What is Endometriosis? According to Endometriosis UK , Endometriosis (pronounced en- doh – mee – tree – oh – sis) is the name given to the condition where cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body. Each month these cells react in the same way to those in the womb, building up and then breaking down and bleeding. Unlike the cells in the womb that leave the body as a period, this blood has no way to escape. These cells react to the menstrual cycle each month and also bleed. However, there is no way for this blood to leave the body. This can cause inflammation, pain and the formation of scar tissue.
In the UK, around 1.5 million women and those assigned female at birth are currently living with the condition, regardless of race or ethnicity. Endometriosis can affect you from puberty to menopause, although the impact may be felt for life.
Endometriosis can have a significant impact on a person's life in a number of ways, including:
Chronic pain (abdomen/pelvic/lower back) Fatigue/lack of energy Depression/isolation Pain and discomfort during and after sex An inability to conceive Bladder and bowel issues Difficulty in fulfilling work and social commitments Symptoms can vary considerably and with the right endometriosis treatment, many of these issues can be addressed, and the symptoms of endometriosis made more manageable.
Support at GCU
Endometriosis Friendly Employer Scheme
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GCU was the first UK University committed to work towards creating an environment where those with endometriosis can succeed and thrive at work and study.
The Endometriosis Friendly Employer scheme is a way for employers to confirm their commitment to developing a work environment and culture that enable employees with endometriosis to thrive at work.
Through the scheme, Endometriosis UK provides guidance for employers on how to support employees with endometriosis and menstrual health conditions, and work towards improving the work environment in three key areas: Leadership and management support, tackling stigma and changing culture and communications. Further details on the scheme can be found on the Endometriosis UK website.
Organisational Endometriosis Champion
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The Organisational Endometriosis Champion provides employees with a visible member of staff within the organisation to whom they can turn to for support and information in relation to endometriosis. GCU’s champion is Julie Burns . As someone who has suffered from endometriosis for almost half of her adult life, this is a subject close to her heart and raising awareness is key to helping sufferers.
While Julie is not a trained medical specialist, she has lived experience of the condition and is a point of contact for anyone experiencing issues at University as a result of endometriosis. She is able to signpost individuals to further information and support and is aware of policies and procedures that could benefit employees with endometriosis.
This support is open to both staff and students.
Disability Team support
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The Equality Act (2010) defines disability as "a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities". This may include long-term health conditions such as endometriosis.
GCU’s Disability Team can support students whose endometriosis symptoms are impacting on their studies. Students are invited to meet with a Disability Advisor who will carry out a Needs Assessment. Potential support and reasonable adjustments will be explored with the student and agreed in a Recommended Adjustments Page (RAP), which, with the student’s consent, will be shared with their academic department.
Examples of reasonable adjustments that may be recommended include alternative exam arrangements and access to assistive technology.
You can find out more about disability support from GCU's Disability service , along with details on how to disclose your needs .
Other wellbeing support
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As endometriosis can have significant impact on a person’s life, students can also benefit from accessing additional emotional and practical support from the wider Student Wellbeing Team .
Our Student Wellbeing Team includes Counsellors, Wellbeing Advisers, and Mental Health Advisers who are here to provide free and confidential advice and support. Our aim is to support you through your time at University and help you to achieve your academic success by providing a friendly face and a listening ear in a safe and non-judgemental environment.
Endometriosis Action Month (March 2024)
Events on campus and survey
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As part of Endometriosis Action Month (March 2024), the University is working with Endometriosis UK to organise some events to inform and support students and staff who might be living with endometriosis.
The organisation is keen to target students as well as healthcare professionals (current and future) to ensure people working in healthcare are well informed about endometriosis. One in 10 women and people assigned female at birth live with endometriosis. They hope a more informed workforce could help reduce waiting times, which are currently eight and a half years in Scotland.
As part of this mission, there will be a constant presence in the Campus Life Lounge throughout March with a stall containing leaflets and posters about Endometriosis UK, as well as statistics and information about where to get support (both inside the university as well as within the community). This will kick off on the first of March at the GCU Letters from 11am-1pm.
We will have stalls at International Women’s Day in the library on the eighth of March, University Mental Health Day on 14 March, as well as a more interactive stall during the Feel Good Festival on 20 March (where students and staff will get the opportunity to curate their own menstruation station playlist!).
We will be running a more laid-back session on 15 March with our own Endo Café, where students and staff will be able to come and speak to members of Endometriosis UK as well as Endometriosis Champions. This will be an opportunity for students and staff to come together, learn more about Endometriosis, and find out how to get support if they or someone they know suspects that they have endometriosis.
Following this, the organisation is running a lecture on March 15 from 3pm - 4:30pm targeted at students in the School of Health that will present current research and provide an insight into working with patients by inviting specialist healthcare professionals to talk about their role. They will offer expertise on how to spot signs and symptoms as well as advice about accessing this field of work. You can sign up to the lecture here .
If you would like to feedback your thoughts on the events on campus this month, please complete the survey.
External Support and Information
Information
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Endometriosis UK - the leading charity aiming to provide support services, reliable information and a community for those affected by endometriosis.
Endometriosis and the Menopause Booklet .
Scottish Government Women’s Health Plan 2021-2024 .
“The Wait” short YouTube. One in 10 women worldwide have endometriosis, yet despite the seriousness of this disease, it takes an average of eight years just to get a diagnosis.
Local support groups
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Endometriosis UK run support groups in Scotland including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Forth Valley and Ayrshire. Further details are available on the Endometriosis UK website .
