Boston Clinical Trials

Clinical trials on fertility-related issues are conducted in conjunction with research hospitals and fertility clinics in the Boston area.

Clinical trials are carefully regulated, supervised studies that examine a particular health issue with the goal of improving the health or treatment for those affected by it. Each clinical trial has a specific purpose, time frame, and criteria for participants. Often occurring in multiple locations, these clinical trials evaluate their participants throughout multiple stages of the trial. As a result of these trials, treatment and medication for fertility issues has advanced, leading to an increase in successful pregnancies and live births. However, like in any clinical trial, there are risks that can occur since the research is being conducted in a previously untested field.

Who Is Conducting Clinical Trials in Boston?

Boston is home to many nationally recognized research universities, hospitals, and fertility clinics. Boston area research hospitals and fertility clinics that may be conducting fertility-related clinical trials include:

• Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
• Boston IVF
• Boston University Cancer Research Center
• Brigham and Women's Hospital
• Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
• Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
• Massachusetts General Hospital
• Harvard School of Public Health

Boston Fertility-Related Clinical Trials

Boston IVF is currently conducting the ISIS Study. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the link between lifestyle and fertility. This study is currently recruiting women age 20-34 and their male partners who are planning their first pregnancy. Boston IVF is also enrolling participants in a Stress Study investigating the impact of relaxation and stress management strategies with IVF patients. Eligible participants are women ages 18-44 years, who are about to begin their first IVF cycle.

Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center is conducting ongoing research into better options in egg preservation and also working with the Harvard School of Public Health on an ongoing National Institutes of Health study that is analyzing the effect of the environment on fertility.

Information on Clinical Trials

Further information on specific clinical trials can be found at ClincalTrials.gov. Information for each clinical trial includes location, purpose, participant criteria, number of participants, outcome measures, and length of trial.

Before joining a clinical trial, it is important to talk with your fertility doctor and research all of the information about clinical expectations for that trial.