It is World Contraception Day (26 Sep 2024) and we spoke to Professor Sharon Cameron about the current and upcoming contraceptive trials her team are working on. The Cameron group's current research is aimed at empowering women in contraceptive choices, improving access to postnatal contraception and developing new contraceptives. They are the UK site for a trial of a new six-monthly contraceptive injection and a trial of a new insertion technique for inserting intrauterine contraception immediately after childbirth.Sharon Cameron is a Principal Investigator at our Centre for Reproductive Health as well as a Consultant in Gynaecology and Sexual and Reproductive Health for NHS Lothian. We asked Professor Cameron to explain how these trials are being run and share the potential impact of future contraception if these studies prove successful.Trial of twice yearly injection for contraception Sharon Cameron The contraceptive injectable is a popular method of contraception worldwide. It involves an injection of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate given into the muscle of the thigh or abdomen every three months. Our University of Edinburgh team is taking part in a global study to test the effectiveness of the same method when given by injection just every six months as opposed to every 3 months if it is given under the skin rather than into a muscle. If successful, the study will expand the range of contraceptive options available to women, giving them greater choice over how to control their fertility. It will also mean fewer injections and a lower dose of hormones each year with possibly fewer side effects.A total of 750 volunteers between the ages of 18-35 years will take part in the study across four countries (Scotland, South Africa, Dominican Republic, Chile). So far 617 women are taking part in the study. In Edinburgh we have recruited 74 of our target of 100 so far.Trial of a new insertion technique for inserting intrauterine contraception immediately after childbirth (POP-IN study) We know it can be difficult for new mothers to make and attend appointments to start contraception in the weeks after having a baby. This can lead to many experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. It is especially tricky to start effective methods like an intrauterine device (or ‘coil’ ) which need to be fitted by a healthcare professional, and often have long waiting times. Since 2017, women in Lothian have been able to request to have an IUD fitted in the maternity unit immediately after birth by their doctor or midwife. The usual insertion technique involves using a pair of metal ‘tongs’ to place the IUD inside the womb. But our research team are working on a new study to test a specially-designed plastic ‘straw’ to insert the IUD after birth. This could make the procedure easier to perform and even more comfortable for women than the current technique. If successful, this plastic inserter could become available to use in the NHS, helping to make the IUD a more easily available contraceptive option for women after childbirth.From early 2025, a total of 120 women who wish to have an IUD inserted after vaginal birth can take part in the study across Lothian. They will receive their chosen type of IUD (copper or hormonal) from their midwife or doctor using either current or new insertion technique.The POP-IN trial is funded by the Chief Scientist Office and Edinburgh Family Planning Trust.How do I get involved?Twice yearly injection trialRecruitment is currently open for the trial of a twice yearly injection for contraception at the Chalmers Sexual Health Centre in Edinburgh. To find out more, email the team at Chalmers.Research@ed.ac.uk. Email the Chalmers Centre POP-IN IUD trialThe POP-IN trial is not yet recruiting participants but you can keep up to date with current research trials on the Lothian Sexual Health website. Current research studies - Lothian Sexual Health Cameron group research page This article was published on 2024-09-26
