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IUDs reduce the risk of cervical cancer by 50%
Last reviewed: 30.06.2025
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Doctors led by Dr. Howard Jones of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine said that the use of intrauterine devices by women as a method of contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancy reduces the risk of developing cervical cancer by 50%.
The scientists made these conclusions based on the results of 26 studies that covered 20,000 women from 14 countries. The reasons for such a sharp drop in cervical cancer incidence with the use of intrauterine devices have not yet been sufficiently studied.
It is believed that the IUD causes the body's immune response to a foreign body, which is the IUD, resulting in inflammation that suppresses the development of the papilloma virus, the main cause of cervical cancer.
Previous studies have shown that IUDs reduce the risk of endometrial cancer, and, conversely, increase the risk of cervical cancer. Also, do not forget about the frequent side effects of using the IUD, such as increased menstrual bleeding, chronic pain.
Independent experts are not yet in a hurry to share the optimistic statements of their colleagues and stated that the scope of application of intrauterine devices is unlikely to be expanded in the near future, since the benefits do not outweigh the risks. In their opinion, women who lead a sexually active life should give preference to barrier methods of contraception (condoms), which, if used correctly, protect against both the human papillomavirus and many STIs, including HIV infection. And women who have reached the age of 30 should regularly visit a gynecologist and undergo screening for cervical cancer.