IVF and Ovarian Cancer: What Does the Evidence Show?
IVF involves hormonal stimulation of the ovaries to help develop eggs for collection. Such procedures increase ovarian activity. This may lead to concerns among some people related to the possibility of long-term ovarian health complications associated with repeated stimulation.
We spoke to Dr Shalu Gupta, Senior Clinical Director – Department of Fertility at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Gurgaon, about the evidence surrounding IVF and ovarian cancer.
She suggests that current evidence does not show that IVF itself significantly increases the overall risk of ovarian cancer.
However, she also highlights the importance of this distinction because infertility itself can be associated with certain factors that may increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
Therefore, it is currently difficult to separate and categorise the effects of infertility from those of procedures involved in IVF.
Does IVF Increase the Risk of Ovarian Cancer?The current evidence does not establish any direct link between IVF medications and ovarian cancer.
Dr Shalu Gupta highlighted that some studies have reported a small increase in the risk of certain ovarian tumours among women who undergo fertility treatment, particularly after repeated treatment cycles. However, other studies have not found a clear association.
Overall, the evidence, especially related to invasive ovarian cancer, remains reassuring.
This distinction is important. Not all ovarian tumours behave in the same way, and findings related to specific tumour types should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that IVF causes ovarian cancer.
Why Is IVF Sometimes Linked With Ovarian Cancer Risk?During IVF, hormonal medicines stimulate the ovaries for a limited period. Due to this, many people have concerns regarding the potential impact of repeated stimulation on the development of ovarian cancer.
However, Dr Shalu Gupta points out that current evidence has not established that IVF medications directly cause ovarian cancer.
It is also important to consider why a woman needs IVF in the first place. The underlying cause of infertility may itself influence ovarian cancer risk.
Some factors that may need consideration include:
Should You Avoid IVF Because of Cancer Concerns?According to Dr Shalu Gupta, women should not avoid medically indicated fertility treatment solely because of concerns about ovarian cancer.
Instead, fertility treatment should be individualised according to factors such as:
Dr Shalu Gupta also highlights the importance of continued research and long-term follow-up, particularly as the use of IVF increases globally.
For women considering IVF, discussing your personal medical history and any existing risk factors with your fertility specialist can help put the available evidence into context.
Current evidence does not establish that IVF itself causes ovarian cancer. Understanding your individual risk factors can help you and your fertility specialist make informed decisions about treatment.
IVF can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Join our IVF support group, where stories, guidance, and strength are shared daily.
FAQs on IVF and Ovarian Cancer: What Does the Evidence Show?Does IVF cause ovarian cancer?
Current evidence has not established a direct causal relationship between IVF medications and ovarian cancer. Overall, the evidence does not show a significant increase in the risk of invasive ovarian cancer from IVF itself. Can repeated IVF cycles increase ovarian cancer risk?
Some studies have reported a small increase in certain ovarian tumours, particularly with repeated fertility treatment cycles. However, other studies have not found a clear association, so the evidence remains uncertain for specific tumour types. Should I avoid IVF because I am worried about ovarian cancer?
Women should not avoid medically indicated fertility treatment solely because of concerns about ovarian cancer. Your age, medical history, ovarian reserve and underlying cause of infertility can be considered when planning treatment.
We spoke to Dr Shalu Gupta, Senior Clinical Director – Department of Fertility at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Gurgaon, about the evidence surrounding IVF and ovarian cancer.
She suggests that current evidence does not show that IVF itself significantly increases the overall risk of ovarian cancer.
However, she also highlights the importance of this distinction because infertility itself can be associated with certain factors that may increase the risk of ovarian cancer.
Therefore, it is currently difficult to separate and categorise the effects of infertility from those of procedures involved in IVF.
Does IVF Increase the Risk of Ovarian Cancer?The current evidence does not establish any direct link between IVF medications and ovarian cancer.
Dr Shalu Gupta highlighted that some studies have reported a small increase in the risk of certain ovarian tumours among women who undergo fertility treatment, particularly after repeated treatment cycles. However, other studies have not found a clear association.
Overall, the evidence, especially related to invasive ovarian cancer, remains reassuring.
This distinction is important. Not all ovarian tumours behave in the same way, and findings related to specific tumour types should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that IVF causes ovarian cancer.
Why Is IVF Sometimes Linked With Ovarian Cancer Risk?During IVF, hormonal medicines stimulate the ovaries for a limited period. Due to this, many people have concerns regarding the potential impact of repeated stimulation on the development of ovarian cancer.
However, Dr Shalu Gupta points out that current evidence has not established that IVF medications directly cause ovarian cancer.
It is also important to consider why a woman needs IVF in the first place. The underlying cause of infertility may itself influence ovarian cancer risk.
Some factors that may need consideration include:
- Endometriosis
- Infertility itself
- Never having been pregnant
- Repeated fertility treatment cycles
Should You Avoid IVF Because of Cancer Concerns?According to Dr Shalu Gupta, women should not avoid medically indicated fertility treatment solely because of concerns about ovarian cancer.
Instead, fertility treatment should be individualised according to factors such as:
- Age
- Medical history
- Ovarian reserve
- Underlying cause of infertility
Dr Shalu Gupta also highlights the importance of continued research and long-term follow-up, particularly as the use of IVF increases globally.
For women considering IVF, discussing your personal medical history and any existing risk factors with your fertility specialist can help put the available evidence into context.
Current evidence does not establish that IVF itself causes ovarian cancer. Understanding your individual risk factors can help you and your fertility specialist make informed decisions about treatment.
IVF can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Join our IVF support group, where stories, guidance, and strength are shared daily.
FAQs on IVF and Ovarian Cancer: What Does the Evidence Show?
Current evidence has not established a direct causal relationship between IVF medications and ovarian cancer. Overall, the evidence does not show a significant increase in the risk of invasive ovarian cancer from IVF itself.
Some studies have reported a small increase in certain ovarian tumours, particularly with repeated fertility treatment cycles. However, other studies have not found a clear association, so the evidence remains uncertain for specific tumour types.
Women should not avoid medically indicated fertility treatment solely because of concerns about ovarian cancer. Your age, medical history, ovarian reserve and underlying cause of infertility can be considered when planning treatment.
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