Women’s health issues in places of work and school are an unseen battle facing those who menstruate. Up to 80% of people experience discomfort on their period, however 5-10% of these people have pain severe enough to interrupt their life. 1 in 5 who identify as women experience pelvic pain at some point in their life. Young people who menstruate and require their first day of their period off school, end up missing an entire term of learning over the course of their education, this creates a major education disparity for those experiencing period pain or chronic pelvic pain.
The medical term for period pain is dysmenorrhoea, which is the most common type of pelvic pain. We experience 300-400 periods in our lifetime. To myth bust common perceptions, period PAIN is not normal. Period pain is only considered normal if it is minor cramping and discomfort which lasts the first 1-2 days and goes away with simple pain relief medication. If this is not the case for you, it is likely there may be an underlying gynaecological cause such as endometriosis.
Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is >6 months of persistent pelvic pain which does not occur at only one point of your menstrual cycle and is not associated with pregnancy. The most common cause of this pain is attributed to endometriosis and warrants further investigation.
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease impacting the whole body for those with a uterus. It is tissue SIMILAR to the endometrium (lining of the uterus), located outside of the uterus, most commonly in the pelvic cavity, impacting 6-10% of people with a uterus. The reason this condition occurs is still unknown, however there are many theories still being studied. It negatively impacts physical, emotional, and social wellbeing, placing a significant burden on those living with it and their families.
Trying to continue work and school with pelvic pain creates a large mental load on the person to manage their situation and inform others on how to best support them.
Managing pain at school
Students:
It is important to notify your teachers so they are aware of your condition and can facilitate you getting up to move and stretch to help manage your pain during school hours. Packing useful aids in your school bag/locker like anti-inflammatories, TENS machine, stick on heat packs (subtler than wheat packs and don’t require a microwave) and distraction aids like a fidget toy. Moving around and walking on breaks and between classes is very beneficial too. Even if you personally do not experience period or pelvic pain, but one of your classmates might, look out for your fellow classmates!
Parents:
It is important you help your child notify their school on their condition to allow for support and flexible arrangements as necessary. It is additionally important to do your research and understand period and pelvic pain, to best support them. Knowledge is power, the more you and your child know the best you can empower them to take control of their pain experience.
Managing pain at work
Similar to how we encourage students to manage their pain applies to adults in the workforce. It is important to notify your management of your condition to facilitate flexible work arrangements i.e. work from home capacity, sit to stand desks and ergonomic office chairs, ability to microwave a heat pack, standing in a meeting if needed etc., as well as offering you support to share the mental load so you don’t have to battle this alone. I highly recommend having access to pain relief medication and anti-inflammatories, TENS machine and heat packs in your work bag or at your desk. Utilising pelvic stretches which you can use in your workspace, pending privacy and occupation can be incredibly useful too, there are plenty of stretches you can do standing and seated to help mitigate your pain.
To learn more about our women’s health osteopath Rea, click here. You can also make a booking with her here.