Understanding Endometriosis - Prevention

How Can I Prevent It?

The causes of endometriosis are unclear, so there are no known ways to prevent it. But doctors know there are several things that raise your risk of developing endometriosis:

• You have a close relative with endometriosis, especially a mother or a sister: women with an affected mother or sister are seven to 10 times more likely to develop endometriosis.
• Your menstrual cycle is consistently short -- less than 25 days.
• Your menstrual flow during each period is long -- lasting more than a week.
• You experience heavy flow during periods.
• You have a medical condition that blocks or constricts your cervix or vagina.
• You have a congenital anomaly of the uterus, such as a double uterus or a double cervix.

Research into the possibility that early use of continuous oral contraceptive pills may help in endometriosis development and worsening is being investigated.