US researchers, who have conducted the largest study yet into whether applying powder to the genitals increases a woman’s risk of ovarian cancer, have been unable to definitively put the issue to rest.

Overall, the study did not find a significantly increased risk of ovarian cancer, but there appeared to be a heightened risk among certain women who used the products.

The data found that women with an intact reproductive tract — those who never had a hysterectomy or a tubal ligation — who reported using baby powder had a 13% higher risk of developing ovarian cancer compared with those who never used the product.

That risk rose to 19% among women who used baby powders at least once a week.