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The Oxford Conception Study design and recruitment experience
Cecilia Pyper1, Lise Bromhall, Sarah Dummett
1National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. cecilia.pyper@npeu.ox.ac.uk
Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology
|October 26, 2006
Summary
The Oxford Conception Study investigated if fertility monitor feedback improves conception rates. Results are pending, but the study design and recruitment methods are detailed.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive health
- Clinical trials
- Women's health
Background:
- Conception rates can be influenced by timing intercourse with fertile windows.
- Urinary hormone monitoring offers a method to identify fertile periods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if fertility monitor feedback increases conception rates in women.
- To compare conception rates between groups receiving different fertility information and a control group.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial involving 1453 women.
- Participants received fertility information (early fertile time, late fertile time) or no information (control).
- Monitors tracked urinary oestrone-3-glucuronide (E3G) and luteinising hormone (LH).
Main Results:
- Recruitment goal achieved, with 80% power to detect a 10% difference in conception rates.
- Follow-up is ongoing; primary analysis will compare three-cycle pregnancy rates.
- Data will also explore intercourse patterns, stress, and lifestyle factors.
Conclusions:
- The Oxford Conception Study is a large-scale trial designed to assess fertility monitor efficacy.
- Internet-based recruitment proved effective for sustained participant enrollment.
- Further analysis will provide insights into fertility, conception, and related factors.
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