Author: Brett Montgomery, Senior Lecturer in General Practice, The University of Western Australia

A new study has found a link between hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) and breast cancer. The research is important, but media reports of a large increase in risk may be causing unnecessary worry. Let’s put the findings in perspective for people who use IUDs. What are IUDs? IUDs are commonly used contraceptive devices. They sit inside the uterus (womb) to prevent pregnancy. Older versions contain copper as their active ingredient. Newer “hormonal” IUDs slowly release a synthetic progesterone called levonorgestrel. This mimics the body’s natural progesterone hormone. Both the copper and hormonal types of IUD are highly effective at preventing…