The Effect of a Non-hormonal Cox-2 Inhibitor (Celebrex) on Ovulation

IRB #5541

The purpose of this study is to assess the effect Celecoxib 400 mg (Celebrex®) has on ovulation. Celebrex is currently approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to treat primary dysmenorrhea (cramping and painful menstruation). The study consists of numerous visits over 5 complete menstrual cycles (approximately 5 months). Participants may be compensated up to $1,000 for time and costs related to the study. To qualify, participants may not be at risk for pregnancy.

Improving Contraceptive Effectiveness in Obese Women

IRB #5382

The purpose of this study is to assess the safety and efficacy of oral contraceptives in women with a high Body Mass Index (higher than 30). The study is approximately 4-1/2 months in duration, including two visits that require patients to remain at the study site for 12 hours. We are looking for women between 18 and 35 years of age who have regular menstrual cycles and are currently not using hormonal birth control. The study will use two oral contraceptives that are already approved by the FDA. Participants may be compensated up to $2,000 for time and travel associated with the study.

Preclinical Studies on Endometrial Xenografts

IRB #5108

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. The study involves 2 or 3 office visits that will occur over several menstrual cycles at a minimum of 2 but not more than 12 months. We will collect tissue samples from the lining of the womb (endometrial biopsy).

Premenopausal women ages 18-45 who are not using a form of non-hormonal contraception will be eligible if they are surgically sterile or are not at risk for pregnancy (have sexual contact with a sterilized male partner, are abstinent or have a same-sex partner). Participants will be compensated up to $400 upon completion of the study.

Pelvic Floor Nerve Injury Following Childbirth

IRB #3196

This study looks at features of a woman’s anatomy, musculature and nerves before and after delivering a first child, as well as how those are associated with the lacerations (tears or cuts) and the symptoms of incontinence that happen as a result of childbirth.

Oral Contraception Study with an extended regimen

IRB #4703 (Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, M.D., M.P.H.)

The purpose of this study is to compare two different types of birth control drugs to find which is more effective at relieving hormone withdrawal-associated symptoms (specifically headache and pelvic pain): Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo and SH T006581D/Qlaira. The investigational capsules consist of 26 hormonally active capsules followed by 2 inactive capsules. Qualifying participants in the approximately 1 year study will receive study related exams, blood tests, and study drug at no cost. Participants may be compensated up to $400 for time and travel.

Vaginal Anti-Progestin Ring

IRB #4464 (PI: Jeffrey Jensen, M.D., M.P.H.)

We are evaluating the safety, cycle control, and potential contraceptive effects of an investigational vaginal ring. Participants should have regular menstrual periods, be between the ages of 21 and 40, be in good general health, and not be considered at risk for pregnancy (sterile/have sterile partner, in same-sex partnership, or abstinent). Participants will be compensated up to $3,920 for time and travel while they are in the study.

Pain and Immunity Study

IRB #4920 (PI: Beth Darnall, Ph.D.)

The purpose of this study is to learn how negative thoughts affect the immune systems of women with chronic pain. Women should be between the ages of 18 and 45, non-smoking, and have a diagnosis of muscle or bone pain for at least 13 months. Other eligibility criteria apply. The study involves 2 visits to OHSU. Participants may be compensated $160 for time and travel during the study.

SCAN: Prevention of Preterm Birth in First Time Mothers with a Short Cervix

IRB #3413 (PI: Jorge Tolosa, M.D.)

The purpose of this study is to see if weekly injections of a hormone called progesterone given in early stages of pregnancy will help prevent preterm birth in first-time moms who are found to have a short cervix. Participants should be currently 16 to 22 weeks pregnant and agree to a vaginal ultrasound to measure the length of their cervix. This ultrasound is offered at no cost to the participants. Other eligibility criteria apply.

If participants are found to have a short cervix, the study will include weekly injections of progesterone, as well as specialized care by our staff during pregnancy. Participants will be compensated $10 for each weekly injection.

Biomarkers in Maternal, Fetal, and Pediatric Health and Disease

IRB #0139 (PI: Leonardo Pereira, M.D.)

The purpose of this 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 or pediatrics. All pregnant women and newborns are eligible. There is no compensation for participants.

Recurrent Preterm Birth

IRB # 3954 (PI: Leonardo Pereira, M.D.)

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.

Infection in Amniotic Fluid (IAI)

IRB# 3777 (PI: Leonardo Pereira, M.D.)

The purpose of this study is to develop tests that may help doctors know if preterm labor is caused by an infection in amniotic fluid. Women in preterm labor at OHSU may be eligible for this study. There is no compensation for participants.

Coming soon!

Study opportunities in the areas of sterilization, continuous oral contraceptives, a new contraceptive ring, osteoporosis, low libido, the Human Papilloma Virus (genital wart virus), and hot flashes. Please call our confidential recruitment line at 503 494-3666 to learn more about these studies or to get on a wait list as a potential participant.