WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for May, 1998: Re: Clomid and Increased Ovarian Cancer Risk

Re: Clomid and Increased Ovarian Cancer Risk

From: Kelly Shanahan, MD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Fri, 1 May 1998 19:20:52 -0500 (CDT)

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In reply to: Sara: "Clomid and Increased Ovarian Cancer Risk"

At Fri, 1 May 1998, Sara wrote: >
>I am 39, mother of 2 wonderful adopted children (ie: never pregnant) and
>did 9 cycles of clomid in 1989. I'm scared. My Dr. recommends annual
>screening with blood work and vaginal probe ultrasound ... is this
>enough? He says I'm too young to remove my ovaries without a diagnosis.
>The insurance co. is reluctant to pay for the tests... is there
>ammunition to convince them with? Any advice would be most appreciated.

There were a couple of studies that showed that women who took fertility drugs OR *women who had unprotected sex for long periods of time without conceiving* may have a higher risk of ovarian cancer. What this means to me, is htat it is possibly infertility in and of itself is the risk, and not fertility drugs. Also, a study in Israel of over 2000 women who had taken fertility drugs showed no increase risk of ovarian cancer.

The blood test your doctor is talking about is a CA-125 -- it is not a very good test in premenopausal women because it can be increased if drawn during the menstrual period, if there is endometriosis, infection or fibroids. The best thing for you to do is have a good, thorough annual pelvic exam (including rectal) so your doctor can feel your ovaries well.

The chances of you, or any of us who have taken fertility drugs (i've had 6 cycles of clomid and 1 of pergonal), developing ovarian cancer are very small.

--
Kelly Shanahan, MD, FACOG
S. Lake Tahoe, CA

note: Opinions here are for educational purposes only. This information is not intended to supplant the need for you to consult with your own physician. It cannot take the place of a face to face consultation and examination.
Sorry, but private e-mails will not be answered.

Next message: Kelly Shanahan, MD: "Re: cramping after insemenations"
Previous message: Laura: "Progesterone"
In reply to: Sara: "Clomid and Increased Ovarian Cancer Risk"

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