Endometriosis Causes

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Dr. Geoffrey Cly from Northeast OB/Gyn explains the possible causes of endometriosis.

Doctors don't know the exact cause of endometriosis, but there are three possibilities that are accepted.

1: It may be genetic.

"We do see it run in families," Dr. Cly said.

2: It happens as a fetus

"When the different cells are migrating ... some of the uterine cells get stuck. They don't make it to their final destination," Dr. Cly said.

3: The menstrual tissue flows out the tubes during a period

"It goes in the tubes and lands in the body cavity," Dr. Cly said.

Because an exact cause is not known, there really is no way to prevent getting endometriosis. It affects about ten percent of women.