How to talk to your boss about endometriosis (and ask for more support)

(Jennifer Savin/ Cosmopolitan) — Despite the fact that endometriosis is thought to impact around 10% of all women and those assigned female at birth, the condition – which sees cells, similar to the ones in the lining of the womb, found elsewhere in the body, causing a myriad of symptoms – is still widely misunderstood.

Given that endo flare-ups can be unpredictable, many sufferers can also find themselves worried about needing to ask for (or indeed take) time off from work when they’re unwell, or if they need surgery (something that many do – in fact, a surgery known as a ‘laparoscopy’ is the only way endo can be diagnosed).

Many with the condition report having concerns that their boss or colleagues might think they’re ‘slacking off’ due to having to take sick leave, but that couldn’t be further from the truth – and, let’s face it, that additional stress is the last thing you need when you’re already dealing with symptoms ranging from chronic pain to extreme fatigue. (…)