CompletedNot Applicable

Ultrasonographic and Hormonal Characteristics of Malawian Women With and Without Obstetric Fistula

Malawi112 participantsStarted 2012-12

Plain-language summary

This study is a cross-sectional study of 110 Malawian women to compare the ultrasonographic and hormonal characteristics of women and without obstetric fistula. Hypothesis #1: Women with obstetric fistula have a mean cervical length measurement that is at least 10 mm shorter than the mean cervical length measurement of similar women without obstetric fistula. Hypothesis #2: Evaluation of the hormonal and ultrasonographic characteristics of women with obstetric fistula will allow us to assess the cause of amenorrhea in these women.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 45 Years

Sex

FEMALE

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria

. Presentation to the Fistula Care Centre in Lilongwe for medical evaluation
. Ability to consent for study participation in Chichewa
. Female aged 18-45 years
. Willingness to undergo pelvic ultrasound for assessment of pelvic organs

Exclusion criteria

. No history of pregnancy
. History of hysterectomy
. Current pregnancy or pregnancy within the past six weeks

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Cervical length

Timeframe: baseline

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01891149

SponsorUniversity of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2014-06

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Obstetric Fistula trials