Melbourne twins, Royden and Pierson Budge, are participating in the FEASST study, looking into how diet affects male fertility. They explain why they joined and what is involved. Twins Research Australia thanks them most sincerely for their efforts to help us better understand this important area of men’s health.
Open to male twins, identical and fraternal, aged 20-45 who live in Melbourne and surrounds, the study is recruiting now. Learn more and how to join here
How long have you been members of Twins Research Australia?
Pierson: Approximately six years (since 2017).
Have you participated in twin studies before?
Pierson: No, this is the first twin study I’ve been involved with.
Why did you join this study?
Royden: Because it is an interesting topic and I think the results and outcome from research is important.
Pierson: I joined this study as it was genuinely interesting, and I would love to know if the results reflect my assumptions.
What has it involved?
Pierson: An initial screening to determine our eligibility to participate, then blood tests, body scans and measurements, and a semen sample. I undertook a strict diet for three weeks, then repeated all the tests, scans and samples.
What did you like and what were the downsides in participating in the study?
Royden: Having food supplied for the three weeks was a nice break from having to shop and cook! I like to know that interesting research like this is going on and that being involved helps. Only downsides were the inconveniences with appointments or organising the deliveries of food and trying to store it all.
Have you enjoyed participating in the study together?
Royden: Yes, it was very easy to participate.
Pierson: I enjoyed it because I know the results will make it rewarding.
Would you encourage other twins to join the study?
Royden: Definitely, it was a simple thing to do, and we also got some reimbursements from it. I think it’s a great thing to be involved with research to try and gain more knowledge and understanding of things that are not widely known.
Pierson: I would encourage other twins to join in. I believe we (twins) are perfect candidates for a study like this, and the more participants the better. The results could really help increase knowledge of how to achieve better fertility outcomes.
