Medicine

Study to focus on obese women with unexplained infertility

Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center’s Dr. Richard Legro, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, is researching the effects of lifestyle modifications in obese women with unexplained infertility. Volunteers are needed for this study.

Women who are overweight (with a BMI greater than 30), are 18-40 years old with regular menstrual periods, have had infertility for more than one year and who seek pregnancy may be eligible participate.

In the first phase of the study, which will last 16 weeks, participants will do one of two lifestyle changes. One group will increase their physical activity by increasing steps per day using a FitBit fitness watch. The other group will adhere to a calorie restricted diet using Nutrisystem meal replacements and a weight loss medication called Orlistat (Alli) while increasing physical activity using a FitBit. The second phase of the study includes infertility medications and insemination.

Participation in the study requires office visits at Penn State Hershey, taking the study medication, wearing a Fitbit, using Nutrisystem meals, keeping a diary, a physical exam, blood work, tests to determine if the fallopian tubes are open (with a semen analysis from partner) and intrauterine inseminations.

For more information, call 717-531-6272.

This research study, IRB STUDY 00001815, has been approved by the Institutional Review Board, under federal regulations at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Penn State College of Medicine.

Last Updated October 12, 2015