Men are more likely to die younger, face serious issues like heart disease and prostate cancer, and struggle silently with mental health. Yet they’re far less likely to go to the doctor or speak up when something feels off. That quiet toughness? It ends up costing people their lives.
But here’s the thing: it’s not just about avoiding checkups. There’s a deeper problem happening behind the scenes—men are underrepresented in clinical research. That means the data guiding many treatments doesn’t always reflect what works best for men of all ages, especially those in rural areas or from diverse backgrounds.
And when research doesn’t include you, care can’t be tailored to you. That slows down progress and makes it harder to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve mental well-being, and boost overall physical health.
This is exactly why Men’s Health Month matters. It’s a chance to shift the conversation and spotlight new ways to close those gaps. One of the most exciting advances? Decentralized clinical trials—or DCTs for short. These let you join important research studies from home without needing to take time off work or travel across town.
For men who want to take control of their health and be part of something bigger, this makes a significant difference.
Most people think of clinical trials as something reserved for rare diseases or extreme cases. However, in reality, they play a significant role in developing everyday treatments for health conditions that affect millions of men.
Whether it's a new medication to lower blood pressure, therapy to manage blood sugar, or an innovative approach to managing depression, these trials are the foundation of medical progress. They guide the decisions doctors make and the options available to patients.
But the challenge is that not enough men are signing up—and those who do often don’t represent the full spectrum of male experiences. That means we're missing out on critical insights about how treatments affect men from different age groups, lifestyles, and health histories.
This is especially true in areas like:
The good news? With the right tools and technology, we can address this issue.
Decentralized clinical trials are research studies that don’t require you to go to a hospital or clinic every week. Instead, much of the participation can happen from home—through secure apps, telehealth visits, wearable devices, and home sample collection kits.
For men balancing work, family, and life in general, this approach removes one of the biggest barriers to getting involved: the time constraint.
At Science 37, we specialize in building DCTs that make participation easier, safer, and more convenient. That means more men can take part in research without having to rearrange their lives. And more participation means better data. Better data leads to better treatments. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
Let’s look at some of the promising areas where clinical trials—especially those led by Science 37—are pushing the boundaries of men’s healthcare:
Prostate cancer continues to be one of the most diagnosed cancers in men—and one of the most deadly when caught too late. Today’s clinical research is exploring precision medicine strategies that target cancer at the molecular level. Science 37 is helping expand access to these groundbreaking studies through decentralized clinical trials, allowing more men, regardless of location, to enroll in trials testing early detection methods, targeted therapies, and novel hormone treatments.
Heart disease and atrial fibrillation (AFib) are among the top threats to male longevity. Through trials focused on innovative therapies—from antiarrhythmic drugs to wearable monitoring tech—Science 37 is helping researchers collect data from participants in real-world environments. These remote trials enable men to track their blood pressure, heart rhythm, and other vital signs without stepping foot in a clinic, making it easier to catch problems early and develop more effective treatments.
Even when a condition is rare, men living with it deserve access to research and options. Science 37 is leading rare disease research trials, including studies for vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (VEDS). This genetic disorder affects connective tissue and can lead to serious heart and blood vessel complications. Bringing trials directly to patients means the studies allow more men to participate, no matter how uncommon their condition may be.
While often associated with hospital settings, C. diff infections can affect anyone—and men with weakened immune systems or recent antibiotic use are at increased risk. Science 37 is supporting trials for new preventative treatments and therapies that restore gut health, all while enabling participants to contribute from home. These trials are especially important for improving outcomes and limiting recurrences.
Let’s not forget what too often goes unspoken: mental health. Whether it's depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress, too many men suffer in silence. Science 37’s decentralized mental health trials offer a safe, stigma-free way to get involved in testing therapies that combine medication, digital CBT, and mobile tracking tools. This means men can take part privately, without needing to explain absences or face social judgment.
We can’t ignore the fact that many men avoid traditional healthcare. The reasons are personal, but deeply relatable:
It’s no wonder that so many men say they’d rather clean the house or go shopping than visit a doctor. It’s also a reason why men worldwide have a lower life expectancy compared to women.
This mindset not only delays diagnosis but also reduces opportunities for early intervention. Decentralized clinical trials meet men where they are. They offer a non-intimidating way to engage with the medical system without needing to rearrange their lives or deal with the discomfort of a clinical setting.
Getting involved in a clinical trial doesn’t mean something’s wrong with you. In fact, many studies need healthy volunteers to help researchers understand how a new treatment compares to the norm. This is especially important in areas like:
And if you’re already managing a chronic condition, trials can offer new options for care and deeper insights into your health. You’ll be contributing to better treatment strategies—for yourself and for future generations.
There’s a growing recognition that men’s health deserves targeted attention. While lifestyle changes like better nutrition, physical activity, and healthy habits are foundational, clinical trials provide a powerful tool to accelerate breakthroughs.
This Men’s Health Month, take a step that could change your life—and help others. Whether you’re having difficulty managing a health condition, or you simply want to contribute to medical progress, clinical research offers a meaningful, low-barrier way to make an impact.
At Science 37, we make it easy to explore decentralized clinical trials that fit your lifestyle. You can browse active research studies and sign up in minutes. It’s private. It’s flexible. And it’s built with you in mind. Visit Science 37 to explore active trials today.
