Seeking Healthy Men for Exciting Study: How Plant-Based vs Animal-Based Meals Affect Erectile Function

Currently Recruiting

Are You a Healthy Male Aged 18–32? Join a Groundbreaking Nutrition and Men’s Health Study!

Montefiore Health System is conducting an innovative clinical study to explore whether a plant-based meat meal affects erectile function differently than a traditional animal-based meat meal. If you're a healthy, sexually active man who lives near the Bronx, NY area and want to help advance men’s health and nutrition science, this study may be for you!

What’s the Erectile Function Study About?

This research study is looking at how one plant-based meat meal compares to one animal-based meat meal in terms of erectile function, specifically in healthy men who already have normal erectile performance.

Using a non-invasive overnight device called RigiScan™, researchers will measure erectile firmness and duration while you sleep, after eating either type of meal. Participants will try both meals on different nights in a randomized order.

Key Study Highlights

• Study Location: Montefiore Health System (Bronx, NY)

• Study Duration: 2 meal nights plus a few short visits before and after

• Compensation: Participants may receive compensation for their time (ask when enrolling)

• Meals Provided: Plant-based and animal-based dinners included

• Device Used: RigiScan™ to measure erectile function overnight

What you need to Qualify to the Erectile Study

• Are male (biological) and 18–32 years old

• Have a BMI between 18.5 and 28.5

• Have had penile sexual intercourse in the last 12 weeks

• Are not taking prescription medications (except rescue inhalers if needed)

• Are not vegan or vegetarian

• Can commit to overnight monitoring and follow basic food/activity rules

• Live within commuting distance to Montefiore (Bronx, NY)

What Will Disqualify You From The Study

• Have erectile dysfunction

• Are taking medications for depression, ADHD, or blood pressure

• Have hypertension, sleep apnea, insomnia, or chronic illnesses

• Are a vegetarian or vegan

• Have a history of eating disorders, substance use, or HIV

• Smoke, vape, or use drugs

• Are currently experiencing any genital rashes or lesions

  
  

https://www.healthcentre.org.uk/pharmacy/erectile-dysfunction-statistics.html? https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17081223/

Erectile Function Study: What to Expect

Visit 1 – Screening:

• Consent and basic health screening

• One small blood draw

• Medical history and vital signs

Visit 2 & 3 – First Test Meal (Plant or Animal-Based):

• Receive and eat one test meal

• Wear the RigiScan™ overnight at home

• Return device the next morning

Visit 4 & 5 – Second Test Meal (After Washout Period):

• Repeat the same steps with the other meal type

Important Study Rules

To ensure accurate results, participants must:

• Avoid alcohol, NSAIDs, and illicit drugs before test nights

• Refrain from sexual activity, orgasm, and porn use before and during monitoring

• Follow simple dietary and hygiene instructions (e.g. avoid toothpaste, mouthwash)

• Not change exercise or dietary habits during the study

  
  

Interested? Here’s How to Apply:

If you're interested and meet the criteria, contact Montefiore Health System to see if you're eligible to participate. Your involvement can help advance science on men's sexual health and plant-based diets!

Montefiore Medical Center

Bronx, New York, United States, 10467

Contact : Rob Ostfeld, MD, MSc

718-920-5197 rostfeld@montefiore.org

Full Study Information