Frequently Asked Questions about Research

Research is critical to the progress of medicine.  Particularly in the field of reproduction and fertility, many unanswered questions remain.  Only through research – through translating science from the laboratory to the patient clinic - can health care be improved.  At the CRH, we view research as a vital component of our fertility program and something that distinguishes us from other community programs. It allows us the ability to continue to explore fertility and make significant advances in the field that can directly benefit patients during their treatment. At UCSF, we are involved with basic and clinical research to improve egg, sperm and embryo quality, pregnancy rates, fertility, genetics, hormonal imbalances and the transition into menopause.

Each research study has different requirements, but we try to make participating in research as minor an intrusion as possible for each patient. As such, participation in research will be conducted during clinical visits as much as possible.

We are always looking for a positive effect on pregnancy rates and improvement in fertility treatment outcomes. By definition, however, if we are asking a research question about a new treatment, we believe it “may” increase success but we do not yet know the answer so we cannot say the research will increase your individual success.  We do conduct clinical studies that examine pregnancy rates with different treatment methods. We also have studies that are not directly treatment related, and will therefore not affect the outcome of your fertility treatment.

Prior to starting any clinical research study, an impartial, independent institutional review board (IRB) must decide that the potential benefit of the information to be obtained justifies the level of risk.

The principal investigator or study coordinator must explain any potential risks and benefits in detail to prospective participants before they consent to become part of any clinical study. Only the prospective participant can decide whether or not it is appropriate for her to participate.

Your research record will be handled confidentially, and will only be released to the research staff named in the research protocol as study personnel. Once you agree to participate in the study, you will be assigned an encoded study number, which will be used to identify all samples and personal information. Your name will not use used in any reports or publications resulting from any research.

Compensation may be provided, depending on the individual research study requirements.

Any participant is free to withdraw from any study at any time. This decision will not affect the patient’s right to receive the care they would receive if they were not in the study.

Before participating in any research study you will meet with the research coordinator to discuss the study, sign consent forms and she will answer any additional questions you may have. If you are interested in learning more about our specific research studies that are currently enrolling participants, please call (415) 885-3598.