Which medications are associated with protection against ovarian cancer?

Long-term oral contraceptives have been associated with a protective effect against ovarian cancer. The mechanism behind this protective effect is thought to be related to the reduction of ovulation cycles in women who use these contraceptives. By suppressing ovulation, these medications limit the number of times the ovarian surface is exposed to potential carcinogenic factors that occur during the process of ovulation, which can create inflammation and cellular turnover—conditions that may promote cancer development.

The extensive research supporting this protective effect indicates that women who use oral contraceptives regularly over an extended period may statistically show a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer compared to those who do not use these medications. This protective effect can last even after the discontinuation of contraceptive use.

The other medications listed do not share the same established protective association with ovarian cancer. Hormone replacement therapy is primarily used to alleviate menopausal symptoms and may actually have complex effects on cancer risks. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been studied for their potential pain-relieving properties rather than direct effects on cancer development, and intravenous antibiotics do not have any known impact on ovarian cancer risk.