Gynaecology research

We are committed to improving the care we give to women and people assigned female at birth, which is why we offer our patients the opportunity to get involved in clinical research studies. Through research we can find out:

  • Understand which treatments are most effective
  • Increase our knowledge, to optimise the care and advice we offer 
  • Assess what is acceptable to patients and identify areas where specialist support is needed

Being involved in research is optional. If we do offer you the chance to take part, you will be given written information and plenty of time to ask questions and find out more before you decide.

If you have any further questions about the research offered or would like to take part please contact the team on:

Current gynaecology research studies

POISE 

Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Study of Effectiveness of hormonal therapy (POISE) (Hormone therapy for premature ovarian insufficiency: randomised trial and long-term evaluation).

Aim: To find out what is the most effective hormone treatment for women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), in both the short and long-term. The study compares hormone replacement therapy and the combined oral contraceptive pill in women who are experiencing menopause under the age of 40.

Recruitment: Women age 18-39, with a diagnoses of POI and no contraindications to taking HRT or COC.

UNiTY 

Aim: To evaluate the clinical and cost effectiveness of Intra Uterine Insemination versus In-Vitro Fertilisation for UNexplained infertiliTY. The study randomises eligible participating couples to either their standard of care (IVF) or the intervention arm (up to 3 rounds of IUI). In the event the IUI is not effective participating couples would continue to their pre-approved IVF cycle.

Recruitment: Diagnosis of unexplained fertility. Partner providing eggs is 18-38 years old, partner providing sperm is 18 years of age or above. Self-funded or NHS funded IVF treatment.

ESPRIT+ (West Mid only) 

Aim: To examine if endometriosis can be diagnosed by using a blood test. Eligible participants will consent to a blood test being taken prior to their diagnostic laparoscopy to investigate if they have endometriosis and the completion of wellbeing questionnaires.

Recruitment: Women or people assigned female at birth over the age of 16, undergoing laparoscopy for the investigation of chronic pelvic pain. No previous surgical diagnosis of endometriosis.

EPiC2 (West Mid only) (coming next year) 

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled feasibility trial to evaluate dichloroacetate in the management of endometriosis-associated pain.