Clinical Trials in Women's Health

Current Clinical Trials in Contraception and Birth Control

Are you a woman seeking a new, non-hormonal form of contraception?
The Women’s Health Research Unit is recruiting for a clinical research study evaluating an investigational new spermicide. To qualify, you should be between the ages of 18 and 35, in a monogamous sexual relationship with a male partner and in good general health. IRB #7320

Current Clinical Trials in Urogynecology

Evaluation of Treatment Method for Combined Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Urinary Incontinence
This study looks at whether the success rate of mid-urethral slings for incontinence is similar in patients with prolapse (undergoing laparoscopic sacrocolpoplexy) as those patients without prolapse. IRB #5302

Examining Brain Systems in Normal and Overactive Bladder Using Diffusing Tensor Imaging
The purpose of this study is to better understand how the brain controls the bladder, by using MRI machine and DTI to create images of the brain during different bladder states. IRB #6005

Examining the brain's control systems in overactive bladder using mindful based approach
Researchers at the OHSU Center for Women’s Health are conducting studies to find out what role the brain plays in people suffering from overactive bladder. We hope to see how using a mindfulness based stress reduction technique may improve symptoms related to urine incontinence and if symptom improvement also includes changes in brain function using MRI and DTI brain imaging. IRB # 9405

Refractory Overactive Bladder: Sacral Neuromodulation v. Botulinum Toxin Assessment
This study looks at how BOTOX® injections into the bladder compares to InterStim® for the treatment of urge urinary incontinence in women. IRB #8190

Current Clinical Trials in Pregnancy and Infertility

Biomarkers in Maternal, Fetal, and Pediatric Health and Disease
The purpose of this research study is to understand the role of protein biomarkers in health and disease. We are looking for proteins produced by genes that are associated with different health and disease states of pregnancy. IRB #0139

Developmental Origins of ADHD
The Psychiatry Department, in collaboration with the Women’s Health Research Unit is conducting a paid study evaluating the relationship between nutrition, stress, toxins and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) development. IRB #6749

Maternal Body Composition and Placental Function—A Pilot Study
The purpose of this study is to determine the best way to measure maternal body fat and muscle during pregnancy and to study how maternal body type affects the ability of the placenta to transport nutrients – particularly sugar and protein -- from mother to baby. IRB#7942

Proteomic Assessment of Preterm Risk (PAPR)
The purpose of this research study is to collect blood specimens and clinical information from pregnant women without signs of preterm labor in order to develop a non-invasive test for the prediction of preterm delivery. IRB #8131

Recurrent Preterm Birth
The purpose of this study is to understand why some women are more likely to experience pre-term birth than others. Pregnant women with a history of only preterm birth(s) are eligible. There is no compensation for participants. IRB #3954

The OHSU Pregnancy Exercise and Nutrition (PEN) Program
This study through the Division of Health Promotion and Sports Medicine is to evaluate a health promotion program aimed at improving the health of pregnant women and reducing risk factors for the development of gestational diabetes.  We are recruiting OHSU employees or their spouses who are pregnant and in their first trimester to participate in the PEN program. IRB #8895

Vitamin C to Decrease the Effects of Smoking in Pregnancy on Infant Lung Function
The purpose of this study is to see if extra vitamin C (500 MG per day) may help the lungs of infants whose mothers smoked during pregnancy. IRB #6019

Current Clinical Trials in Menopause

Clinical Trials in Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding

New type of treatment for Uterine Fibroids
The purpose of the study is to determine the safety of Elagolix (the study drug) and how different doses of the study drug work in reducing heavy uterine bleeding, the major symptom of uterine fibroids. For subjects who are randomly assigned to receive the study drug in combination with add-back therapy (low dose Activella or Estrace and Prometrium) we are also studying whether taking these together changes the way the study drug taken alone works in reducing uterine bleeding and fibroid size. IRB #7812

Current Clinical Trials in Other Areas of Women's Health

New type of treatment for pain associated with endometriosis
The purpose of the study is to determine the safety of Elagolix (the study drug) and how different doses of the study drug work compared to placebo in managing moderate to severe pain associated with endometriosis. IRB #8498

Preclinical Studies on Endometrial Xenografts
The purpose of this research is to study the endometrium (the lining tissue of the uterus) in a research laboratory to learn more about possible medical treatments for endometriosis, a painful condition in women. IRB #5108