Using an IUD can reduce the risk of cervical cancer by at least 30%. This is shown by the data from a study by the College of Medicine at the University of Southern California. Insertion of an intrauterine device is among the safest reversible methods for long-term prevention of unwanted pregnancy. Along with its benefits as a contraceptive, however, it may also have purely preventive benefits regarding one of the most common forms of cancer in women. Cervical cancer develops after infection with the human papillomavirus. Many women are its carriers or are infected with it without suspecting it. American scientists found that these women can supplement their preventive care against cervical cancer with the use of an intrauterine device. Inserting an IUD into the uterus triggers an immune response that kills sperm that enter the vagina after intercourse before they reach the egg. It is this reaction of the female organism that is the reason for American scientists to study in more detail the role of the intrauterine spiral on the woman’s immunity and on the reaction of the immune system to the infection by the papilloma virus. On further analysis, it was found that the activation of the immune system after insertion of an IUD was strong enough to destroy papillomaviruses as well. Proof of this is provided by a large-scale study among 12,000 women, where it was found that among those who did not develop cervical cancer, the highest percentage was those who used an IUD as a contraceptive. NEWS_MORE_BOX It is believed that the response of the immune system after insertion of an intrauterine device is similar to that which is activated after administration of a vaccine against human papilloma virus. Such a vaccine is given to girls as early as childhood, and the built-up immunity against the papilloma virus is strong enough throughout their life. The results of the study by American scientists show that women who have not been vaccinated can derive a sufficiently strong preventive support from intrauterine spirals. However, it is not yet certain whether IUDs can be recommended as an effective preventive measure against cervical cancer. At the moment, the role of cancer prevention in women who are exposed to the risk factors for the development of the disease has not been fully considered. Leading among these factors are the frequent change of sexual partners or the presence of sexually transmitted diseases, which increase the risk of cervical cancer.