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Meds, Mind, Body & Benefits => Research News & Studies => Topic started by: carbonNYC on August 08, 2006, 06:00:48 pm

Title: Providing "Sexual Fluid" Samples
Post by: carbonNYC on August 08, 2006, 06:00:48 pm

I am beginning a clinical trial for HAART-naive folk which has an option "sexual fluids" sample collection at some of the visits. I've provisionally consented to supplying the samples, but I'm a little puzzled by the logistics. They said that I could "bring in" the sample as long as I can deliver it with in three hours of "sample generation" (that's my euphemistic turn-of-phrase), but I guess I'd worry that even that interval (on hot NYC subways, for example) would degrade the sample. But, this is a hospital, not a sperm donation clinic, so I doubt they have "materials" to aid in the "sample generation" on site -- or for that matter, any room which might be conducive to such activity. (I'm unfortunately not so turned on by the "medical" fetishes...)

I'm not too worried about this, but I'm a little puzzled by it, and I'm wondering how others have faced this situation. I'm curious if anyone has faced this or similar dilemmas in clinical trials. Funny anecdotes, anyone?

David
carbonNYC -a-t- gmail.com

Title: Re: Providing "Sexual Fluid" Samples
Post by: J220 on August 08, 2006, 07:25:09 pm

I suppose you can 'generate your sample' (funny!) at home, and take a cab that day rather than riding than subway. I think this would justify the cost. Gotta keep those swimmers cool! Or, heck, use a small cooler with some ice, then take the train. Keep us posted how 'it' works out...lol. J.

Title: Re: Providing "Sexual Fluid" Samples
Post by: whizzer on August 08, 2006, 11:41:42 pm

The study I'm in calls it a "genital secretions sample."  I do it right there in a room in a clinic.  They put a sign on the door that says "testing in progress, do not disturb"  It ain't easy, 'cause you can't use any lube or spit or anything.  Suffice to say, it is a less than stimulating environment, but I manage. The only problem is, the sample is never as robust as what I can usually manage.

I have NO IDEA what they do with it after I supply the sample.  Count the bugs in it, I suppose.

So go to the clinic with some porn in your backpack, and give it a wank for science.

What is the number of the study you are doing?

-Whiz

Title: Re: Providing "Sexual Fluid" Samples
Post by: carbonNYC on August 09, 2006, 09:59:16 am

I picture myself telling the cabbie to "step on it"! And then running through the halls of the hospital with my special delivery. And then a door opens, I slam into it, "spilling my seed" all over the place. There's a Seinfeld plot in there somewhere...

And, yes, I believe the text of the study calls them "genital secretions" -- but that makes them sound dirty.  ;)

Anyway, I can honestly say I hadn't considered the possibility of toting along some of my own porn. I guess I'm usually concerned about someone noticing that sticking out of my backpack. But that sounds like a good plan. However, I hadn't realized that they don't even allow saliva as a lubricant. Would it be wise to moisturize with lotion for a few days beforehand to make it more bearable?

And what do you think is more important for an HIV study? Volume per se or sperm density?

I don't have the study number on hand -- and I'm still in the pre-screening phase -- but it's an investigation of Fuzeon (enfuvirtide) in HAART-naive patients.  :-\ Twice-a-day injections? Woo hoo!

Title: Re: Providing "Sexual Fluid" Samples
Post by: pozniceguy on August 09, 2006, 05:55:51 pm

Don't be such a wuss.....get a "sample cup"   go in one of the single bathrooms they seem to have all over hospitals......think of the hottest guys/guys you have ever been with and watch that beauty grow......if lube is needed   ..try some plain water ( ask if this will contaminate the sample first..it shouldn't )   and wank onnnnn....

Title: Re: Providing "Sexual Fluid" Samples
Post by: whizzer on August 09, 2006, 06:57:04 pm

Carbon,

I am currently enrolled in that study.  Are you going to do the spinal taps as well?

Title: Re: Providing "Sexual Fluid" Samples
Post by: carbonNYC on August 09, 2006, 07:05:01 pm

Quote from: pozniceguy on August 09, 2006, 05:55:51 pm

Don't be such a wuss.....get a "sample cup"   go in one of the single bathrooms they seem to have all over hospitals......think of the hottest guys/guys you have ever been with and watch that beauty grow......if lube is needed   ..try some plain water ( ask if this will contaminate the sample first..it shouldn't )   and wank onnnnn....

That could work as long as they have pina-colada-flavored water at the hospital, to substitute for pina-colada-flavored lube!  :o

Just kidding. I hate flavored lube. Makes me ill.

Seriously, though, it's all fine and good to say "think of the hottest guys I've even been with," but I'm worried that under the pressure of the situation such fantasies won't be springing to mind. The few times where I've wanted to "yank one out" in a allocated short timeframe it's not always worked -- something about the overly goal-oriented nature of it gets distracting, no?

Quote from: whizzer

I am currently enrolled in that study.  Are you going to do the spinal taps as well?

Perhaps it's a different study. I'm quite certain there are no spinal taps involved in the one I'm screening for. (I'd remember that!) What's the time frame and size of your study? "Mine" is 2 years and 40 people nationwide. (Sorry I don't have the # for ya.)

Title: Re: Providing "Sexual Fluid" Samples
Post by: otherplaces on August 11, 2006, 12:55:06 am

Just curious.  Are you taking Fuzeon as monothreapy? If so...that's interesting. What are their goals?

They should add me.  I think I could wank for science anytime/anywhere :)

brian

Title: Re: Providing "Sexual Fluid" Samples
Post by: carbonNYC on August 11, 2006, 01:16:44 pm

No, it's not monotherapy. It's paired with two other non-nukes of choice (I think non-nukes -- don't quote me on that part.)

The goal of the study is to see if they can affect the latent viral load within T-cells. I don't know how they do that techinically -- it sounds like a pain in the ass. All I know is that that part requires 18 vials of blood.  :-\

Title: Re: Providing "Sexual Fluid" Samples
Post by: whizzer on August 11, 2006, 01:38:17 pm

If it is the same study I am on, and I"m pretty sure that it is.  It is Fuzeon, Truvada, and Invirase boosted with Norvir.  Thus, two NRTIs, a boosted PI, and a fusion inhibitor.  The NRTIs and PI can be substitued with other drugs (not paid for by the study, tho); the Fuzeon must be used.

Fuzeon cannot be used for monotherapy. 

Title: Re: Providing "Sexual Fluid" Samples
Post by: whizzer on August 11, 2006, 01:41:05 pm

Oh, and Carbon,

They measure the latent reservoir of resting CD4s by drawing out 30, yes THIRTY !!!  tubes of blood every six months, starting at week 24 of the study.  There is a lab at Johns Hopkins that can do this test - that's where they send the blood.  They can only do one test per week, and you can only get the big blood draw done on Mondays.

Title: Re: Providing "Sexual Fluid" Samples
Post by: carbonNYC on August 11, 2006, 01:45:24 pm

Well, it may not be the same study (but clearly similar) because I know that the choice of non-Fuzeon meds is wide open in this study -- they're doing a resistance profile and they'll pick the best other options.

30 tubes, huh? Not so cool.

Title: Re: Providing "Sexual Fluid" Samples
Post by: whizzer on August 11, 2006, 01:45:49 pm

It is thirty tubes because they draw the 18 (plus two extra) for the latent reservoir test, then another 10 or twelve for the standard monitoring blood tests.  They also do a lumbar puncture (if you voluteer to let them), and take the genital secretions sample (if you volunteer for that).

It makes for a very long, very bad day.

Title: Re: Providing "Sexual Fluid" Samples
Post by: whizzer on August 11, 2006, 01:49:38 pm

Ask very carefully.  Yes, they do resistance testing.  Yes, they can substiture everything but the Fuzeon.  But be sure and ask if THEY pay for the substituted drugs.  Be very clear on that.

I PM'd you with the study number and the long title.  It is the same study.

The Saliciano Lab at Hopkins that does the latent reservoir test can't handle TWO studies of 40 people each

Title: Re: Providing "Sexual Fluid" Samples
Post by: carbonNYC on August 11, 2006, 01:50:15 pm

Well, the "genital secretions" part of that day would be the highlight then, I would think! :) I might ask to do that part several times!

Title: Re: Providing "Sexual Fluid" Samples
Post by: whizzer on August 11, 2006, 01:54:34 pm

Ha, you will barely manage supplying the one sample !!  You'll be too pooped.

Seriously, PM me about this.  It is a noble study to take part in, but Fuzeon is a difficult drug to use.  You really need to know what you're getting into.

I sorta wish I had chosen a different study, and there ARE several others for the treatment naive

Title: Re: Providing "Sexual Fluid" Samples
Post by: whizzer on August 11, 2006, 02:15:52 pm

Hey Carbon, are you gettin my PM's?