Contraceptive Research

University of Queensland scientists are urgently looking for women 18 to 45 years of age to volunteer to help find a solution to the side effects of the popular and highly effective implant contraceptive, Implanon.

A pilot study has recently been completed and scientists are now into the major phase of important research with the potential to benefit millions of women throughout the world who use or want to use, Implanon. The research aims to find solutions to the problem of irregular bleeding experienced by nearly one quarter of women using Implanon.

The scientists were successful in gaining approval to import low dose Mifepristone (RU-486) tablets for the research. Mifepristone is used to induce abortions in a number of countries, including the USA, France and Great Britain. In this trial Mifepristone is administered in a much lower dose than is needed to induce abortion. In this case non-pregnant women already using the contraceptive Implanon are receiving Mifepristone for short periods of time. Mifepristone's use as an abortifacient is prohibited in Australia.

The results of the pilot study are about would be published in Human Reproduction, the journal of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology.

The study is the result of a $US1.3 million grant from the prestigious National Institutes of Health, USA. The information from the pilot study is being used in this major study looking at the effects of Mifepristone in combination with oestrogen and other medications.

To find out about volunteering for the study, contact Erika Ferguson on 3840 8161, 0417 493 458 or email: womens.health@uq.edu.au .

Did you know?
University of Queensland scientists are urgently looking for women 18 to 45 years of age to volunteer to help find a solution to the side effects of the popular and highly effective implant contraceptive, Implanon.A pilot study has recently been completed and scientists are now into the major phase of important research with the potential to benefit millions of women throughout the world who use or want to use, Implanon. The research aims to find solutions to the problem of irregular bleeding experienced by nearly one quarter of women using Implanon.