IVF, which stands for In Vitro Fertilization, is a fertility treatment designed to help couples who are having difficulty conceiving.

This treatment involves removing eggs from the female’s ovaries, mixing them with sperm in a lab, and then transferring the resulting embryos back into the female’s uterus.

Does IVF Increase the Risk of Cancer?

There has been some concern that IVF treatment may increase the risk of cancer. However, multiple research studies have shown that there is no evidence to suggest that IVF treatment increases the risk of cancer.

What is the Basis for Cancer Concerns with IVF?

The primary concern with IVF treatment and the risk of cancer involves the use of hormones during the treatment.

These hormones, which are used to stimulate egg production and prepare the uterus for implantation, are thought to potentially increase the risk of cancer.

What Does the Research Say?

A number of studies have been conducted looking at the relationship between IVF treatment and cancer.

One of the most comprehensive studies, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2019, analyzed data from more than 1.4 million women in Denmark and found no increased risk of breast cancer or gynecologic cancers in women who had undergone IVF treatment compared to those who had not.

Other studies have come to similar conclusions. A review of 13 studies published in the journal Fertility and Sterility in 2013 found that there was no increased risk of breast, ovarian, or endometrial cancer associated with IVF treatment.

Another study published in the British Medical Journal in 2013 found that women who underwent IVF treatment had a lower risk of ovarian cancer compared to women who had not undergone the treatment.

What about Long-Term Effects?

While multiple studies have found no increased risk of cancer associated with IVF treatment, some experts have suggested that more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of the treatment.

Some have speculated that there may be a small increase in cancer risk for women who undergo multiple rounds of IVF treatment over many years.

However, there is currently no evidence to support this hypothesis. Further research is needed to better understand the long-term effects of IVF treatment on cancer risk.

Are There Other Risks Associated with IVF Treatment?

While there is no evidence to suggest that IVF treatment increases the risk of cancer, the treatment does come with some risks.

For example, there is a small risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a condition in which the ovaries become swollen and painful.

There is also a small risk of infection associated with the egg retrieval procedure.

Additionally, there is a slightly increased risk of having a multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets, etc.) with IVF treatment, which can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery.

Conclusion

Overall, the research suggests that IVF treatment does not increase the risk of cancer.

While there may be some risks associated with the treatment, such as the risk of OHSS and infection, the treatment is generally considered safe and effective for helping couples struggling with infertility.