Qualitative Study Exploring Rheumatology Patients' Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health
IRB Number: 2025-0021
December 26, 2025
Institutional Review Board, Hospital for Special Surgery
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Principal Investigator
Summary:
This qualitative study aims to better understand the experiences and perspectives of people with rheumatic diseases regarding their sexual and reproductive health, including contraception, family planning, and cervical cancer prevention. We aim to enroll 20-30 female patients with a diagnosed rheumatic disease who are taking immunosuppressive medication(s). Each participant will complete a one-time 30–45-minute interview.
Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Female, aged 18-45 with a systemic rheumatic disease diagnosis (i.e. systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome, undifferentiated connective tissue disease, mixed connective tissue disease, Sjögren’s syndrome, systemic sclerosis/scleroderma, systemic vasculitis, idiopathic inflammatory myopathy, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, spondyloarthritis, Adult-onset Still’s disease) as defined by the treating rheumatologist
- Receiving care from an HSS attending rheumatologist or rheumatology fellow
- Actively prescribed one or more of the following medications: methotrexate, mycophenolate, leflunomide, thalidomide, lenalidomide, cyclophosphamide, warfarin
Exclusion Criteria:
- <18 years old (as this is a pilot study conducted by adult rheumatologists, pediatric patients will be excluded)
- Individuals without pregnancy potential for any reason (i.e. menopause, infertility, surgical procedures including prior tubal ligation or hysterectomy)
- Unable to be interviewed in English (as this is a pilot study discussing sensitive topics, participants unable to be interviewed directly by our trained study team members will be excluded)
Contact Information:
Noel Ermer
212.774.2223