Seeking Healthy Men for Exciting Study: How Plant-Based vs Animal-Based Meals Affect Erectile Function
- Jaime P. Morales
- Jun 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 8
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

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

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This blog is an independent platform created to share publicly available information about ongoing research studies, primarily sourced from the official NIH (National Institutes of Health) website and other publicly accessible databases. Our goal is to hold space for individuals to explore research opportunities that may align with their interests or health profiles.
We do not work directly with the research teams or institutions conducting these studies, nor are we involved in participant selection, communication, or study oversight. All decisions regarding participation are determined solely by the research teams based on their specific study requirements and eligibility criteria.
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