Diagnoses and physical problems were not always
revealed to employers and colleagues, one woman stating
‘it can be quite a secret little world you live in’ (Lucy).
There were varied reasons for non-disclosure. One critical
issue was the gender-specific nature of endometriosis
and some women were not prepared to discuss the symptoms
with male employers as Jones et al.7 also found.
Another reason for not disclosing symptoms or a diagnosis
of endometriosis was concerns about being pressured to
discontinue work. Kitty took quite a bit of sick leave with
a knowledgeable manager, but when he left and a new
manger took over she found her: