The Study
Two study groups, clear requirements and a fixed process: this is what taking part in CONtraCEPT looks like in practice.
More and more women want hormone-free methods of contraception. At the same time, the use of cycle apps is rising significantly. Yet many of these applications have so far not been sufficiently studied scientifically. This is exactly where our project comes in:
We assess the accuracy of existing technologies.
We investigate how well they work in everyday life (usability testing).
We research new biological markers for the fertile window.
The aim is to develop reliable, practical and evidence-based solutions for the long term.
How does the study work?
Our CONtraCEPT project has two study groups, in which women can take part depending on how they are assigned.
Study group 1
Women use several cycle trackers in parallel over two cycles. In addition, ultrasound examinations are carried out regularly, and cells are taken painlessly from the mouth and vagina using a swab.
Study group 2
Women record their cycle data over a period of one year in a selected NFP cycle app and give feedback on how they use it and how user-friendly (usability) the app is.
Important
Your participation in one of these two studies helps to improve the quality of future cycle app applications and to gain scientific insights.
Who can take part?
The study is aimed at women who would like to understand their cycle better and are interested in modern, hormone-free contraception.
You can take part if you
- are between 18 and 45 years old
- have a natural cycle, which may also be irregular (at least one menstrual period in the last 3 months)
- have recently given birth and have had a first menstrual period after the birth
- are willing to monitor your cycle over a certain period of time
- are interested in cycle apps or new methods
- speak German or English
- for study group 1: are able to come to the study centre in Heidelberg, Düsseldorf or Hamburg for the clinical examinations
Taking part is not possible if
- you currently use hormonal contraception (e.g. the pill, hormonal coil)
- you are pregnant
- regular participation throughout the study period is not possible
- you are unable to attend the required examinations for study group 1 (e.g. on-site appointments)
How much time should I plan for?
Study group 1
Duration: two months / two cycles
- Participation for 2 cycles
- Daily use of approx. 5 different cycle apps/trackers
- Several clinic visits for ultrasound and painless swabs in the mouth and vagina (no instruments, only a swab)
- Daily transmission of data (online) to the study centre
Financial expense allowance
30 €per study visit at the clinic (approx. 10 visits per cycle, approx. 20 visits in total)
100 €per cycle for the daily use of several cycle apps
Study group 2
Duration: twelve months, using an NFP cycle app
- Participation for 12 cycles
- Measuring basal body temperature and observing bodily symptoms (cervical mucus), recording them in a selected NFP app (daily from cycle day 5 until the end of the fertile window)
- Completing questionnaires (after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months) and, where applicable, an interview with the study team
- Submitting the cycle record to the study team at the end of each cycle
Financial expense allowance
25 €per documented cycle
100 €on completion of the twelve-month participation
Important note
The exact conditions for participation differ depending on the study group. After your no-obligation enquiry, you will receive all the information, and we will check on an individual basis whether participation is possible.
What do I gain from taking part?
By taking part, you make an important contribution to research and help to further develop safe and reliable methods of hormone-free family planning. At the same time, you gain insights into your own cycle and into modern methods of cycle monitoring.
Ready to help research your cycle?
Then please send us a short email. We will get back to you personally.
Your email will be used solely to respond to your enquiry, with no automatic addition to a mailing list. Find out more in our privacy policy.