Featured study · London, UK

Take part in fertility research: the Genie chronic endometritis study

Genie Fertility is studying whether biomarkers in menstrual blood can help researchers better understand chronic endometritis, an inflammation of the uterine lining linked to fertility problems. One menstrual cycle, a non-invasive sample, and a thank-you voucher for your time.

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At a glance
SponsorGenie Fertility Limited
LocationLondon, UK
Duration1 menstrual cycle (all samples within about 3 months)
Study typeObservational, non-invasive
Thank-you£50–£150 Amazon voucher
Age18+
  • Fertility
  • Reproductive health
  • Chronic endometritis
  • Biomarker
  • Menstrual blood
  • Vaginal swab
  • One-time

This study is exploratory. It will not give you a diagnosis or individual health results.

What is the study about?

Biomarkers are signals in blood, urine or tissue that tell researchers something about health or disease. Genie Fertility wants to find out whether fertility-related biomarkers can be found in menstrual blood, and whether they can help researchers understand chronic endometritis (CE).

More than 20% of pregnancy issues are related to the uterus, yet the uterine lining is still poorly researched. The hope is that this work can improve how fertility issues are identified and treated in the future.

The study invites women who are due to have, or have recently had, an endometrial biopsy where chronic endometritis is suspected.

What is chronic endometritis?

Chronic endometritis is a long-lasting, low-grade inflammation of the endometrium, the tissue lining the inside of the uterus. It often causes few or no noticeable symptoms, so many people only hear about it during fertility investigations, for example after repeated IVF transfers that did not lead to pregnancy, or after recurrent miscarriage.

It is usually diagnosed by taking a small tissue sample from the uterine lining (an endometrial biopsy) and looking for specific immune cells (plasma cells, often stained with a marker called CD138). Reported rates vary a lot between studies, which is one reason researchers are looking for simpler, less invasive ways to study it.

Endometritis is not endometriosis. The names are almost identical, but they are different conditions. Endometriosis is when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. Read our blog: Endometritis vs. endometriosis, why everyone mixes them up.

Who can take part?

You can take part if

  • You are 18 or over
  • You are biologically female
  • You are willing to collect a menstrual blood sample using a menstrual cup
  • You are willing to provide a vaginal swab
  • You can understand the study procedures and give written informed consent
  • You are receiving, or about to start, fertility treatment
  • (Optional) Chronic endometritis is suspected and you are scheduled for a uterine biopsy

You cannot take part if

  • You are 17 or younger
  • You are currently pregnant
  • You have an active vaginal, pelvic or systemic infection
  • You have an allergy or sensitivity to menstrual cup material
  • The study doctor judges that taking part would be unsafe or unsuitable for you
  • You are unable or unwilling to give written informed consent

Not sure if you qualify? Apply in the app anyway. The study team checks eligibility with you before anything happens.

What happens if I take part?

  1. Sign the consent formYou get a Study ID, which is used instead of your personal details.
  2. Receive your kitA commercial menstrual cup.
  3. Use the cup during your periodInsert the menstrual cup as instructed at the start of your period.
  4. Visit the clinicAfter about 4–6 hours (depending on your flow) you attend the clinic, where you are guided to remove the cup and transfer the blood into a container. Typically 20–30 ml, about 2 tablespoons. At the same visit, a regular blood sample is taken from the arm. A vaginal swab is also collected.
  5. Lab analysisYour sample goes to the Genie Fertility laboratory in London, where it is analysed for biomarkers.
  6. Finish within about 3 monthsYou stay in the study until all your samples are taken, expected within 3 months.
  7. Say thank youYou receive a thank-you gift as a voucher.

Compensation, benefits and risks

Thank-you

Healthy volunteers (no chronic endometritis): £25 Amazon voucher for a period blood sample plus £25 for a venous blood sample, £50 in total.

Biopsy study on chronic endometritis: £150 Amazon voucher, which also covers travel if your visit is outside your regular appointment.

Benefits

There is no direct medical benefit to you. Your participation helps research that may improve understanding of women's health and fertility.

Risks

Minimal. You may feel mild, temporary discomfort or irritation when using the menstrual cup or swab. If you feel unwell during or within 24 hours of taking part, contact your study doctor.

How to apply

  1. Sign up or log in to TrialMeCreate a free account in the TrialMe app and open the study.
  2. Answer a few questionsYou may be asked a few extra questions to confirm eligibility.
  3. Click ApplyChoose whether you would like to be contacted by email or phone. The study coordinator gets back to you within 5 business days to explain the study and book your first appointment, where you give informed consent.
Apply in the TrialMe appSee all studies

Frequently asked questions

Is this study about endometritis or endometriosis?
Chronic endometritis: inflammation of the uterine lining. Endometriosis is a different condition. If you are looking for endometriosis research, see all studies.
Will I get a diagnosis or my results?
No. The study is exploratory and does not provide clinical diagnoses or individual health results.
Does the sample collection hurt?
The menstrual cup and swab are non-invasive. Some people feel mild, temporary discomfort when inserting or removing them.
How much time does it take?
The sample is collected over one menstrual cycle, with a clinic visit about 4–6 hours after inserting the cup. All samples are expected to be collected within about 3 months.
Where does the study take place?
In London, UK. Samples are analysed at the Genie Fertility laboratory in London.
Will I be paid?
You receive a thank-you gift: £50 in Amazon vouchers as a healthy volunteer, or £150 in the biopsy part of the study (which also covers travel if the visit is outside your regular appointment).
Who sees my personal information?
TrialMe only shares your profile with the study team when you apply, and only with your consent. In the study itself you are identified by a Study ID instead of your name. See Your data & privacy.
Can I stop taking part?
Yes. Taking part in research is voluntary and you can withdraw at any time without giving a reason.

Help close the gap in fertility research

It takes one cycle. Sign up to TrialMe for free, open the study and apply in a few minutes.

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