New research finds contraceptive coil could reduce risk of cervical cancer in women

The contraceptive coil could reduce a woman's risk of cervical cancer drastically, American researchers have discovered.

The intrauterine devices (IUDs), which is considered to be a very effective form of contraception, may be "quietly offering protection" against this common cancer in women, the Daily Mail reported.

Research showed use of the coil led to a "dramatic decrease" of cases of the deadly disease.

This is reportedly the first study to combine figures from many others on cervical cancer and IUDs, which included 16 observational studies that involved close to 12,000 women from around the world.

"The pattern we found was stunning. It was not subtle at all," lead author of the study Dr Victoria Cortessis, of The Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, told the Daily Mail. Adding, "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 impact."

Dr Cortessis also noted a contraceptive that offers protection against the disease can have a "profound" effect especially for women in developing countries.

"A staggering number of women in the developing world are on the verge of entering the age range where the risk for cervical cancer is the highest - the 30s to the 60s," she revealed in the report. Dr Cortessis feel hopeful this method could " combat this impending epidemic".

The number of women around the world diagnosed with cervical cancer is growing steadily. The World Health Organisation (WHO) revealed in 2012 close to 528,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer and 266,000 women died from it.

WHO projects those numbers will climb to 756,000 and 416,000 by 2035.

The review was originally published in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology