By: Nicki Reid, Bilingual BA
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is defined as an inflammatory disease characterized by the growth of endometrial-like tissue outside of the uterus. About 10% of women and an undetermined amount of transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals are impacted by endometriosis. In addition, it is responsible for pelvic pain in 50% of Canadian women and an unspecified number of transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals.
What are Fibroids?
(Uterine) fibroids are defined as noncancerous or benign tumors that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus that can appear in various shapes, sizes, and areas on the uterus. They can develop inside of the uterus (submucosal), within the walls of the uterus (intramyometrial), on the outer surface of the uterus (suberosal), or attached by a stem (pedunculated). Uterine fibroids impact more than 70% of women worldwide and are three times more common in Black women. A few of the symptoms can include: backaches, leg pain, and iron deficiency anemia.
Taking Time Off Work
Living with endometriosis or fibroids can severely impact the quality of life for those who experience either or both. Some of the symptoms may include: pelvic pressure / pain, painful intercourse, issues with menstrual cycles such as painful and / or irregular periods, heavy menstrual bleeding; bowel and bladder issues like constipation and frequent urination as well as infertility. Given these symptoms, both endometriosis and fibroids alike negatively impact one’s productivity, work, and relationships. For some, despite seeking expert medical care for endometriosis, more than half of people still have symptoms that impact their daily lives.
Furthermore, there are various issues impacting diagnosis and treatment for endometriosis such as the presentation of symptoms varying in different women, lack of provider knowledge about endometriosis, stigmatization, and other systemic factors; for instance, in Canada the wait times can average up to five years and in some cases much longer. For Black women, there is an additional layer of challenges when it comes to diagnosis, as they are disproportionately affected by uterine fibroids, experiencing higher prevalence, earlier onset, and more severe symptoms compared to Caucasian women. Despite this information, many studies have focused on European women and have failed to include Black women. Similarly, with endometriosis, Black and Hispanic women often face longer diagnostic delays, sometimes taking twice as long to receive a diagnosis compared to Caucasian women. As a result of all of this, those living with these conditions may choose to take time off of work. So what do you need to know if you need to take time off of work?
What are Your Rights?
In Canada, if you are impacted by endometriosis, you are protected and have rights under the Canadian Human Rights Act and the 1982 Charter of Rights and Freedoms as endometriosis is considered a disability under certain conditions, particularly when it impacts an individual’s ability to maintain employment or perform daily activities. Moreover, your employer cannot fire you over discriminatory medical reasons regarding their endometriosis. Also, if you require sick leave, you are within your right to take it as employers must accommodate you as long as there is a valid doctor’s note. Depending on your needs, speak with your employer to request workplace modifications in order to facilitate your productivity. This may look like: adjusting your work hours, revising your work duties and / or changing your physical workspace to enhance comfort. In addition, you may be eligible for a variety of disability benefits for endometriosis such as long term disability (LTD), short term disability (STD), Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits, etc. Visit here for more information.
When it comes to fibroids, it may be considered a disability depending on the severity. Speak with your doctor as well as your employer to ensure you get the proper documentation. Check the following benefits to confirm eligibility and more information: Employment Insurance (EI) Sickness Benefits, Canada Pension Plan disability benefit, Canada Disability Benefit, Disability tax credit (DTC). Also check to see if your province or territory offers any programs. For instance, in Ontario, you may qualify for the Ontario Disability Support Program.
Advocacy and You
When it comes to advocating for yourself in the workplace, whether you have fibroids, endometriosis, or both; the first (fundamental) step is knowing your rights, which we’ve already gone over. Remember that you are protected by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms as well as the Human Rights Legislation and your employer has the responsibility to accommodate you. It is also helpful to educate yourself on your workplace policies. Be clear, kind, and specific on what your needs are and it will be helpful to document any meeting and / or conversations that you have with your employer. Build a support system or network that may consist of legal counsel from law firms that specialize in endometriosis or fibroids cases, human rights organizations or advocacy groups such as The Endometriosis Network Canada, EndoAct Canada, or Fibroids and Anemia Canada. Living with these conditions can take a toll on your mental health, so having a mental health professional on your team is strongly suggested.
Of course, make sure that you are taking deep care of yourself by eating nourishing foods, resting as much as you can, hydrating your body, breathing deeply, and doing whatever else is necessary to best support you. As always, stay informed and be well, mama.
Nicki Reid, Bilingual BA
Certified Transformational Health and Life Coach | Certified Yoga and Meditation Teacher | Certified Emotional Emancipation Facilitator | Certified Reiki Practitioner | Founder, Wholesome Mind Health Coaching