.

There is currently no cure, but earlier diagnosis and treatment can reduce the spread of the disease, help manage the pain, protect fertility, and improve quality of life.

Anyone experiencing these symptoms is advised to speak about endometriosis  to their GP, who can arrange investigation and referral to a gynaecologist, which is the current pathway to diagnosis. Keeping a record or a diary of symptoms and their impact on day-to-day life can assist that conversation.

For excellent information on the disease, the best research-based, up-to-date information can be found on the website of the Center for Endometriosis Care: www.centerforendo.com