Clinical Trials & Research Studies

The University of Colorado Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (CU-PAG) leads research in reproductive health.

We are actively recruiting participants for several research studies. If you are interested in participating in one of our research studies, please reach out to [email protected] to learn more.

ERAS counseling

What is this study about?

ERAS is a program that helps you to recover better after your surgery. ERAS aims to keep things as “normal” as possible before your operation and helps get you back to your normal self soon after your surgery. We already use ERAS in the pediatric gynecology clinic, and our doctors are interested in learning if including patients in a teaching session about ERAS is helpful for their recovery after surgery.

What do I have to do?

All patients getting surgery will be managed by ERAS protocols whether or not they take part in the study—it’s just our standard of care! If you enroll in the study, you will fill out nine short online surveys after surgery about your pain and medications.

Who can enroll

• Gynecology patients between the ages of nine and 17.
• Gynecology patients having a laparoscopic or open abdominal surgery.
• If you can complete surveys on the internet (phone, tablet, computer).

Abnormal uterine bleeding

What is the study about?

Our doctors want to learn more about what treatments are most helpful for kids and teens seen in the emergency department or clinic for heavy menstrual bleeding. There is currently no “best treatment,” and the way doctors treat their patients may vary. Not only that, but the medications doctors prescribe may be expensive or cause side effects like nausea, so we want to explore what the best medications are and how patients feel about them.

What do I have to do?

At your two standard of care visits to the gynecology clinic you will complete a short survey, completing a total of 2 surveys at your visits.

Who can enroll?

• Gynecology patients between the ages of nine and 24.
• Gynecology patients who were seen in the Emergency Department (ED) for heavy vaginal bleeding.
• Gynecology patients who were not taking any hormonal medications for at least 30 days prior to presenting to the ED.

PBAC-Cup study

What is the study about?

Heavy menstrual bleeding is common and can lead to iron deficiency, fatigue, and absence from school or work. Tools that help doctors detect heavy menstrual bleeding are important and can help to improve patients’ quality of life. We are recruiting participants to help us test a new tool called the PBAC-Cup.

What do I have to do?

• Using the study chart, you will record the menstrual products you use for seven cycles (one is a ‘practice’ cycle). You will take a picture of your study chart and upload it via the study app.
• You will complete a short demographic survey, a contact information survey (so we can send you gift cards) and a longer survey called the Self Bleeding Assessment Tool.

What do I receive?

• You will receive $70 in Amazon gift cards ($10 for cycles two to five and $20 for cycle six).
• You will receive a menstrual cup.
• You will receive tampons and pads for seven menstrual cycles.

Who can enroll?

• Individuals who experience regular menstrual cycles (you can use hormonal medications).
• Individuals who have access to a wifi-enabled device like a smartphone or tablet.
• Individuals who are willing to use a menstrual cup.

Scan the QR code above to learn more about the study!

Other studies of interest

Our team is currently working on several research studies. Some of our areas of research and current projects include:

• The evaluation and treatment of pelvic pain
  • Acute Pelvic Pain and Equity (IRB#: 22-1309; Steven Scott, MD, MPH)
• Mullerian Anomalies
  • Association of Mullerian Anomalies with Renal Anomalies (IRB# 22-1153; Veronica Alaniz, MD)
• Adolescent Reproductive Health Education
  • ECHO ARH (IRB#: 22-1733; Eliza Buyers, MD)
• LNG-IUS Expulsion
  • LNG-IUS Expulsion and BMI (IRB#: 21-4255; Eliza Buyers, MD)
• Heavy Menstrual Bleeding & Menstrual Suppression
  • Menstrual Suppression among Patients with Developmental Delay (IRB#: 18-2427)
  • Growth Attenuation Therapy and Menstrual Suppression (IRB#: 22-1723)