Intrauterine devices reduce the risk of cervical cancer by 50%
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
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Doctors, led by Dr. Howard Jones of Vanderbild University Medical School, said that using intrauterine spirals for women as a method of contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancy reduces the risk of cervical cancer by 50%.
The scientists made these conclusions on the basis of the results of 26 studies, which covered 20 thousand women from 14 countries. The reasons for such a sharp drop in the incidence of cervical cancer when using intrauterine spirals have not been sufficiently studied.
It is assumed that the spiral causes the immune response of the body to the foreign body, which is a spiral, resulting in inflammation, which suppresses the development of the papilloma virus, the main cause of cervical cancer.
Previous studies have shown that intrauterine spirals reduce the risk of developing endometrial cancer, and, conversely, increase the risk of developing cervical cancer. Also, do not forget about the frequent side effects of spiral application, such as, increased menstrual bleeding, chronic pain.
Independent experts are not yet rushing to share the optimistic statements of their colleagues and stated that in the near future the scope of intrauterine spirals is unlikely to be expanded, since the advantages do not outweigh the risks. In their opinion, women who lead a sexually active life should prefer barrier methods of contraception (condoms), which, when properly used, protects both human papillomavirus and many STDs, including HIV. And women who are 30 years old must regularly visit a gynecologist and undergo screening for cervical cancer.