Another Benefit of IUDs

According to this article from USA Today, Study: IUDs may also prevent cervical cancer by Liz Szabo, women who use an IUD have about half the risk of developing cervical cancer as women who don't.  "The international analysis, published in The Lancet Oncology, combined data from 26 studies with a total of more than 20,000 women" (Szabo, 2011). 

Mirena

Scientists aren't sure as to why the IUD could prevent cervical cancer, and I have a feeling it could be the result of an outside variable.  For example, as the article states, cervical cancer is caused by an HPV infection (humanpapilloma virus), which is a common STD.  However, since the IUD is only effective in preventing pregnancy and not STDs, and IUDs are generally marketed to women who are married or in committed relationships, it would be logical to assume that the majority of women who have the IUD do fall into that category and are not exposed to HPV or other STDs. Therefore, they are less likely to develop cervical cancer.


Just a thought! Read the article and see what you think!