Current Clinical Research Studies

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological disorders affecting as many as 5.5 million women in North America. It can occur anytime in women of childbearing age, but occurs most often in women in their 20s and 30s.

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar that that which normally lines the uterus grows elsewhere in the body. It can grow on the ovaries, behind the uterus, or on the bowels or bladder. This abnormal tissue often causes infertility, excessively heavy periods, or pain in the abdomen, lower back, or pelvic area. Some women have no symptoms at all. Often, having trouble getting pregnant is the first sign.

HWC Women's Research Center is currently conducting a research study to determine the effectiveness of an experimental medical therapy to treat endometriosis.

Low Sex Drive

Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), or low sexual drive, is a condition in which desire for sexual activity is chronically decreased or absent. HSDD is often associated with other illness, fatigue, stress, or insomnia.

HWC Women's Research Center is currently conducting a study to determine the effectiveness of an experimental treatment for hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Our Clinical Research Coordinator can provide you with more information about the study and help you determine if you could benefit by participation.

Vaginal Prolapse

Vaginal prolapse is characterized by a portion of the vaginal cavity protruding from the opening of the vagina. Many women suffer in silence, but there are medical treatments available.

HWC Women's Research Center is conducting a research study to determine the effectiveness of an experimental treatment for vaginal prolapse. If you would like to learn more about this study or if you are interested in participating in this study, please contact our Clinical Research Coordinator.

Incontinence

Incontinence is a common disorder experienced by many women. It is characterized by the inability to control urination during a cough, sneeze or laugh (Stress Incontinence) or the loss of urine before reaching the bathroom (Urge Incontinence).

HWC Women's Research Center is currently conducting a study to determine the effectiveness of an experimental treatment for incintinence. Our Clinical Research Coordinator can provide you with more information about the study and help you determine if you could benefit by participation.

Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder is a condition that results from sudden, involuntary contraction of the muscle in the wall of the urinary bladdder. The bladder muscle is too active, contracting or squeezing too often or when you don't want it to. This causes a sudden and unstoppable urge to urinate even when your bladder is not full.

Symptoms can include:

• Frequent urination
• Urgency of urination
• Urge incontinence

Hot Flashes

Hot flashes are a feeling of warmth that spreads over the body, often more stongly felt in the head and neck region. Perspiration or flushing may accompany hot flashes, as well as night sweats, which may lead to awakening and trouble falling back to sleep.

Hot flashes are experienced by many women including up to 40% of regularly menstrating women in their fourties, often before other characteristics of menopause begin. Approximately 80% of women who experience hot flashes will be finished having then in five or less years, although sometimes they can last as long as ten years.

While the exact cause of hot flashes is not known, they are thought to be due to a combination or hormonal and biochemical fluctuations brought on by declining estrogen levels.

Pap Smear Study

Cervical cancer continues to be a leading cause of concern in women's health. Although it is known to be caused by numerous HPV viruses, the pap smear was not designed to identify these viruses.

HWC is currently conducting a clinical research study that is designed to determine the effectiveness of a new pap smear. This pap smear identifies the HPV viruses that cause pap smears to be abnormal. Most women who obtain pap smears can participate in this trial.