Results from a self-selected survey of over 1,700 individuals with endometriosis and/or uterine fibroids has shown negative impacts on work and school experiences. We explore more of the research below.
Evidation and Myovant Sciences, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitovant Biopharma, have announced results from a survey exploring the lived experiences of individuals with endometriosis and/or uterine fibroids. The survey results highlight the negative impacts of these conditions on employee and student experiences and quality of life, underscoring the need for conversations and accommodations that advance equity for these populations.
“At Myovant, we know that stigma can often keep people quiet about periods, leading to delayed care and increased discomfort. It also contributes to the lack of awareness about how conditions such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids can increase absenteeism and impact performance at work and school,” said Kalahn Taylor-Clark, Vice President and Head of Strategic Partnerships and Innovation at Myovant Sciences. “As a company focused on women’s health conditions, we hope these survey results will encourage employers to recognise and better understand the issue and work to create an environment that improves workplace equity.”
It is estimated that 19 million people in the United States suffer from uterine fibroids, and approximately 7.5 million premenopausal individuals suffer from endometriosis. A survey conducted on the Evidation platform found negative impacts on individuals with these conditions, across multiple dimensions, including:
Participation and absenteeism at work or school
- Just under one-third (31%) of individuals with endometriosis and 18% of individuals with uterine fibroids have considered quitting work or school because of menstrual symptoms, while 16% of individuals without a diagnosis had the same consideration.
- Shockingly, 34% of individuals who are diagnosed with endometriosis and/or uterine fibroids missed work at least every three menstrual cycles due to symptoms, while 21% of respondents without a diagnosis experienced the same.
- Roughly 41% of respondents with endometriosis and/or uterine fibroids who have missed work or school due to menstrual symptoms report missing more than a full workday (nine or more hours); 31% of those who are not diagnosed report the same.
Activities of daily living
- Just one-fifth (21%) of respondents with endometriosis and/or uterine fibroids report being unable to complete daily tasks outside of work during every menstrual cycle, which can add up to approximately three months of the year; meanwhile, about 12% of respondents without a diagnosis say they are unable to complete such tasks during every menstrual cycle.
Controlling for age and race, diagnosis of endometriosis and/or uterine fibroids was associated with taking fewer daily steps, of those who consented to sharing their wearables data and compared to those who did not have a diagnosis. No statistical comparison was planned in the analysis of survey results or wearable data; the statistics presented are descriptive.
“Millions suffer silently from endometriosis and uterine fibroids. Both diseases have excruciating impacts and insidious yet outsized effects in everyday life,” said Christine Lemke, Co-Founder and CEO at Evidation. “We are proud to partner with Myovant to ignite a conversation around how we can better understand and improve the daily health experiences of people with these conditions.”
These survey results mark the second joint research effort conducted by Myovant and Evidation – following the State of the Cycle survey published in 2019. Building on the goal to expand women’s health education and awareness, the most recent cross-sectional survey was carried out on the Evidation platform, with retrospective wearable data, from a self-selected sample of roughly 9,900 individuals who identified as being female at birth, who were aged 18-50 and did not have a diagnosis of the polycystic ovarian syndrome, pelvic inflammatory disease, premature ovarian failure, ovarian cancer or uterine cancer. The survey covered four areas, including demographics, menstrual history and health, experiences at work or school and experiences with medical providers.
In line with making workplaces better for people with endometriosis and/or uterine fibroids, Myovant is a sponsor of the Fibroid Foundation’s Workplace Reset programme and the inaugural member of the Menstrual Equity Workplace Champion programme, launched in 2022 by PERIOD.
“The Fibroid Foundation’s Workplace Reset initiative promotes the creation of menstrual-friendly programmes to create equity in the workplace. Agonising menstrual pain and heavy bleeding are not normal and suffering at work should not be the expectation,” said Sateria Venable, Founder and CEO, The Fibroid Foundation. “We encourage employers to look into what’s missing in the implementation of menstrual-friendly systems within the workplace, normalise the conversation around the conditions and create policies to improve work-life balance for an easier management of menstrual health.”