Research Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is research important?
• Will participating in a study mean extra visits to the clinic?
• Will participating in research positively affect my chances of getting pregnant?
• Are there risks or side effects with participating in a research study?
• Will my peronal information remian confidential?
• Will I be compensated for my participation?
• What if I want to discontinue participating in a study?
• Further Questions
• University of California, San Francisico Experimental Subject's Bill of Rights

Why is research important?

At the Center for Reproductive Health, part of caring for our patients with the latest technology is conducting the research that leads to new treatments.

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. Our patients make this possible by volunteering to participate in clinical research projects and we translate this knowledge into our standard of care.

Will participating in a study mean extra visits to the clinic?

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.

Will participating in research positively affect my chances of getting pregnant?

We conduct clinical research studies and basic laboratory research. We are always looking for a positive effect on pregnancy rates and improvement in fertility treatment outcomes. 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.

Are there risks or side effects with participating in a research study?
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.
  

Will my personal information remain confidential?

Your research record will be handled confidentially, and will not be released to anyone other than the research staff who are 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.

Will I be compensated for my participation?
Compensation may be provided, depending on the individual research study requirements. Please contact the research coordinator for more information at .

What if I want to discontinue participating in a study?
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.

Further Questions?

If you are interested in learning more about specific research studies that are currently enrolling participants, please email the study coordinator: or call .

Before participating in any research study you will meet with the research coordinator to discuss the study, sign consent forms and answer any additional questions you may have.

University of California, San Francisco Experimental Subject's Bill of Rights

The rights below are the rights of every person who is asked to be in a research study. As an experimental subject I have the following rights:

1) To be told what the study is trying to find out,

2) To be told what will happen to me and whether any of the procedures, drugs, or devices is different from what would be used in standard practice,

3) To be told about the frequent and/or important risks, side effects, or discomforts of the things that will happen to me for research purposes,

4) To be told if I can expect any benefit from participating, and, if so, what the benefit might be,

5) To be told of the other choices I have and how they may be better or worse than being in the study,

6) To be allowed to ask any questions concerning the study both before agreeing to be involved and during the course of the study,

7) To be told what sort of medical treatment is available if any complications arise,

8) To refuse to participate at all or to change my mind about participation after the study is started. This decision will not affect my right to receive the care I would receive if I were not in the study.

9) To receive a copy of the signed and dated consent form,

10) To be free of pressure when considering whether I wish to agree to be in the study.