menstrual pain have terrible consequences on the social life of women. Abdominal cramps, spasms in the lower abdomen, abdominal distension… the cyclical symptoms vary from one person to another, with more or less strong intensities. women with endometriosisFor example, you may experience very sharp pelvic pain. In those who suffer from Premenstrual syndrome, edema of the extremities may occur, as well as irritability, anxiety or headache. In some cases, very painful periods can become disabling, and prevent sufferers from practicing their usual activities.

Read also >> Why is it urgent to talk about our rule?

In Ireland, 52% of women have already missed work due to menstruation

According to a study conducted by the joii lab In the UK and Ireland, by February 2023, women would miss up to 36 days of social events, education, exercise and work each year, due to pain, fatigue and adverse mental health effects. For 20% of people with endometriosis surveyed in the UK, the data increases to 60 days a year, compared to 84 days in Ireland. In the UK, many people have already canceled an appointment (35%), missed a drink at work (34%) or canceled a weekend (28%) because of their period. In Ireland, 59% have missed school and 52% have missed work.

Alarming figures but, unfortunately, not so surprising. “It’s a scenario we know very well,” laments Justyna Strzeszynska, founder of Joii. “As someone who has suffered heavy and painful periods for most of my adult life, I can truly understand the pain these women experience each month. I also canceled social events and stayed home due to immense menstrual pain. »

Read also >> The menstrual cycle would have an impact on sports performance, according to the Insep gynecologist

Nine fewer days of productivity per year

According to a less recent study, published in the online journal “Open BMJ” in 2019, the loss of productivity for women, linked to menstrual pain, amounts to nine days a year. To carry out this survey, the researchers questioned 32,748 Dutch people between the ages of 15 and 45 and compared the rate of absenteeism from work and school with the rate of presenteeism. One in seven respondents (about 14%) said they had ever been absent from work or school during their period, and almost 3.5% said this happened with all or almost all menstrual cycles. However, 81% of the women said they went to school or work despite the pain and admitted that their symptoms affected their performance.

The right to menstrual leave exists in several countries, especially in Asia, with Japan being the first to introduce it, in 1947. In Europe, Spain led the way on Thursday, February 16, 2023. Spanish deputies approved a law that allows women benefit from a work stoppage in case of painful menstruation. In France, this right that is being debated It is not enshrined in the law, but some companies have already experimented with it.