Scientists have hypothesized that very early exposures to environmental chemicals (including disinfection by-products (DBP) and bis-phenol-A (BPA)) may have both short-term and long-term health effects on growth and development. Previous studies have been limited by a couple’s inability to recall exposure to chemicals at the time of conception and during pregnancy. By identifying the date that pregnancy started, scientists can help determine when testing should occur during pregnancy in order to match important developmental milestones. Methods exist to determine the most fertile day using lab tests, but they are expensive and not practical for long-term use. The Home Observation of Periconceptional Exposures (HOPE) Study will use a novel and simple method for determining ovulation/conception near the time that it occurs, known as the Peak Day method.

If you are a couple (women 18-35 years and men 18-40 years) planning to conceive with no history of infertility or medical conditions likely to cause sub-fertility and live within an hour’s drive from the study center (University of Utah), you may be eligible to participate in the HOPE Study. Participants will be provided with materials to learn a simple method for fertility tracking and receive compensation for their time. There are no blood draws or clinic visits.

Visit us at http://medicine.utah.edu/dfpm/OCRH/HOPE/ for more information!

Friday, May 23, 2014

Staff Changes to HOPE

                   Once again, HOPE bid farewell to an amazing worker. Nicole Bailey, Participant Coordinator and Research Assistant, graduates with a Masters in Public Health this week! She is looking forward to a career in the public health field, volunteering for cancer camp, and spending more time on her mountain bike. Nicole was a valuable asset to the study and participtants and we will miss her greatly!


We are excited to welcome our new staff member though!
Kathryn Szczotka, Graduate Research Assistant


               

     Kathryn received in B.A in History and Women’s Studies at Colorado State University. She is pursuing her Masters of Public Health along with a Women’s Health certificate. Previous research experience includes Creighton Model studies and NaPro studies, both focusing on fertility and infertility tracking. She is thrilled to be working with the HOPE Study and Dr. Porucznik and all of the study participants. In her free time, she enjoys skiing, hiking, and spending time with her husband. 
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