Participate in Research

One of WHC’s mandates is to facilitate research for evidence-based recommendations in women’s health. Women have often been excluded from research, and there has been a historical lack of research in areas that specifically affect women. Use this page as a database for ongoing research studies and clinical trials that are actively recruiting participants.

Current Postings

EPIS Trial: Episiotomy and Perineal Tear Instruction in Self-scar tissue massage

Posted: September 19, 2024

It is common to have pelvic floor scar tissue after a vaginal delivery from tearing and/or an episiotomy. Episiotomy is a surgical incision to enlarge the vaginal opening during birth. Perineal tears and

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Adapted for Women With Infertility-related Distress

Posted: March 25, 2023

Ninety women with infertility living in Canada and the United States will be recruited. They will be emailed seven weekly 15-minute videos, each providing instructions on a new Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-based technique that addresses the impact of infertility on psychological inflexibility and distress.

Study of BOTOX Injections to Assess Change in Disease Activity and Adverse Events in Adult Female Participants With Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS)

Posted: March 25, 2023

Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic and debilitating urological complex of disorders characterized by symptoms of bladder pain or discomfort, mostly upon bladder filling, and often accompanied by lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

DOvEE – Diagnosing Ovarian & Endometrial Cancer Early (DOvEE)15 Minute Survey: Physical Activity and Menopause

Posted: March 25, 2023

This study hopes to improve early detection of ovarian and endometrial cancers. It will determine if women with bloating, abdominal distension, abdominal/pelvic pain, increased urinary frequency and/or early satiety, benefit from earlier surgery after screening by CA-125 ovarian cancer biomarker and transvaginal ultrasound.

15 Minute Survey: Physical Activity and Menopause

Posted: March 25, 2023

The purpose of this project is to understand, from the perspective of people experiencing menopause, how and why specific menopausal symptoms impact their experiences of physical activity.

Uterine Cancer Risk and Screening

Posted: March 25, 2023

This is a 15-minute uterine cancer risk assessment questionnaire with the option to continue in a multi-phase study. The second phase involves additional screening of participants who are found to be at increased risk; followed by the third phase which offers a personalized nutrition and exercise program to help reduce uterine cancer risk. Participants only need to agree to the first risk survey part and can decide later if they wish to continue.

Breast Cancer Screening Trial

Posted: March 25, 2023

The main purpose of this study is to find out if screening for breast cancer with tomosynthesis mammography (3D) is better than with digital mammography (2D).

Can Your Gut Help Prevent Breast Cancer?

Posted: March 25, 2023

Factors like diet and lifestyle affect the gut microbiome (a complex of bacteria and organisms in the intestines). Your microbiome can affect estrogen levels, which is a risk factor for hormone-receptor positive breast cancer.

Bacterial Communities in Recurring Bladder Infections in Female Patients

Posted: March 25, 2023

Recurrent cystitis is repeated inflammation in the bladder usually caused by bacterial infection. It is common in adult females and often results in lower quality of life. In some people, bacteria remain in the bladder after treatment. A thin layer of bacteria can attach to the inside of the bladder and live as a community. The reasons why some people develop these communities is not completely known, but genetic differences in immunity may explain this increased risk.

Heart and Health in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Posted: March 25, 2023

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder in which women present with infertility, menstrual dysfunction and elevated testosterone levels. However, PCOS also leads to early metabolic problems in these women, related to altered fat (lipid) and carbohydrate metabolism, obesity, high blood pressure, problems with the immune system, weakened blood vessels, diabetes and an increased risk for health problems related to heart disease.

Evaluating a Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Vaccine in Healthy Female Participants

Posted: March 25, 2023

This research study is testing a study vaccine (mRNA-1647) that is being developed for preventing cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. CMV is a common virus that can spread easily through an infected person’s saliva, blood, urine and breast milk.

Examining disability related to pelvic organ prolapse and the perpetuation of discrimination by healthcare attitudes and policies in Alberta

Posted: March 25, 2023

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a condition of female reproductive anatomy where pelvic organs (e.g., bladder, uterus, rectum) can fall from their original positions into, or out of, the vagina. Up to half of people with female reproductive tracts will be affected by POP in their lifetime.

Assessment of Sexual Arousal in Cisgender Women

Posted: March 25, 2023

The focus of the study will be to look into what cisgender women consider to be important parts of physical arousal during sexual response.

Women’s Health and Parkinson’s Disease

Posted: March 25, 2023

More understanding is needed of women’s health issues and how it affects the quality of life in patients with Parkinson’s. Understanding how this disease impacts women in the less discussed areas including sexual dysfunction, menstrual cycle, menopause, pregnancy and hormonal medications such as contraceptives, can help us understand where future research should focus and possible treatments should be directed.

The NORMA Study

Posted: February 26, 2023

The study goals are to assess a female health app that uses menstrual cycle tracking tools and compare the app’s output to objective measures of hormone levels.

Researchers

Are you conducting research in the field of women’s health and looking for participants? Contact us at info@theWHC.ca or use the form below.