not being able to work for severe cramping and incessant is a reality faced by many menstruating women and people, endometriosis is one of the main conditions that cause this type of pain.
Although for a long time menstruation and the complications related to this cycle have been invisible in many areas, including work, in Mexico endometriosis (and other diseases) are already integrated into the list of occupational diseases.
According to the WHO (World Health Organization), the endometriosis is defined as “a chronic disease characterized by the growth, outside the uterus, of tissue similar to the lining of the uterus, resulting in pain, infertility, or both.”
And although it is still almost unknown to a large part of the population, endometriosis is a very common condition among the menstruating population. It is estimated that at least 1 in 10 women around the world suffers from it.
This condition not only has an impact on the physical well-being, but also on the emotional well-being of menstruating women and people. Additionally, the invisibility of the disease and the little recognition of it contribute to those who suffer from it having effects on their social, work and economic life.
The WHO says that those living with oedometriosis face “severe pain during menstruation, sexual intercourse, defecation or urination. Endometriosis greatly affects the lives of patients, in addition, it causes chronic pelvic pain, abdominal distension, nausea , fatigue, and sometimes depression, anxiety, and infertility.
There is still no known cure for endometriosisso its timely diagnosis and treatment of symptoms are essential to improve the quality of life of those who suffer from it.
Considering all these factors, endometriosis should be considered an occupational disease under the coordinated frameworks established by health and occupational specialists. Guarantee treatment in case of diagnosis and access to disability covered by the social Security when necessary is a fundamental right of menstruating women and people.
For this reason, the step taken by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS) is fundamental in terms of labor rights with a gender perspective. Not only because with the recognition of the disease it paves the way for linking the rights of those who suffer from it, but also because it contributes to raising awareness in the workplace.
The consolidation of these advances, embodied in the final document, will be sent to the Presidency, to later be presented as a reform project before the Congress of the Union.