A Swedish study has provided scientific evidence that fertility treatment such as IVFdoesn’t increase your risk of developing cancer.
Previous studies have hinted at a link between the fertility drugs necessary for IVF and other treatments and the development of common cancers such as breast and cervical cancer.
In the study, the cancer rates of more than 24,000 Swedish women who all underwent IVF were compared to those of women from the general population, who had given birth at the same time.
After taking in to account the mother’s age, number of previous children and other factors such as smoking, the researchers found that the overall risk of developing cancer after IVF was actually about 25 per cent lower than women who hadn’t had fertility treatment.
Possible reasons for this according to the researchers is that women undergoing IVF may undergo more screening, ensuring early detection of any pre-cancerous conditions, or that they were simply healthier than the general population group.
But the overall opinion is that women going through IVF can take fertility drugs without fear that they are increasing their cancer risk.
In Sweden, the only fertility drugs used in IVF are gonadotrophins, which we also use at Manchester Fertility during IVF and other treatments such as ovulation induction.
Don’t forget if you have any questions about fertility treatment you can call us on 0161 300 2737 or email [email protected]. You can also come along to our free monthly open evenings to find out more about what’s involved – see our homepage for details of new dates.
Last updated: 20th January 2020
