The diagnosis: endometriosis. The cause: unknown. Doctors and researchers continue to gather the facts.

“Any number of things could predispose a woman to the condition,” says Dr. Timothy Hughes, a gynecologist with Lee Memorial Health System.

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue develops on the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, or other surfaces of the uterus. For some women, it can be extremely painful.

While doctors and researchers don’t know why this happens, we posed the question to Dr. Hughes: can it be prevented? “Right now, I don’t think there’s anything anybody can really do to prevent endometriosis,” he says.

While there may not be a way to prevent it, women can take action. “I think obviously, women should remain cognizant of what’s taking place in their body and if they feel like something is becoming a little bit abnormal over time, then they should seek the advice of a qualified gynecologist.”

He says keeping yourself informed and asking your physician questions may be the best line of defense against endometriosis.