NEWS & KNOWLEDGE

One of the most common concerns among patients planning to undergo ICSI treatment or egg freezing is: “Can ovarian stimulation medications increase the risk of cancer?”

Because fertility medications are hormone-based, many patients worry that they may affect the ovaries, uterus, or increase the risk of cancer in the future.

What Are Ovarian Stimulation Medications?

Ovarian stimulation medications are hormonal medications used by fertility specialists to encourage the ovaries to produce multiple eggs during a single menstrual cycle.

This is an essential step in the ICSI process, helping increase the chances of obtaining high-quality embryos. These medications are also commonly used for patients planning to freeze their eggs for future use.

The type and dosage of medication are carefully individualized based on each patient’s condition, including:

• Age
• Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels
• Prolactin (PRL) levels
• Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels
• Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels
• Estradiol (E2) levels
• Body Mass Index (BMI)

Previous treatment history and medication use

Do Fertility Medications Increase Cancer Risk?

Current medical evidence shows that ovarian stimulation medications used under the supervision of fertility specialists do not increase the long-term risk of cancer when administered appropriately.

Although these medications contain hormones, they act only for a short period of time and are naturally eliminated from the body each day.

During ICSI treatment or egg freezing cycles, fertility specialists closely monitor every stage of the process to ensure both safety and effectiveness, including:

• Ultrasound monitoring of follicle development
• Hormone level assessments during stimulation
• Individualized dose adjustments for each treatment cycle

Conclusion

When used under the care of experienced fertility specialists, ovarian stimulation medications for ICSI or egg freezing do not appear to increase the long-term risk of cancer.

Because fertility treatment should always be personalized, patients are encouraged to undergo a thorough fertility evaluation and consultation with a reproductive medicine specialist before starting treatment. Proper planning and close monitoring help ensure the safest and most effective treatment outcomes.

Article by
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Matchuporn Sukprasert (Medical License No. 27172)