Biobank Cycle Collection

The purpose if this study is to maintain the SPD Biobank with urine samples from cycles in which conception occurred and ones where conception did not occur, together with associated sample information including demographic and clinical data e.g. menses days, volunteer age and reproductive hormone concentrations.

Study volunteers, seeking to conceive will be recruited to the study after providing written informed consent. All volunteers will be provided with a CE marked Clearblue Ovulation product to help them pinpoint their most fertile time and aid conception and be required to collect daily early morning urine samples throughout the study until pregnancy is confirmed or their next menstrual period starts. Volunteers will be required to keep a daily diary of menses, sample collection and pregnancy test results. The study will last for up to 3 consecutive menstrual cycles if not pregnant and up to sample day 60 if pregnant.

Urine samples will be received in the clinical laboratory and will be tested for the presence of hormones related to pregnancy and fertility, then aliquoted and stored in the SPD Biobank at -80˚C until required for product development or evaluation purposes.

Inclusion criteria

• Females aged 18 and over actively trying to conceive
• At least 2 regular consecutive cycles since last pregnancy/miscarriage/ stopping breastfeeding or contraception
• Willing to disclose their pregnancy status and provide urine samples.
• Willing to give informed consent and comply with the study procedures

Exclusion criteria

• Trying to conceive for >6 months (under 35 years) or > 3 months (35 years and over)
• Has a diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Taking medication or has known condition which means they should not get pregnant.
• Currently pregnant or breastfeeding
• Using any treatment which may affect the menstrual cycle (e.g. contraceptive pill)
• Using or has previously used infertility medications or hormone replacement medications containing LH or hCG \\ (e.g. Pregnyl®)
• Using or undergoing any other medical treatment for fertility such as ovulation drugs, artificial insemination and assisted fertility such as IVF or ICSI
• Peri-or post-menopausal, e.g. experiencing symptoms: irregular menstrual periods, hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbances and/or moods swings
• Abnormal liver or kidney function
• Taking antibiotics containing tetracycline.
• Participated in this study within the last 6 months