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Currently Enrolling Studies

What to Expect When Participating in Research

At the UCSF Center for Reproductive Health, part of caring for our patients with the latest treatments and technologies is conducting the research that leads to new treatments. Reproductive Endocrinology and Immunology research exists in order to create healthy communities and advance reproductive health.

We study many different aspects of reproductive health, including fertility, hormonal imbalances, fertility preservation, reproductive health management and the transition into menopause. Our patients make this possible by volunteering to participate in clinical research projects. Participation in research is voluntary and confidential.

Fertility Studies

Status: Active, Enrolling

APPOSE Study | Assessment and Prevention of Pain During Ovarian Stimulation in Patients with Endometriosis

Endometriosis is an estrogen dependent disease present in 25-35% of infertile women. When treating infertility controlled ovarian hyperstimulation leads to development of multiple follicles and considerable rise in serum estradiol concentration, patients and providers must consider the posible risk of disease and symptom progression related to ovarian hyperstimulation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of this hyperstimulation on symptoms related to endometriosis using patient surveys, and to evaluate the impact of Letrozole use during this stimulation with respect to symptoms related to endometriosis, embryo quality, and pregnancy rates. 

You may be eligible if you are: diagnosed with Endometriosis and are undergoing fertility treatments

Headshot of Marcelle Cedars, MD - Principal Investigator
Marcelle Cedars, MD
Principal Investigator

Headshot of Maren Shapiro, MD - Co-Investigator
Maren Shapiro, MD
Co-Investigator

Status: Active, Enrolling

CLeAR Study | Cytokines, Lipids, and Reproduction (CLeAR)

The CLeAR study is investigating markers of inflammation and reproductive health. Inflammation may influence human fertility and we would like to know more about these factors and evaluate the impact of these markers on various stages of reproduction. Participants will be asked for a short blood draw and follicular fluid collection (typically discarded during IVF) during their retrieval procedure. 

You may be eligible if you are: female, aged 18-43 years old, and undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment

Headshot of Victor Fujimoto, MD - Principal Investigator
Victor Fujimoto, MD
Principal Investigator
Headshot of Jamie Corley - Research Coordinator
Jamie Corley
Research Coordinator

Status: Active, Enrolling

EXPLORE Study | Expanding fertility care to Poor and Low Resourced settings

Whether the sole factor or an additional cause, male factor contributes close to 50% of infertility experienced by couples. Given this high prevalence, the evaluation of the male partner is an essential component of the couple's initial evaluation and usually exclusively refers to the semen analysis. No studies to date have evaluated barriers to completion of the semen analysis besides cost, particularly in low resourced settings. The study objective is to identify barriers to completing the basic infertility work-up in a low resource setting. Participants will be randomized to complete a semen analysis by the standard in-clinic test versus completion of an at-home semen testing kit. All participants will receive a survey at the end of the study exploring their level of satisfaction with and/or potential barriers encountered with semen analysis testing. 

You may be eligible if you are: male between the ages of 18-64, no history of a prior semen analysis, economically or educationally disadvantaged are eligible to enroll, and undergoing an infertility evaluation. 

Headshot of Yanett Anaya, MD - Primary Investigator
Yanett Anaya, MD
Primary Investigator
Headshot of James Smith, MD - Primary Investigator
James Smith, MD
Primary Investigator
Headshot of Aileen Portugal - Resident
Aileen Portugal
Resident
Status: Active, Enrolling

FEM Differences Study | Female Estrogen Metabolism (FEM) Differences Study

Women have variable amounts of estrogen produced from the growing follicles that circulates in their blood as they undergo ovarian stimulation. Higher studies suggest this difference may be related to how women metabolize estrogen. This matters because it effects how much hormone goes in circulation and may have implications on how effective medications are, as well as how many medication side effects women feel. Our goal will be to determine, if metabolize difference are present, and if so, to learn why these differences ocur. 

You may be eligible if you are: Female, 18 years or older, and undergoing ovarian stimulation for elective oocyte cryopreservation or in vitro fertilization.

Headshot of Victor Fujimoto, MD - Principal Investigator
Victor Fujimoto, MD
Principal Investigator
Headshot of Maren Shapiro, MD - Co-Investigator
Maren Shapiro, MD
Co-Investigator

Status: Active, Enrolling

PIoUS Study: sperm Preparation prior to IntraUterine inSemination study

One of the most common fertility treatments is intrauterine insemination (IUI). Sperm is typically prepared for IUI with density gradient centrifugation, though this technique can damage the genetic material in sperm.  Studies of sperm prepared with a newer process using the FDA-approved Zymot Multi sperm preparation device have shown a 67% higher pregnancy rate (an increase from 9% to 15%), less DNA damage, higher sperm motility (movement/speed), and better morphology (shape). 

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to figure out which sperm preparation yields a higher pregnancy rate – density gradient centrifugation compared to the Zymot Multi sperm preparation device.

You may be eligible if you are: planning your first intrauterine insemination cycle and are not using a frozen sperm source

Headshot of Mitchell Rosen, MD - Principal Investigator
Mitchell Rosen, MD
Principal Investigator
Headshot of Alisha Tolani, MD - Principal Investigator, REI Fellow
Alisha Tolani, MD
Principal Investigator, REI Fellow

Status: Active, Enrolling

REST-UP Study | Restoring Metabolic and Reproductive Health with Sleep in PCOS

The REST-UP Study is about restoring metabolic and reproductive health with sleep in individuals with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. This study specifically aims to investigate why some people with obstructive sleep apnea have higher levels of insulin resistance. Study investigators will also examine the role of hypoxia (low levels of oxygen in the blood at night) in insulin resistance. Participation in this study includes an overnight visit at the UCSF Sleep Center in Mission Bay or a 1-hour visit with a sleep technician to teach you how to set up polysomnography equipment at home for a night.

Headshot of Heather Huddleston, MD - Principal Investigator
Heather Huddleston, MD
Principal Investigator
Headshot of Jamie Corley - Research Coordinator
Jamie Corley
Research Coordinator
Headshot of Jacob Christ - Research Coordinator
Jacob Christ
Research Coordinator

PCOS Studies

Status: Active, Enrolling

Insulin Resistance and Cognitive Function in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Using the Brain Baseline Assessment of Cognition and Everyday Functioning (BRACE)

The purpose of the PCOG BRACE study is to understand if PCOS is associated with alterations in cognitive function. The study also aims to investigate if cognitive functioning is related to insulin resistance in PCOS. Participation will involve one visit, and the participant will complete an online cognitive test on an iPad in a private room. These tests will include instruments designed to assess reasoning, memory, attention, and the use of language, and the interview will take approximately 1 hour.

Headshot of Heather Huddleston, MD - Study Investigator
Heather Huddleston, MD
Study Investigator
Headshot of Jamie Corley - Clinical Research Coordinator
Jamie Corley
Clinical Research Coordinator
Status: Active, Enrolling

Paleo Diet Study | Paleo Versus Healthy ADA Diets for Treatment of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

This study is evaluating the effects of specific diets on the regulation of menstrual cycles in PCOS patients to help improve fertility treatments for women with PCOS. Participants will follow a paleolithic-type diet or a health ADA-recommended diet to see if either one can help regulate menstrual cycles. Participation will be supported by visits with a diet coach, social media activity, and teleconferences with investigators.

Additional information about the PCOS Paleo Diet study can be found at the following websites:

You may be eligible if you are: female (or assigned female at birth), aged 18-40, and diagnosed with PCOS

Headshot of Heather Huddleston, MD - Principal Investigator
Heather Huddleston, MD
Principal Investigator
Headshot of Nikolaus Lenhart - Research Coordinator
Nikolaus Lenhart
Research Coordinator
Headshot of Jamie Corley - Research Coordinator
Jamie Corley
Research Coordinator

For more information or additional PCOS related studies, please visit our PCOS clinic website.

Status: Active, Enrolling

PCOS Tissue Bank & Longitudinal Study

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between genetic and environmental factors that may explain PCOS. We will use information collected during visits to our PCOS clinic and the family history of PCOS patients to learn about the causes and effects of PCOS.

You may be eligible if you are: female (or assigned female at birth), aged 18 years or older, and diagnosed with PCOS

Headshot of Heather Huddleston, MD - Principal Investigator
Heather Huddleston, MD
Principal Investigator
Headshot of Jamie Corley - Research Coordinator
Jamie Corley
Research Coordinator

For more information or additional PCOS related studies, please visit our PCOS clinic website.

Reproductive Health Management Studies

Status: Active, Enrolling

GEAR Study | Gender Expansive Attitudes about Reproductive Health Study

Currently, there are few studies (and none in the United States) that seek to describe the impact of expanding fertility services on the transgender community and their quality of life. The GEAR study will be one of the first of its kind to explore the impact of fertility options on quality of life among transgender, non-binary, and non-conforming people.

You may be eligible if you are: you identify as transgender or gender non-binary, and aged 18 years or older

Headshot of Evelyn Mok-Lin, MD - Principle Investigator
Evelyn Mok-Lin, MD
Principle Investigator

Status: Active, Enrolling

HOPE and TRIOS Study | Uncovering the Unknown Causes of Pregnancy Loss

Our goal with the HOPE project is to Harness multiple Opportunities for Pregnancy loss Exploration.
In the United States, millions of women get pregnant and have successful pregnancies every year.

Unfortunately, miscarriage also occurs in 8-20% of clinically recognized pregnancies. Many miscarriages can occur due to large chromosomal abnormalities. These abnormalities can be recognized and mitigated with the increasing use of preimplantation genetic testing and genetic counseling of at-risk parents. However, even with these considerations, around 50% of potentially normal embryos do not result in a clinical pregnancy.

Sponsored by the National Institute of Health, this multi-site study aims to use novel approaches to find explanations of pregnancy loss and learn how we can predict future pregnancy outcomes.

You may be eligible if you are: older than 15 years old, affected by pregnancy loss of unknown causes, and willing to donate samples for research.

Headshot of Aleksander Rajkovic, MD, PhD - Principal investigator
Aleksander Rajkovic, MD, PhD
Principal investigator
Headshot of Marina Sirota - Principal investigator
Marina Sirota
Principal investigator
Headshot of Hakan Cakmak, MD - Researcher
Hakan Cakmak, MD
Researcher
Headshot of Eleni Jaswa, MD - Researcher
Eleni Jaswa, MD
Researcher
Headshot of Linda Giudice - Researcher
Linda Giudice
Researcher
Status: Active, Enrolling

START Study

The START study (Sensor Technology Assessment of Reproductive Targets) intends to use new technology to solve old problems in reproductive medicine. We will leverage continuous physiological data collected from a wearable device (the oura ring) to open a new window onto the menstrual cycle and to develop algorithms that predict ovulation and pregnancy onset, and to better understand a variety of reproductive disorders. This interdisciplinary, multi-center, private-public partnership is poised to generate impactful discoveries in reproductive medicine and enable new tools for women's reproductive autonomy. 

Currently eligible to healthy (not seeking fertility treatment) 18-42 year olds with regular menstrual cycles. 

Headshot of Eleni Jaswa, MD - Principle Investigator
Eleni Jaswa, MD
Principle Investigator
Headshot of Elissa Lyn Apiag - Research Coordinator
Elissa Lyn Apiag
Research Coordinator
Status: Active, Enrolling

The EDGE Study: Egg Donor Gained Experiences Study

There has been a lack of literature describing both short and long-term adverse consequences of egg donation. This study hopes to 1) characterize the medical, emotional, and psychosocial impact of oocyte donation following donation, 2) to describe one's subjective experience with the process, 3) to assess the potential impact this decision had on one's own medical history, and 4) to evaluate individual factors associated with the above reflections. Participants will be recruited from UCSF and a private fertility clinic in San Francisco. All participants will receive a questionnaire and we hope results will inform improvements in the long-term care of oocyte donors.  You may be eligible if you are: a prior UCSF egg donor (1/2009-1/2020) and not actively undergoing egg donation.

Headshot of Dr. Lauri Pasch - Principal Investigator
Dr. Lauri Pasch
Principal Investigator
Headshot of Eleni Jaswa, MD - Principal Investigator
Eleni Jaswa, MD
Principal Investigator
Headshot of Lisa Kao - Clinical Research Coordinator
Lisa Kao
Clinical Research Coordinator

Fertility Preservation Studies

Status: Active, Enrolling

BRIOR Study | Impact of Local Radiotherapy to the Breast on Ovarian Reserve in Premenopausal Women with Early-Stage Breast Cancer

This study aims to prospectively assess the impact of distant effects from breast radiation on ovarian reserve. We will determine ovarian reserve through blood measurements of Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), a relatively new and reliable serum biomarker of ovarian reserve that has already been incorporated into the standard practice of reproductive endocrinology and infertility.

You may be eligible if you are: female (or assigned female at birth), aged 18-45, and diagnosed with in-situ breast cancer or stage 1 breast cancer

Headshot of Mitchell Rosen, MD - Principal Investigator
Mitchell Rosen, MD
Principal Investigator
Headshot of Flor Juarez-Hernandez - Research Coordinator
Flor Juarez-Hernandez
Research Coordinator
Headshot of Nikolaus Lenhart - Research Coordinator
Nikolaus Lenhart
Research Coordinator

Status: Active, Enrolling

MDM Study | Medical Decision making and Fertility Preservation

Through electronic surveys, this study aims to prospectively understand the wide range of individual and systematic variables that impact a woman's ability and interest in pursuing fertility preservation prior to cancer treatment. We will also monitor ovarian reserve through blood measurements and ultrasounds pre and post treatment to better understand the specific impact of the large number of cancer treatments patients undergo.

You may be eligible if you are: female (or assigned female at birth), aged 18-45, newly diagnosed with cancer

Headshot of Mitchell Rosen, MD - Principal Investigator
Mitchell Rosen, MD
Principal Investigator
Headshot of Flor Juarez-Hernandez - Research Coordinator
Flor Juarez-Hernandez
Research Coordinator
Headshot of Nikolaus Lenhart - Research Coordinator
Nikolaus Lenhart
Research Coordinator
Status: Active, Enrolling

TALES Trial | Fertility Preservation using Tamoxifen and Letrozole in Estrogen Sensitive Tumors Trial

Letrozole plus gonadotropin, and Tamoxifen plus gonadotropin, are two methods currently used worldwide in ovarian stimulation cycles for fertility preservation in patients with estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer. Improved knowledge about the efficacy of these medications, with regard to oocyte yield, has the potential to significantly improve quality of life in reproductive-age breast cancer survivors.

Headshot of Mitchell Rosen, MD - Principal Investigator
Mitchell Rosen, MD
Principal Investigator
Headshot of Flor Juarez-Hernandez - Research Coordinator
Flor Juarez-Hernandez
Research Coordinator
Headshot of Nikolaus Lenhart - Research Coordinator
Nikolaus Lenhart
Research Coordinator

COVID-19 Studies