Pills, patches, rings, implants, IUDs: birth control research compares how each option behaves in real life over a year of cycles. The person chooses, keeps her own doctor, and can stop a program at any time.
Most women who look into birth control research want to know one thing: will I be in control of what goes into my body. Yes. The method is explained in full before anything begins, the person decides, and she can leave a program whenever she wants.
Teams in this area follow a method across about a year of monthly cycles: how consistent it is, which side effects appear and fade, and how it fits with work, travel and other medicines a person takes. Taking part usually means a simple diary and a handful of visits, with phone check-ins in between.
An independent review board reads the plan for every birth control program before it opens. Register your interest and the clinical team will reach out to explain the options being followed nearby.
What members say
The BonfireFrequently asked questions
Who decides which birth control method I use in a program?
The person does, after the clinical team has explained the method a program is following. Nobody is placed on anything without a full conversation first.
What if I want to stop the method or the program?
Both are allowed at any time. The clinical team asks only that the person let them know, so they can note the reason and talk through what comes next with her own doctor.
What are teams trying to learn about birth control?
How a method holds up across a year of real cycles, which side effects come and go, and how it fits with daily routines and other medicines. Diaries and check-ins are how that picture is built.
How long does a birth control program usually run?
About a year, because that is how long it takes to see many cycles. The clinical team shares the exact calendar before anyone decides.
Will my regular doctor know I am in a program?
That is the person's choice, and the clinical team recommends keeping her own doctor informed. The team explains how each program fits with her usual care.
Is there compensation for taking part?
Compensation may be available for your time and inconvenience.
