Current Studies

Participate in one of our ongoing studies—It is easy!

Our goal is to understand how environmental exposures influence reproductive health from the very earliest stages of life, starting from the preconception period to the birth of infants and throughout child development.

For more information on our ongoing studies and how to get involved, please contact the study staff. Keep in mind that participants are compensated and there are limited spots available in each study.

With your help we can reach our goal and protect global reproductive health!

The PREPARE Study

(PRECONCEPTION PFAS EXPOSURE AND REPRODUCTION Study)

The PREPARE Study investigates the association between maternal and paternal preconception exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) and reproductive, pregnancy, and birth outcomes. The study aims to evaluate this relationship using serum PFAS concentrations collected throughout the preconception, prenatal, and postnatal periods from participants. Additional information is collected regarding important fertility markers, including early pregnancy loss and live birth.

The PREPARE Study is ongoing and actively recruiting participants at the MGH Fertility Center. PREPARE Study participants are asked to complete questionnaires, provide urine and blood samples, and approve access to medical records.

Participants are compensated for their participation.

Requirements

  • Women: 18 - 45  yrs

  • Men: 18 - 55  yrs

  • Couples receiving treatment at the MGH Fertility Center on the Boston campus

  • Complete questionnaires, provide blood and urine samples, and attend routine appointments

How to participate

Call our Study Team at (617) 299 6634 or email preparestudy@hsph.harvard.edu

The PIPER Study

(PRECONCEPTION INTERVENTION PROGRAM FOR HEALTHY REPRODUCTION STUDY)

*The PIPER Study is not actively recruiting participants at this time*

The PIPER Study is a preconception intervention program thats aims to reduce exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) among couples. To assess the effectiveness of the intervention, urine samples will be collected and used to measure EDC concentrations pre- and post-intervention. Eventually, we hope to apply our findings from the PIPER Study to larger intervention studies and additional populations.

The PIPER Study is ongoing and actively recruiting couples in Massachusetts. All study activities will take place completely remotely. If you decide to participate we will ask you to do the following:

  • Fill out Questionnaires

  • Collect urine samples at home and mail them back to our laboratory

    • All supplies for collecting and mailing samples will be provided

  • Participate in an intervention to help you reduce your exposure to certain chemicals

Participants are compensated for their participation.

Who Can Participate

  • Women: 20-40 yrs

  • Men: 20-45 yrs

  • Individual women or couples who may be planning to become pregnant

  • All study activities are remote

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

  • Call our Study Team at 617-383-4374 or email piperstudy@hsph.harvard.edu

Study Participant FAQs

  • YES

    Participants may leave a study at any time without any consequences! Participation is voluntary.

  • YES

    Information published in scientific articles will be de-identifiable meaning no one can connect you to the study based on the results. Your privacy and safety are very important to us!

  • As soon as possible

    The latest surveys can be completed on the day of your next visit or specimen collection.

  • NO

    Everything in the studies is optional. You may skip any questions, but we ask that you answer all the questions you can.

  • PREPARE Contact

    Phone: (617) 299 6634

    Email: preparestudy@hsph.harvard.edu

    PIPER Contact

    Phone: (617) 383 4374

    Email: piperstudy@gmail.com

  • Contact the study’s staff immediately!

    See section above (“How do I contact a study or the research team?”) for contact information.