A couple experiencing infertility faces an emotional journey filled with many questions and considerations. After choosing a reputable fertility treatment center, it is important to discuss those concerns with the reproductive endocrinologist in the development of a treatment plan.

One of the most common concerns about fertility treatment is whether or not there is a connection between fertility medications and ovarian cancer. Early reports suggested a strong link, but those reports have since been challenged. This concern has been at the center of debate and research for over a decade with experts falling on both sides of the argument.

Recent Studies in ovarian Cancer and Fertility Medications
One of the most in depth studies to date exploring the possible link between fertility medications and ovarian cancer found no convincing association between the two. The study, which was published in the February 2009 British medical Journal followed a group of women under the care of a fertility treatment center and given either gonadotropins, clomiphene citrate, human chorionic gonadotropin, or gonadotropin-releasing hormones, and were compared with women who were not given the drugs.

The study, which is consistent with other recent studies, did calm some fears but did not completely rule out a possible cancer link. The study did note a slight elevation in the instances ovarian cancer and the use of clomiphene, but so low that it cold be a statistical aberration.

The Early Data
One of the major flaws in 1990s research was that it compared statistics from the general population of mostly fertile women with data collected from women being treated at fertility treatment centers, which makes the data skewed. Conversely, critics also note that the study did not follow women long enough and many cases of ovarian cancer occur past the age of 45 where the study ended.

Most Resent Studies
Another recent study suggested that there may be an increased risk of ovarian cancer for those who took clomiphene citrate for more than 12 cycles, compared to those who took the medication for less than 12 cycles. Though the results are unclear and the actual incidence of ovarian cancer very low, it is recommended that individuals considering fertility treatments consult their physician and ask about the fertility treatment center’s practice regarding clomiphine citrate.

Understanding Ovarian Cancer
The risk for developing ovarian cancer in a woman’s lifetime is between 1-2%. Women with certain conditions that may cause them to seek the help of a fertility treatment center such as endometriosis or “unknown infertility” are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
The known causes are multifactorial and include:

• Early onset of menses
• Irregular cycles
• History of untreated infertility
• Never having children

The study also notes that some factors may help reduce a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer. Some of those factors include:

• Use of oral contraceptives
• Removal of ovaries
• Late onset of Menses
• Early onset of menopause
• Repeated pregnancies
• Prolonged lactation

Though most studies either find no link, or the incidence is low and the connection unclear, most fertility treatment centers will suggest each patient weigh the desire of having a child against any possible risks.