Ovarian cancer is a serious health concern that causes the death of many women every year.

According to the American Cancer Society, about 21,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, and around 14,000 will die from it. However, research has shown that the use of oral contraceptives can help reduce the risk for ovarian cancer.

What is ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the ovaries. It is often called the ‘silent killer’ because the symptoms are often vague and can go unnoticed until the cancer has advanced.

Common symptoms of ovarian cancer include bloating, abdominal pain, and feeling full quickly, among others.

How does the use of contraceptives reduce the risk of ovarian cancer?

Research has found that the use of contraceptives can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.

One study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that women who used oral contraceptives for at least five years could reduce their risk of ovarian cancer by 50%. Another study by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that oral contraceptive use decreased the risk of ovarian cancer by up to 60% in some women.

The effect of contraceptives is thought to be due to the suppression of ovulation, which reduces the number of times the ovaries are exposed to hormonal changes. Ovulation is a process in which the ovary releases an egg.

During ovulation, the ovary is exposed to high levels of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Research has shown that the more ovulatory cycles a woman goes through, the higher her risk for developing ovarian cancer.

By inhibiting ovulation, oral contraceptives can reduce the frequency of ovulation and, therefore, the exposure of the ovaries to high levels of hormones.

This reduction in the hormonal stimulation of the ovaries is thought to be the primary mechanism by which oral contraceptives reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.

Other factors that can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer

In addition to the use of oral contraceptives, there are several other factors that can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, including:.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy and breastfeeding can reduce the number of ovulatory cycles a woman goes through in her lifetime, which can lower her risk for ovarian cancer.

Women who have had one or more full-term pregnancies and have breastfed for at least a year may have a reduced risk for ovarian cancer compared to women who have never been pregnant or breastfed.

Tubal ligation and hysterectomy

Tubal ligation, also known as getting your tubes tied, is a surgical procedure that blocks the fallopian tubes and prevents eggs from traveling from the ovaries to the uterus. This procedure can lower the risk for ovarian cancer.

A hysterectomy, which involves the removal of the uterus, can also reduce the risk for ovarian cancer, especially if the ovaries are removed as well.

The potential risks of oral contraceptive use

While oral contraceptives have been shown to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, they do come with potential risks. These risks include:.

Blood clots

Oral contraceptives can increase the risk of blood clots in some women, which in rare cases can be life-threatening. Women who smoke, are over the age of 35, or have a family history of blood clots may be at higher risk for this complication.

Breast cancer

There may be a slightly increased risk of breast cancer in women who use oral contraceptives, although the evidence is mixed.

Stroke and heart attack

Oral contraceptives can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack in some women, particularly those who smoke or have pre-existing cardiovascular disease.

If you are considering using oral contraceptives to reduce your risk of ovarian cancer, it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.

Conclusion

Ovarian cancer is a deadly disease that affects many women around the world. The use of oral contraceptives has been shown to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, possibly by reducing the number of ovulatory cycles a woman goes through in her lifetime.

However, oral contraceptives do have potential risks that need to be considered. If you are considering using oral contraceptives to reduce your risk of ovarian cancer, it is important to discuss the potential benefits and risks with your doctor.