New research suggests that using the coil could cut the risk of cervical cancer by a third.
The IUS (intrauterine system) or hormonal coil is a small, T-shaped plastic device that is inserted into the womb, as a form of contraception, by a doctor or nurse.
It works by releasing a progestogen hormone into the womb which helps to thicken the mucus from the cervix, making it hard for sperm to move through to fertilise an egg.
According to The Sun, researchers at the University of Southern California carried out the study by analysing 16 previous studies involving 12,000 women worldwide.
They say they have found ‘very strong evidence’ to suggest that women who use the coil as a form of contraception cut their risk of developing cervical cancer by a third.
Of all the women who were surveyed, those who used the coil had a third less incidence of cervical cancer.
Study leader Dr Victoria Cortessis said:
“The pattern we found was stunning. It was not subtle at all.
The possibility that a woman could experience some help with cancer control at the same time she is making contraception decisions could potentially be very, very impactful.”
