What is this study about?

We are studying how hormones impact cervical mucus. Cervical mucus is a fluid that comes from the cervix, which is the opening to the uterus.

The hormones estrogen and progesterone cause changes in cervical mucus throughout the menstrual cycle. Many types of hormonal birth control prevent pregnancy by making this mucus thicker. This helps prevent sperm from reaching the egg. To do this, we will study some of the cells in the cervix that produce mucus as well as the mucus itself during different time points in the hormonal cycle.  We will also administer a drug that will temporarily change estrogen and progesterone levels so that we can also sample and study cells during a condition when there are lower hormone levels. 

This study is being done to help create new types of birth control that don’t use hormones.

Why is this study being done?

• Looking at how thick or thin mucus becomes
• See how quickly these changes happen

During this study we will:

• Look at the cervical mucus and the cells that make it
• Test the mucus at different times during your monthly cycle
• Give a medicine that will temporarily change estrogen and progesterone levels so we can look at 
• cells during a condition when there are lower amounts of hormones

Who can join?

• Are 18-40 years old 
• Are in good health
• Do not currently take any form of hormonal contraceptives or other hormones
• Have regular periods 
• Can come to six visits at our clinic over six weeks

Compensation

You will be paid up to 550$ for your time and travel.