Epidemiologic Studies on The Association of Ovarian Cancer and Use of Long-Acting Progestogen-Based Contraceptives, Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices and Partner Vasectomy

Abstract

Background: Oral contraceptives have been shown to be inversely associated with ovarian cancer. The interelation between use of other types of  contraceptives and ovarian cancer have not been established. The objective of this narrative review was to examine epidemiologic studies of Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices (IUDs), long-acting progestogen-based contraceptives, partner vasectomy, and ovarian cancer.

Methodology: Relevant epidemiologic studies were identified through a search for the MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL databases. All studies published in English on March, 2018 were included.

Results: Of the 11 studies identified, two out of four reported statistically were significantly of lower risk for ovarian cancer associated with the use of Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA). Whereas, two earlier studies observed statistically non-significant risk estimates greater than
1.00. Eight studies assessing the association between ever-use of IUDs and ovarian cancer had mixed findings. A pair of double studies assessing the interelation between partner vasectomy and ovarian cancer reported statistically non-significant risk estimates below 1.00.

Conclusion: Use of DMPA, levonorgestrel-releasing IUDs and partner vasectomy's association is of lower risk of ovarian cancer. The Association of  Ovarian Cancer with use of IUDs only is not clear. However, copper- bearing IUDs possibly increase a risk. These findings are not definitive; more studies are needed to assess these associations more.

Key words: “Ovarian cancer, DMPA, Vasectomy, IUDs, Contraceptives”.