Can Ovarian Cancer be Prevented with Birth Control and Pregnancy?

In today's time ovarian cancer has become the most common serious health problem among women due to lifestyle challenges and other factors. It is also known as the "silent killer" because it is difficult to recognize the symptoms in an early stage. Usually symptoms are recognized in an advanced stage, which makes treatment difficult and decreases the survival rate. Common signs are bloating, stomach discomfort, loss of appetite, or frequent urination which is generally mistaken as everyday health problems like digestive or urinary issues. Like this, symptoms go unnoticed until the cancer reaches an advanced stage.

According to some research studies, there are many factors that can lower the risk of ovarian cancer. Two most common factors are birth control pills (oral contraceptives) and pregnancy. Both can help to reduce the risk but they can't completely prevent the disease. The major reason behind this connection is ovulation as every month when an egg is released the surface of the ovary breaks and repairs itself. Over the many years, this repeated process can cause DNA damage that can lead to the growth of abnormal cells. While anything that lowers the number of ovulation eventually decreases the risk of ovarian cancer.
In this article, we will understand how birth control and pregnancy may help to lower ovarian cancer risk, what studies have discovered, and what other preventive steps can be taken for better health.

What Is Ovarian Cancer and Why Is Prevention Important?

Ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries when the cells in the ovaries start growing uncontrollably and form tumor. Ovaries are small organs on each side of a women's uterus. The main roles of ovaries are to release eggs for reproduction and production of female hormone such as estrogen and progesterone. There are different types of ovarian cancer, with the most common being epithelial ovarian cancer. This type occurs when there is abnormal growth of cells on the outer surface of the ovary. While other less common types of ovarian cancer start in germ cells or stromal cells. Although it is a serious health condition which can be fatal if left untreated or diagnosed late.

Why prevention matters?
Ovarian cancer is one of the main causes of cancer related deaths in women worldwide. Unlike some cancers that can be screened early, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer etc. right now there is no reliable screening test for ovarian cancer in women who are at risk. Clearly prevention plays an important role as because early detection is difficult, So lowering the overall risk becomes even more important. Preventive strategies can give women a better chance of avoiding the disease or at least reducing their risk level.

Risk factors and prevention opportunities
There are many risk factors that are responsible for developing ovarian cancer such as age, family history, or genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2. While use of birth control, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and some lifestyle choices may help to lower the risk but can't change risk factors.
Prevention opportunities include discussing contraceptive options with a doctor, knowing family history, and maintaining regular health check-ups—can make a meaningful difference in long-term health.

How Birth Control Pills May Reduce the Risk of Ovarian Cancer

Birth control pills are also known as oral contraceptives. These pills are widely used by women to prevent pregnancy. But according to some research studies, these pills have an important benefit that they can decrease the risk of ovarian cancer.

-How birth control pills work?
These pills contain hormones, usually a combination of estrogen and progestin that stop the process of ovulation due to which ovaries do not release an egg every month. Along with preventing pregnancy, these hormonal control pills also affect the ovaries function over time.

-Fewer ovulation, lower cancer risk
One of the major theory behind ovarian cancer is that frequent ovulation can increase the chance of abnormal cell growth. Each time during the ovulation an egg is released and the surface of the ovary breaks & then repairs itself. This repeated process over the year can cause change in DNA and lead to uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells which eventually cause cancer.
Since birth control pills give a kind of "rest" to ovaries by suppressing ovulation. This reduction in adulatory cycles is consider as one of the main reason of decreasing the chance of ovarian cancer.

-What research says
Various research studies have confirmed the effect of oral contraceptives. According to the American Cancer Society, women who take birth control pills for 5 or more than 5 years have lower risk of developing ovarian cancer upto 50% as compared to the women who don't use birth control pills.It can be conclude that longer the pills are used greater the protection they provide.

-Things to consider
As we know birth control pills can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer but remember that they are not suitable for everyone. Some women may face adverse impacts like nausea, mood swings, or sometimes increase the risk of blood clotting if they smoke or have other health conditions.
We can say that birth control pills are more than just a family-planning tool. They provide long term protection by decreasing ovulation. Although every woman has different tolerance level and suitability, it is important to consult with a doctor whether oral contraceptives are the right choice or not based on personal health history and needs.

Can Pregnancy Lower the Risk of Ovarian Cancer?

Pregnancy and childbirth have been linked for a long time with reducing the risk of ovarian cancer and the main reason behind this is ovulation naturally stops for many months during this period of time. Also, some hormonal changes during pregnancy may also help to protect ovarian cells from DNA damage.
For about nine months, ovaries go on rest phase and if a woman breastfeeds after pregnancy then the resting period continues for longer time. Due to which ovaries undergo have fewer cycles of damage and repair, and as a result, the risk of cancer may be decrease.
Research studies show that women who have had one or more full-term pregnancies usually have a lower risk of ovarian cancer than women who have never been pregnant. Age at the time of first pregnancy is also a matter, as having a child at a younger age may give stronger protection. Some scientists also suggest that pregnancy-related hormonal changes, mainly the rise in progesterone, can eliminate the abnormal or damaged ovarian cells and prevent cancer.
It is important to keep in mind that pregnancy does not offer full protection. Women with strong genetic risks, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, may still develop ovarian cancer no matter how many children they have. Also the other lifestyle and medical factors can increase the risk, so pregnancy can't provide a guaranteed shield.
Simply pregnancy and breastfeeding together act as natural factors that can help in decreasing the ovarian cancer risk. As they provide long term rest to ovaries from monthly ovulation and create a hormonal condition that act as a protection. While these things can only lower the risk of cancer, they can't replace other risk factors such as family history, overall health etc.

What Studies Say About Prevention and Hormonal Factors

Many scientific studies have research the link between hormones, reproductive choices, and the risk of ovarian cancer over the years. The results of studies suggest that factors that reduce the number of ovulation in a woman's life also lower her risk of developing ovarian cancer. Two best examples are the use of birth control pills and pregnancy.
Research shows that women who use birth controls for five or more years may reduce their risk of ovarian cancer by up to 50 percent as compared to other women. This protection lasts even after stopping the pills, and the longer the use, the greater the benefit. The reason is simple less ovulation lead to less damage to ovarian tissue and fewer chances for abnormal cell growth.
Pregnancy also offers great protection. Studies show that women with one or more full-term pregnancies, especially at a younger age, are less chance of developing ovarian cancer later in life. Breastfeeding can also enhance this protective effect by delaying the return of ovulation after childbirth. This again relates to giving the ovaries fewer chances for cell changes that could lead to cancer.
Hormones play an important role as well. High levels of progesterone during pregnancy may help remove damaged cells in the ovaries, while the hormonal balance from birth control pills helps regulate the reproductive system. Together, these hormonal changes create a protective barrier against cancer development.

However, not every woman benefits equally, and these strategies do not guarantee prevention. Genetic factors, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, can still affect these protective effects. Nonetheless, the evidence clearly shows that hormonal factors—through natural life events like pregnancy and medical options like birth control pills—significantly lower the risk of ovarian cancer.

Additional Ways to Lower Your Ovarian Cancer Risk

Apart from birth control pills and pregnancy, there are several other ways women can lower their ovarian cancer risk:

● Genetic Testing and Counseling
▪ Women who have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer may carry BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. This genetic mutation is the main cause of cancer.
▪ Early testing can helps to identify the risk and allows preventive options such as regular monitoring, preventive surgery, or targeted treatments.
● Healthy Lifestyle Choices
▪ Eat a balanced diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
▪ Stay physically active and maintain a healthy weight to balance hormone levels.
▪ Avoid smoking because it can increases the risk of several cancers, including ovarian.
● Weight Management
▪ Obesity can raise estrogen levels in the body and that may become the fuel to growth of certain cancers.
▪ Maintaining a healthy body weight can lower the overall cancer risk.
● Protective Medical Procedures
▪ Surgical options like tying fallopian tubes or hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)also have been linked to the lowering ovarian cancer risk.
▪ They don't give surety for prevention but can offer protection if done for other medical reasons.
● Regular Health Check-ups
▪ Be alert to regular symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite and inform your doctor.
▪ While there is no routine screening for average-risk women, regular visits to a doctor help ensure early attention if problems arise.
There is no single method available that can prevent ovarian cancer, but combining genetic awareness, lifestyle changes, medical guidance, and attention to body signals can significantly reduce risk and support long-term health.

FAQ

Q. Can ovarian cancer be completely prevented?
No, ovarian cancer cannot be completely prevented. However, certain steps such as using birth control pills, having full-term pregnancies, breastfeeding, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle may help to lower the risk.

Q. In what ways do birth control pills reduce the chance of developing ovarian cancer?
Birth control pills stop ovulation. Since fewer ovulation mean less stress and repair on the ovaries, and the chances of abnormal cell changes also reduced that prevent cancer.

Q. Does pregnancy really protect against ovarian cancer?
Yes, pregnancy lowers the risk because ovulation does not take place during those months. The longer a woman goes without ovulation, including breastfeeding after pregnancy, the more protection she may have.

Q. If anyone has a family history of ovarian cancer, what should they do?
If ovarian or breast cancer runs in your family, it is important to consult an oncologist. Genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations can help you to understand your risk.

Q. What else can reduce the risk apart from birth control and pregnancy?
By maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, regularly exercising, and staying aware of family history can help to reduce the risk. Women who are at high risk should talk to their healthcare provider about screening and preventive treatments.

Conclusion

Ovarian cancer is a very serious and life threatening condition and unfortunately there is no exact way to prevent it. Although some research studies found that pregnancy and use of birth control pills for many years can lower the risk of this cancer. As both methods give a long rest to ovaries from ovulation and provide a natural protection to a woman.

However, they can't replace other factors like health condition, family history, BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation and several biological factors. As these factors also play major role in occurrence of ovarian cancer. Many ovarian cancer patients need advanced therapies such as Avastin injection to treat and manage their condition but the high cost of this injection create barrier. At Magicine Pharma we provide all the life saving drugs on high discount.

You can get Avastin 400 injection cost in affordable range from our site and make your treatment journey easy and more effective. Visit our site to remove cost barrier and place your order now. Together, awareness, prevention, and affordable treatment options can empower women and their loved ones to face ovarian cancer with greater strength and hope.

References

● National Cancer Institute – Oral Contraceptives and Cancer Risk
● American Cancer Society – Ovarian Cancer Causes, Risks, and Prevention
● PubMed – Oral contraceptives and ovarian cancer risk (PMID: 9392951)
● MD Anderson Cancer Center – Birth Control and Cancer Risk
● PubMed – Pregnancy and ovarian cancer risk (PMID: 18294997)
● Memorial Sloan Kettering – Birth Control and Cancer Risk
● Facing Our Risk – Birth Control and Ovarian Cancer
● AHRQ – Research Protocol: Ovarian Cancer and Contraceptives​