Men serve a critical role in our society and in societies across the globe; they provide the resilient backbone for their loved ones. Sometimes, men think that seeking help is a sign of weakness or failure, but this, especially when it relates to health, is not the case. Medicine is committed to addressing the needs of men throughout their lives. Research studies involving men focus on how men are built physically and mentally, and what they need in particular. Researchers use this information to find the best prevention, diagnosis and treatment possible. Taking care of yourself does not make you weak; in fact, men who participate in research studies are medical heroes!

You can take part in research studies that matter most to you and your loved ones. To find a research study that is a good fit, see the information below.

Finding a Study

Whether you’re looking for studies on ClinicalTrials.gov or helping researcher find you on ResearchMatch, always keep the following in mind:

1. Your health status – both healthy volunteers and those with medical conditions are needed in the research effort.

2. Your location – finding studies close to home is often a requirement to be able to take part.

3. More information about you – studies are done using groups based on their gender, ethnic group, and age, among other things. What makes you unique is what’s needed the most.

• ResearchMatch
• ClinicalTrials.gov

Helping Researchers Find you on ResearchMatch

Why ResearchMatch? Fact: Recent surveys show that few Americans (less than 5%) know where to find out about research studies that are a good fit for them. Fact: Research volunteers are medical heroes. Why? Because behind every medical breakthrough and new treatment are thousands of people who take part in research studies.

ResearchMatch is one way to help match medical heroes with research studies. How? Think of posting your resume on line. Like a resume helps employers look for people to fill a role in their company; ResearchMatch is your research resume with details about you. This allows researchers to look for volunteers who may be good fit for their study.

The NetWellness feature ResearchMatch and You – Making a Difference One Discovery at a Time gives a step by step guide about how ResearchMatch works and what you can do to take part in research. Once you put the details of your profile in ResearchMatch, it is kept secure. These details will only be shared when you agree to take part in a study.

Finding Studies on ClinicalTrials.gov

Many people want to take part in research studies. Finding a study that is (a good) (the right) fit for you or your loved one can be a challenge/hard. ClinicalTrials.gov exists helps speed up the search by having a list of studies offered/listed in the United States.

The search tool on ClinicalTrials.gov allows you to look for research studies that are as unique as you. This allows you to search by your gender, race, ethnicity, age, and condition. In any search that you do on ClinicalTrials.gov, it’s important that you include your city and state in your search so that you can find trials that are happening close to home. The NetWellness feature How to Find a Clinical Research Study/Clinical Trial helps guide you to get the best results for your search.   

Other Resources

• Clinical Trials: Men’s Health (CenterWatch)

For more information:

Go to the Research Center health topic.