Saving money when participating in a study

(Study Title: "Does Follicular Flushing Improve the Outcome in Monofollicular IVF Therapy?")

Background:

During follicular puncture (removal of the egg from the follicle), the follicles are often rinsed, as it is assumed that this can increase the egg cell yield. Ultimately, it is not clear if flushing is really helpful.

Study:

In our study, we compare the oocyte recovery rate with and without follicular flushing. When participating in a study, it is decided by chance whether flushing will be performed or not. Since both approaches are very similar and lead to a similar result, you have no obvious disadvantages in participating in a study. There is not additional effort or other burden involved by participating in the study.

• Duration of study: Until approx. 2018
• Number of participants required: 164

Advantages for you:

No egg is obtained in about 15% of cases when a follicle is punctured. However, the follicular puncture must still be invoiced at CHF 550, - because a lot of work is involved for the laboratory. If you are enrolled in the study and no egg cell is found, you will not need to pay CHF 550, and can then use the money for another cycle.

Who can participate?

• Treatment with IVF-Naturelle®
• Women aged 18-42 years
• No more than 2 previous embryo transfers without pregnancy

Further information:

www.clinicaltrials.gov Trail number: NCT02641808

(Study Title: "Can Ibuprofen Delay Ovulation in Natural Cycle IVF? (Ibudelay)")

Background:

During IVF-Naturelle®, ibuprofen is sometimes given to delay ovulation. However, it is not clear if ibuprofen can delay ovulation at all. Women who wish to conceive are advised not to take ibuprofen or other painkillers around the time of ovulation because they may inhibit ovulation. Whether or not this is true is unclear.

Study:

We perform a normal IVF-Naturelle® cycle. Ovulation is triggered as usual with a trigger injection. The follicles are usually punctured 36 hours later. In this study, however, you will be take ibuprofen after the trigger injection and the follicle will be punctured after 42 hours. If the follicle is still there, then evidence is provided that ibuprofen has delayed ovulation.

In the first study phase we were already able to show that ibuprofen actually seems to have an effect. This effect was already detectable with a dose of ibuprofen which demonstrably does not lead to stomach problems. You will not have to take high doses of ibuprofen and the chance that the follicle is still there after 42 hours is high.

• Duration of study:  Until approx. 2018
• Number of participants required: 40

Advantages for you:

It you participate in the study, the last visit before the follicular puncture, which usually costs CH 250, is free of charge.

Who can participate?

• Treatment with IVF-Naturelle®
• Women aged 18-42 years
• No contraindications to taking ibuprofen

Further information:

www.clinicaltrials.gov Trial number: NCT02571543