Contact: Yaa Acheampong, research manager at y.
For more information about our obstetrics and neonatal studies, please visit the pages below:
Current research studies
Aim:
This study aims to look at the effectiveness of either oxybutynin or venlafaxine for treating hot flushes in women who cannot or choose not to use hormone replacement therapy.
Recruitment:
- Group A (HRT contraindicated)
- Women or transmen (who are not taking testosterone) for whom HRT is contraindicated, e.g., women with breast cancer treated with adjuvant endocrine therapy.
- ≥5 moderate/severe menopausal hot flushes daily average
- Group B (prefer not to use HRT)
- Diagnosis of menopause or perimenopause including transmen (who are not taking testosterone)
- Age > 45 years at randomisation
- ≥5 moderate/severe menopausal hot flushes daily average
- Not intending to use HRT within 12 months.
Aim:
The EASY-CARE Trial is a research study evaluating a new, less invasive DNA-based test (WID®-easy) to help detect womb (endometrial) cancer in women referred to hospital clinics with abnormal uterine bleeding.
The study compares this swab test with standard ultrasound to see whether it can accurately identify cancer while reducing the need for unnecessary invasive procedures. Findings aim to support safer, faster diagnosis and improve care across the NHS.
Recruitment:
- Women referred to a hospital clinic for investigation of abnormal uterine bleeding
- Eligible for routine ultrasound and clinical assessment as part of standard care
- Able to provide informed consent
- Willing to provide a cervicovaginal swab sample during pelvic examination
Additional information:
Aim:
This study testing is whether an at-home wearable brain stimulation device (Nettle™ tDCS) can reduce endometriosis-related chronic pelvic pain and improve mood symptoms.
The study aims to understand whether this non-invasive treatment could offer a practical new option for managing chronic pelvic pain in endometriosis. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either an active or sham device and use it daily for 20 minutes over 20 days, alongside completing symptom and quality-of-life questionnaires.
Recruitment:
- Women aged 18–50
- Diagnosed with endometriosis
- Experiencing chronic pelvic pain related to endometriosis
- Able and willing to provide informed consent
Additional information:
Aim:
- In women with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) what is the relative effectiveness, in terms of bone mineral density (BMD), of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) compared to the combined oral contraceptive pill (COC).
Recruitment:
- Diagnosis of POI
- Will be aged ≥18 years up to <40 years at randomisation
- Not intending to become pregnant within 12 months
- Not taken any HRT or COC treatment for the last 4 weeks or willing to stop HRT/COC treatment for a minimum period of 4 weeks prior to randomisation
For more information on POISE, visit here.
Additional information:
Aim:
This study aims at exploring which fertility treatment works best for couples experiencing unexplained infertility. About one in three couples face difficulties conceiving without a clear medical cause. Currently, there is debate among clinicians and patients about which treatment to start with — in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI).
The UNiTY study aims to provide clear evidence by comparing the success rates, emotional wellbeing, and cost-effectiveness of these two treatments.
Recruitment:
- Couples diagnosed with unexplained infertility (UEI) referred for assisted conception
- Female partner aged ≥18 years and <39 years at randomisation
- Eligible to receive one cycle of IVF as part of the study
- Eligible to receive up to three cycles of IUI as part of the study
- Both partners able to give informed consent and complete follow-up
Exclusion criteria:
- Female partner aged ≥39 years at randomisation.
- Either partner under 18 years.
- Female partner’s BMI <19.0 or >34.9
- Either partner has an active sexually transmitted infection.
- Couple is self-funding and unable to pay for IVF if required
- Unable to give informed consent or complete trial follow-up
- Two or more previous IVF treatment failures.
For more information on UNiTY, visit: University of Birmingham – UNiTY Trial
Additional information:
Research Champions
The National Institute for Health Research are recruiting volunteer Research Champions to help spread the word about health research.
Being a Research Champion
You can be a Research Champion if you are passionate about making sure people get the best treatment possible in the future. You don't have to have been part of health research to get involved and make a difference.
- You can commit as much or as little time as you like
- You will have access to free training and support
- You will be part of national network of volunteers and find out about other opportunities to make a difference
- You will be invited to events and get to meet others in your community, and health professionals and researchers.
Want to get involved?
If you are interested in becoming a research champion or finding out more, please get in touch with your local contact: www.nihr.ac.uk/researchchampions