My life as a vet with endometriosis

This Endometriosis Action month, we want to help raise awareness of the impacts of endometriosis within the veterinary professions, and what we can do to support those living with the condition. Endometriosis affects one in ten women and those assigned female at birth and the route to diagnosis can be a long one.

In our recent survey carried out in partnership with British Veterinary Chronic Illness Support (BVCIS), six percent of the respondents who reported they had a disability or chronic illness, told us that they had endometriosis.

In this blog, veterinary surgeon Becky Richardson tells us about her journey to diagnosis, and the challenges she faces working as a vet with endometriosis.

Becky is a small animal veterinary surgeon living in the Northeast of England. She qualified from Edinburgh Vet School in 2012 and has worked in general practice since. She completed her RCVS Certificate of Advanced Veterinary Practice in Small Animal Medicine in 2021. Becky is currently a clinical director at a large practice in Newcastle Upon Tyne and chair of BSAVA’s Northeast regional committee.

Tell us a bit about your journey with endometriosis

I began suffering from signs of endometriosis at 16-years-old. This year, 20 years later, I was formally diagnosed with stage IV endometriosis following an abdominal surgery to excise endometrial tissue from my ovaries, uterus and bladder.

My journey to diagnosis has been long and frustrating, a story familiar to many women affected by the condition. It has involved countless GP visits, numerous ultrasound scans, a cystoscopy, an MRI, a handful of A&E trips, multiple medications and laparoscopic surgery.

The symptoms of endometriosis are varied but, for many people, it causes intense pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, fatigue and gastrointestinal problems. Endometriosis can negatively impact mental health and, delays to diagnosis can be a source of anxiety. Often it also affects fertility. When I received my diagnosis, my overwhelming feeling was one of relief, not because I was pleased to be suffering from a chronic illness, but because I finally knew that I had been right to be concerned and to push for answers.

After years of feeling my concerns were not being taken seriously by medical professionals, I was lucky to find a warm and empathetic endometriosis specialist who was proactive in diagnosing and treating my condition.

How have you found navigating life as a vet with endometriosis?

Working full-time as a vet whilst navigating endometriosis has its challenges. For me, these challenges have been mostly physical. For several days each month I suffer from significant pain and blood loss which often causes me to feel nauseous and faint. I consider it lucky if these days fall when I am not at work, otherwise, I know the working day will be difficult, especially if it involves long periods of operating.

Endometriosis is a disease of menstrual health and, as a result, I have often felt the effects of it being considered taboo, particularly in the workplace. When I was recently qualified, I vividly remember having to be driven home by a senior vet after fainting in theatre from pain. As a young vet, relatively new to the practice, I felt hugely embarrassed and upset. Around the same time, I discovered that a veterinary nurse I was working with had severe endometriosis. I spoke to her about my experiences and she was so understanding. Having a colleague who I could confide in, and who I knew was looking out for me, was such a relief and made dealing with my symptoms at work significantly easier. Nowadays, I am much better at advocating for myself and will speak up when I need to.

As a practice leader, I make a conscious effort to be open about my condition as I know that the only way to break the stigma around conversations about women’s health, is to have more conversations about women’s health!

As a practice leader, I make a conscious effort to be open about my condition as I know that the only way to break the stigma around conversations about women’s health, is to have more conversations about women’s health!

Sadly, I have not always had positive experiences when discussing my endometriosis. I feel a lot of misinformation is circulated about the condition, and people can inadvertently make comments that are hurtful and dismissive. Thankfully, awareness and understanding are increasing due to the work of charities and campaigners, as well as influential sportspeople and celebrities publicly discussing lived experience of endometriosis in recent years.

What advice would you give to other veterinary professionals with endometriosis or who suspect they might have it?

My advice to anyone in the veterinary profession with diagnosed, or suspected, endometriosis, or adenomyosis, is to seek out people in your workplace who are open to supporting you and who have a desire to better understand your experience. As the condition is relatively common, veterinary professionals might have first-hand experience, and these individuals may be particularly well placed to signpost you to help.

Endometriosis UK is a fantastic charity who can direct you to the right medical professionals, as well as offering excellent educational resources and practical assistance; consider contacting them, particularly if you feel unsupported by those around you. They also run a scheme called the ‘endometriosis friendly employer scheme’, if you feel able to, joining this may be something worth discussing with your leadership team. It will open conversations and raise awareness, as well as going some way towards positively changing workplace cultures.

How can people best support those with endometriosis?

For anyone looking to support colleagues, friends or family suffering from the impacts of endometriosis or adenomyosis, listening to and respecting peoples’ concerns is key. Educating yourself about the potential effects of these conditions on those around you, is likely to dramatically improve your ability to be as practically and emotionally supportive as possible.