Using vaginal estrogen to improve sexual function in breastfeeding patients after childbirth

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of vaginal estrogen cream on sexual function in postpartum patients who are breastfeeding. It is a prospective, randomized study conducted at University Hospitals MacDonald Women's Hospital, where eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive either vaginal estrogen or a vaginal moisturizer. Participants will be evaluated for inclusion based on their medical records and will complete a baseline questionnaire before randomization. The study aims to determine if vaginal estrogen can alleviate sexual dysfunction commonly experienced during the postpartum period.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 or older
* Sexually active
* Singleton, term (37 weeks 0 days) birth
* Planning to breastfeed or pump during the study period
* History of successful breastfeeding or pumping after a prior pregnancy
* Between 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum (patients may be recruited at any time during the postpartum period, but the study period will not start until 6 weeks postpartum)
* Ability to consent in English
* Not meeting any exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

* Preterm delivery
* Perinatal mortality
* History of difficulty breastfeeding
* 3rd or 4th degree perineal laceration
* Any contraindications to estrogen, including, but not limited to, breast cancer or a history of breast cancer, estrogen-dependent neoplasia, active deep vein thrombosis (DVT)/pulmonary embolism (PE) or a history of these conditions, active arterial thromboembolic disease (for example, stroke and MI) or a history of these conditions, known anaphylactic reaction, angioedema, or hypersensitivity to estrogen, hepatic impairment or disease, protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency, or other known thrombophilic disorders.

Where it's running

• University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
  Cleveland, Ohio, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Rachel Pope, MD — University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
• Study coordinator: Susan D Wherley, MD
• Email: susan.wherley@uhhospitals.org
• Phone: 216-844-1446

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Earlier use of an electric breast pump to maximize milk in preterm babies

  This study tests whether starting a double electric breast pump earlier (at birth) helps mothers of very preterm infants produce more milk by day 14.

  Recruiting National Maternity Hospital, Ireland · Dublin, Co. Dublin and 2 other locations · NCT07908238

• Methyl-Donor Rich Diet in the Postpartum Period

  Researchers will test whether a methyl-donor‑rich diet in the first weeks after birth helps reduce maternal depression and supports breastfeeding and infant growth.

  Recruiting Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa · Bursa, Orhaneli̇ · NCT07887178

• Alcohol, Breast Milk, and Metabolism in Lactating Women

  This study tests whether breast tissue locally metabolizes alcohol by comparing alcohol-related markers in blood and breast milk from lactating women after low-level alcohol exposure.

  Recruiting University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · Urbana, Illinois · NCT07779967

• Relaxation audio during breastfeeding to help newborn growth and mom’s well-being

  Researchers will test if listening to a relaxation audio during breastfeeding helps LBW babies grow and reduces maternal stress in a Ugandan setting.

  Recruiting University of California, San Francisco · Kampala · NCT07774793

• Breastfeeding education with web portal and app-supported counseling

  This trial tests whether added breastfeeding education plus digital support helps first-time mothers start and continue breastfeeding when they are near delivery.

  Recruiting Aydin Adnan Menderes University · Bursa · NCT07721311

• Grandparent-informed breastfeeding support for new mothers

  This study tests whether training grandparents and fathers to support breastfeeding can help new mothers start breastfeeding within the first hour and maintain exclusive breastfeeding for six months.

  Recruiting Nigde Omer Halisdemir University · Niğde · NCT07713160

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.