Healthy Volunteer Research Study
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) are conducting a study on cervical mucus and hormone levels to help develop non-hormonal birth control options.
Fast Facts
Do Not Currently Take Hormonal Birth Control or Other Hormones (Including all IUD’s & Hormone Replacement Therapy)
Ages 18-40 With Regular Periods
Compensation
Provided
Conducted in
Portland, OR
Study Background
This study is exploring how natural hormone changes affect cervical mucus in hopes of advancing non-hormonal birth control.
Cervical mucus naturally changes throughout the menstrual cycle in response to the body’s hormone levels, mainly estrogen and progesterone. These hormones play an important role in fertility and contraception. Many hormonal birth control methods work by thickening cervical mucus to block sperm from reaching the uterus.
Researchers at OHSU want to better understand how hormone fluctuations affect the thickness and composition of cervical mucus. In this study, an FDA-approved medication will be used to temporarily alter estrogen and progesterone levels so researchers can observe and collect samples at different hormone stages. This insight could help pave the way for more effective non-hormonal birth control options in the future.
Study Background
This study is exploring how natural hormone changes affect cervical mucus in hopes of advancing non-hormonal birth control.
Cervical mucus naturally changes throughout the menstrual cycle in response to the body’s hormone levels, mainly estrogen and progesterone. These hormones play an important role in fertility and contraception. Many hormonal birth control methods work by thickening cervical mucus to block sperm from reaching the uterus.
Researchers at OHSU want to better understand how hormone fluctuations affect the thickness and composition of cervical mucus. In this study, an FDA-approved medication will be used to temporarily alter estrogen and progesterone levels so researchers can observe and collect samples at different hormone stages. This insight could help pave the way for more effective non-hormonal birth control options in the future.
Additional Information
This research aims to understand how hormone levels affect cervical mucus and surrounding tissue, with the goal of developing future non-hormonal birth control options.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 18-40
- Have regular periods
- Do not currently take hormonal birth control or other hormones (including all IUD’s and hormone replacement therapy)
- In general good health
- Can attend multiple in-person visits in Portland
First, you’ll complete a phone interview to confirm eligibility.
If eligible, you’ll come to our Portland clinic for a screening visit (V0) where we’ll explain the study and collect initial information.
If enrolled, you’ll attend 6 in-person visits over about 6 weeks. Most visits will include a blood draw and pelvic exam, including a cervical mucus swab and biopsy.
You’ll take a short-term FDA-approved study drug to adjust hormone levels temporarily for sample collection.
Yes. You’ll be compensated up to $550 for completing all study visits:
$25 for the screening visit
$25 for enrollment
$100 per visit for 4 main study visits (V2–V5)
$100 bonus for completing 10 days of study medication
Additionally, we offer tram vouchers if needed and the clinic is easily accessible via public transit (bus, streetcar, MAX).
Perks include:
Free participation, no cost to you or your insurance
Access to expert care at OHSU
Contributing to the future of non-hormonal birth control options
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.