Intrauterine device use may reduce incidence of ovarian cancer

(HealthDay)—Intrauterine device (IUD) use among reproductive women is associated with a decreased incidence of ovarian cancer, according to a review published online Sept. 10 in Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Lindsay J. Wheeler, M.D., from the University of Colorado in Aurora, and colleagues conducted a systematic literature review to explore the relationship between IUD use and risk for ovarian cancer.

The researchers identified 15 studies with individual-level data regarding IUD use and incident ovarian cancer and included 11 of these studies in a meta-analysis. Harmonization and weighting of the data showed ever use of an IUD was associated with a decreased risk for incident ovarian cancer (odds ratio, 0.68). No significant differences were found between covariates. Heterogeneity among all studies was found to be I² > 68 percent.

"Given the grave nature of an advanced ovarian cancer diagnosis, even a modest increase in the use of IUDs may lead to a decrease in incidence in ovarian cancer in a general population of women, leading to a significant population-level effect," the authors write.

One author disclosed receiving funds from Merck, Bayer, and Sebela for contraceptive research trials.