Shining a light on endometriosis
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 130 No 2, 11 April 2025, page no 16.
March was Endometriosis Awareness Month, an opportunity to shine the light on a condition that affects one in nine women in Australia.
Endometriosis is a chronic disease where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it, often causing debilitating pain, fatigue, and fertility issues. Despite its prevalence, it remains widely misunderstood and underdiagnosed, leaving many to suffer in silence.
For teachers and school leaders, managing endometriosis can be particularly challenging. The physical demands of teaching, combined with long hours, can exacerbate symptoms. Recognising this, the Queensland Teachers’ Union (QTU) joined the Queensland Council of Unions’ “It’s for Every Body” campaign and successfully advocated for the introduction of 10 days of reproductive health leave (RHL) for its members. This significant achievement ensures that our members experiencing reproductive health challenges, including endometriosis, have access to additional leave to manage their condition without exhausting their sick leave entitlements.
The introduction of RHL is a landmark win for workplace rights. Introduced on 30 September 2024, QTU members are already accessing this leave to attend medical appointments, undergo essential treatments, and recover from the often-debilitating effects of conditions like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and other reproductive health issues.
Nationally, Australian unions are now campaigning for the federal government to amend the National Employment Standards (NES) to include 10 days of reproductive health leave and access to flexible work arrangements.
This would promote:
- health and wellbeing, which ensures workers can manage their reproductive health without compromising their employment
- roster inclusivity, by recognising the diverse health needs of all employees, promoting a fair and supportive workplace
- preventative care, which allows time for necessary health screenings and treatments, reducing long-term health risks
You can sign the petition to support workers who face reproductive health challenges such as menstruation, menopause, fertility treatments, and chronic conditions here (https://www.megaphone.org.au/petitions/make-reproductive-health-leave-a-national-employment-standard).
Here Lindsay, a Guidance Officer from Far North Queensland, shares her experiences
 |
I am about to undergo my second surgery in six months for endometriosis and have chosen to take the full 10 days of leave to support my recovery.
My diagnosis came in 2024 at the age of 32, but like so many others, I suffered from excruciating periods from a young age. This meant missing school and work, relying heavily on painkillers just to function. Like many young people experiencing severe period pain, I was prescribed the contraceptive pill as a first line treatment.
However, at 28, I decided to take a break from hormonal contraception, only to experience debilitating pain, heavy bleeding, and chronic fatigue. Despite repeated visits to my GP, I was prescribed anti-inflammatory medications with no referrals for further investigation. I was told this pain was “normal.”
After four years of medical appointments, alternative treatments, and thousands of dollars spent, I finally underwent my first laparoscopy in August 2024 just missing out on the newly introduced RHL. As a result, I returned to work much sooner than I should have, simply because I had no other option.
Endometriosis affects more than 1 million Australians, and I was also diagnosed with adenomyosis, a condition that often coexists with endometriosis. Adenomyosis occurs when endometrial tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, causing an enlarged, painful, and inflamed uterus. This leads to severe cramps, heavy periods, and chronic pelvic pain. While similar to endometriosis, adenomyosis remains confined within the uterine walls.
Research on these conditions is still in its early stages, and both are considered to have no cure. Yet, many individuals suffering from these conditions are met with dismissive advice such as “just get pregnant”, which is not only an insensitive oversimplification but also not a viable or guaranteed solution, particularly for those struggling with fertility challenges due to these conditions.
This is not a rare condition; one in seven people in the workplace are suffering. The introduction of RHL is a significant step forward, offering much needed recognition and support.