Intrauterine devices and gynaecological malignancies - an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses

TY - JOUR

T1 - Intrauterine devices and gynaecological malignancies - an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses

AU - Lessa, Alice

AU - Podlasek, Anna

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2025 The European Society of Contraception and Reproductive Health.

PY - 2025

Y1 - 2025

N2 - Background and aims: The intrauterine device (IUD) is globally recognised as a safe, cost-effective, and reliable contraceptive. This umbrella review and meta-analysis synthesises current evidence regarding the association between IUD usage and incidence of gynaecological and breast malignancies. Materials and methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Ovid databases was conducted for systematic reviews and meta-analyses examining any type of IUD in relation to gynaecological and breast cancers. The screening and data extraction processes adhered to PRISMA guidelines, and random-effects meta-analysis was employed for data synthesis. Results: 323 titles and abstracts were screened, leading to the review of 41 full texts and the inclusion of 17 articles. Analyses of these articles and of their 32 primary sources indicated a decreased risk of cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancer for ever-users of IUD (respective OR: 0.63 [95% CI 0.48–0.82], 0.41 [0.31–0.54], and 0.71 [0.59–0.86]; all p < 0.001). Our analysis did not yield any statistically significant association between IUD use and breast cancer risk (OR 1.00 [0.70–1.41], p = 0.99). Conclusion: IUD use is associated with a reduced risk of ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers, while no link was found with breast cancer. These findings can inform patient counselling on the benefits and risks of IUD use.

AB - Background and aims: The intrauterine device (IUD) is globally recognised as a safe, cost-effective, and reliable contraceptive. This umbrella review and meta-analysis synthesises current evidence regarding the association between IUD usage and incidence of gynaecological and breast malignancies. Materials and methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Ovid databases was conducted for systematic reviews and meta-analyses examining any type of IUD in relation to gynaecological and breast cancers. The screening and data extraction processes adhered to PRISMA guidelines, and random-effects meta-analysis was employed for data synthesis. Results: 323 titles and abstracts were screened, leading to the review of 41 full texts and the inclusion of 17 articles. Analyses of these articles and of their 32 primary sources indicated a decreased risk of cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancer for ever-users of IUD (respective OR: 0.63 [95% CI 0.48–0.82], 0.41 [0.31–0.54], and 0.71 [0.59–0.86]; all p < 0.001). Our analysis did not yield any statistically significant association between IUD use and breast cancer risk (OR 1.00 [0.70–1.41], p = 0.99). Conclusion: IUD use is associated with a reduced risk of ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers, while no link was found with breast cancer. These findings can inform patient counselling on the benefits and risks of IUD use.

KW - breast cancer

KW - cervical cancer

KW - endometrial cancer

KW - gynaecological malignancy

KW - Intrauterine contraception

KW - ovarian cancer

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105005778814

U2 - 10.1080/13625187.2025.2499686

DO - 10.1080/13625187.2025.2499686

M3 - Review article

C2 - 40392239

AN - SCOPUS:105005778814

SN - 1362-5187

VL - 30

SP - 177

EP - 189

JO - European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care

JF - European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care

IS - 4

ER -