Cancer risk from fertility meds?

sarahtoledo · November 2011

I met with my new RE yesterday and he will only do IVF with me. I really want to do 2-3 more cycles of injectables + TI/IUI, but he won't do it. He said I've already done too many and I'm putting myself at greater risk of ovarian cancer.

I'm about to miscarry and I really, really needed some hope. IVF is not an option for us (I told him that), and I didn't need a cancer scare. I think I need a new, new RE. Sad

TIA for your help.

juls052309 · November 2011

(((HUIGS)))

I have no advice but wanted to say that if you are not satisfied with that answer than it definately couldnt hurt to get another opinion.

MAbride0808 · November 2011

(((hugs)))

Mrs.McIrish · November 2011

I replied on IFV.

CGoldman96 · November 2011

I had a similar convo with my RE recently. I have taken Clomid 7 times. He said he'd allow up to 10 and evidence has only shown an increased risk of cancer after 12 cycles of Clomid. From what I understood even then it's only a slight increase.

racheyt0227 · November 2011

They said injectables had an increased risk?? I havent heard that before.

ycristina84 · November 2011

My RE and several studies I've read online state that certain fertility drugs should not be taken for more than 6 months at a time. (I believe Clomid is the big one, but don't quote me on that) Their effectiveness goes down and it can cause damages to your ovaries and reproductive system. I have not read about cancer, but most renowned people in the field seem to agree with the 6 month timeline.

vanessagorc · November 2011

Mrs.McIrish:
I replied on IFV.

me too

PurpleIris30 · November 2011

I'd definitely get a second opinion. What drugs did you use for your IUI and did your RE propose to use different drugs for IVF? Often they are the same if you are doing injects, so I'm confused by the reasoning.

I'd be lying if I said I didn't worry about this (either causation or the drugs exacerbating an already existing condition or tendency), but I don't think I'd be more worried about doing IVF versus another round of IUI (unless you were doing extended months on clomid).

PurpleIris30 · November 2011

And I should have mentioned in my first post, but I'm very sorry to hear about your imminent miscarriage. I hope a second opinion can give you something positive to hold onto.

Dr.Loretta · November 2011

Several studies have show that, with the exception of long-term progesterone use, there's no increased risk of cancer with IF meds. The risk/benefit ratio for Clomid get more even after 6 cycles.

Yep, time for a new RE. Wish I knew one in the area.

RovinChick · November 2011

My RE said some studies show a very slight increase risk of ovarian cancer in populations taking fertility drugs. However, she said it is a little controversial, because it is also documented that women who have never been pregnant are at an increase risk of cancer for that fact alone. So, she said it's hard to distinguish if it is the infertility or the usage of drugs that is causing the risk, but either way it is a small increase overall.

Cancer risk from fertility meds?

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