Health
Men with spinal cord injuries become fathers thanks to rare fertility treatment at Miami clinic
A spinal cord injury can be life-altering – and the potential for infertility is often a devastating blow as well.
Among men who experience spinal cord injuries (SCIs) in the U.S., nearly eight in 10 have fertility and reproduction issues due to erectile dysfunction or poor sperm quality.
But one clinic in Miami, Florida, is on a mission to help men with SCIs start a family.
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The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, has aided in the birth of 200 babies since the 1990s.
Fox News Digital spoke with Dr. Emad Ibrahim, director of the Male Fertility Research Program, about how “amazing” this achievement has been.
A patient with a spinal cord injury enters the lab with Dr. Emad Ibrahim at his clinic in Miami, Florida. (The University of Miami)
The doctor said “nothing beats the feeling” of finding out one of his patients is expecting a child.
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“Every time we get an email with an ultrasound picture that shows the baby … it’s a mission accomplished,” he said. “It’s the most gratifying sensation you’ll ever have.”
Ibrahim, an associate professor of urology and neurological surgery at UMiami, said the clinical research program is “very unique” in its quest to help men father their own children through techniques rarely found elsewhere.
New dads Eric Rosemary, left, and Darris Straughter, right, both underwent procedures with the Miami Project under the direction of Dr. Ibrahim, center. (Eric Rosemary; The University of Miami)
While men with erectile dysfunction can be given medication to address this issue, men with ejaculatory dysfunction face a bigger challenge that the Miami clinic addresses through two unique procedures.
The two techniques include penile vibratory stimulation and electroejaculation, both FDA-approved and selected based on the nature of the spinal cord injury.
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The electroejaculation machine activates and contracts the glands responsible for producing sperm. (The machine is also available in Sweden, its only other location besides Miami.)
This method is guaranteed to be successful “almost 100% of the time,” according to Ibrahim.
‘Amazing’ fatherhood
Men from all over the U.S., and even outside the country, have come to seek this treatment — including Darris Straughter, 44, a Miami native.
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Straughter was a victim of gun violence in 2018, he told Fox News Digital in an interview.
While sitting at a traffic light, he was shot eight times. The injuries left him paralyzed from the chest down.
Darris Straughter plays with his daughter, who will turn 2 on Aug. 5, 2024. Straughter was paralyzed by gunfire in 2018. (The University of Miami)
“I don’t feel anything,” he said. “It’s a crazy situation. You just have to roll with the punches and keep moving and try to stay positive.”
Despite the incident, Straughter — who already had one child of his own — was determined to provide children for his wife.
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“I kept saying, ‘She deserves a kid,’” he said. “She was by my side the whole time. So, I was like, ‘I’m going to try any way possible to make it happen.’”
Straughter received treatment from Ibrahim, which ultimately led to his wife’s successful pregnancy. His daughter is now almost 2 years old and is “healthy and strong,” he said.
“[Fatherhood] is amazing. It’s so joyful,” he said. “I just love everything about it.”
“I pray God continues to guide us on a great path,” Straughter, pictured with his wife and daughter, told Fox News Digital. (The University of Miami)
Fellow Florida resident Eric Rosemary, 46, also found success at the Miami facility after a Memorial Day accident 15 years ago left him paralyzed.
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“I was on a boat … in West Palm Beach, and I fell off the boat and shattered my C4, C5, C6 vertebrae and became a quadriplegic,” he said.
Rosemary, who has been married for eight years, told Fox News Digital that he turned to the Miami Project when the timing was right to have kids.
Eric Rosemary of Florida, pictured with his family, said the Miami Project is “leading the way” in helping people with spinal cord injuries adapt. (Eric Rosemary)
Rosemary was previously involved in clinical trials with the project.
He and his wife have since had two sons, born in 2020 and 2023, after three attempts at the first pregnancy and two attempts with the second.
“When you first get injured, there are so many other things you have to worry about,” Rosemary said.
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“In my 30s, I was able to cope with having a spinal cord injury, rebuilding my business, re-building my life, then getting married and having my boys,” he continued. “I was fortunate enough that I had the time to do that.”
As patients who have suffered from an SCI mainly focus on mobility and medical care at first, sexual function is usually “brushed off,” Ibrahim noted.
Darris Straughter, pictured in the background with his daughter, is now a stay-at-home dad. His wife is shown in the foreground. (The University of Miami)
“They rarely talk about fertility,” he said. “And unfortunately, we still have some rehab centers in remote areas in the country that will tell these patients, ‘Forget it. You’re not going to have any children.’”
He added, “If [providers] knew that our program exists, and they could actually refer the patients to us, that would be of great help.”
Ongoing research
As the Miami Project’s procedures have shown excellent results, more research on a potential fertility treatment is underway, Ibrahim revealed.
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The program was awarded a $3.24 million, 40-year grant in July 2023 from the U.S. Department of Defense to conduct a clinical trial to study a drug called Probenecid, which was previously used to treat gout.
Dr. Ibrahim specializes in reproductive and sexual dysfunction in men with spinal cord injuries. He said “nothing beats the feeling” of finding out one of his patients is expecting a child. (The University of Miami)
Through years of research, Ibrahim and his team found that this drug targets the internal issues that some SCI patients experience, he said.
In the pilot study, which included 18 patients with spinal cord injuries, Ibrahim reported that all participants saw improved sperm quality.
“The medication is safe, and we have the publication to support that it works,” he said.
The larger clinical trial is currently ongoing as the Miami Project is in search of new volunteers.
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Valerian, an herbal supplement long used for sleep and relaxation, has been referred to as “nature’s Valium” — but experts are divided on whether it truly compares to the prescription sedative.
The herb, which is sold as a dietary supplement in the U.S., is a common ingredient in products marketed as “mild sedatives” and sleep aids, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Valium, the brand name for diazepam, is used to treat anxiety, seizures and muscle spasms by calming the nervous system, Cleveland Clinic notes.
Valerian supplements are derived from the roots of Valeriana officinalis, a flowering plant native to Europe and Asia that has also naturalized in northeastern America, according to the American Botanical Council (ABC).
The plant has a “long history of medicinal use,” per the ABC, with the primary goal of reducing anxiety and stress as well as improving sleep quality. It has historically also been used for migraines, fatigue and stomach cramps.
Valerian has historically been used for migraines, fatigue and stomach cramps. (iStock)
Dried valerian roots can be prepared as teas or tinctures, while other plant materials and extracts have been distributed as capsules or tablets, per the NIH.
The agency noted, however, that there is a “relatively small amount of research” investigating the herb’s impact on various conditions.
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However, Stefan Gafner, Ph.D., chief science officer of the American Botanical Council in Texas, confirmed that some clinical trials have explored valerian root’s effects.
A 2020 medical review published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine found that both powdered root and root extracts show a “clear” benefit in treating anxiety, Gafner told Fox News Digital.
Valerian root and other parts of the plant can be prepared as teas, extracts, capsules and tablets. (iStock)
The researchers concluded that valerian could be a “safe and effective herb to promote sleep and prevent associated disorders.”
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While valerian may have some benefits, Gafner said he doesn’t think it “makes sense” to compare it to diazepam (Valium).
“I can understand that both are used to relieve anxiety, but valerian is a much milder ingredient, and is really used for mild cases of anxiety and sleep issues,” he told Fox News Digital.
Some valerian users have reported improved sleep and reduced anxiety, according to recent research. (iStock)
Unlike valerian, diazepam carries a risk of dependence and is generally prescribed short-term, the expert said, and the spectrum of potential adverse effects is “very different.”
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Gafner said he “absolutely” recommends the use of valerian root to relieve anxiety and stress and to improve sleep.
“I have used it myself and I believe it’s an ingredient with well-documented benefits, especially for people with problems falling asleep,” he said. “It is well-tolerated and very safe… although some sources caution [against] driving a car or using heavy machinery when using valerian.”
Valeriana officinalis, a herbal plant used as a mild sedative, in bloom. (iStock)
Dr. Joseph Mercola, a board-certified family medicine osteopathic physician and author of the new book “Weight Loss Cure,” said valerian’s comparisons to Valium may “exaggerate what the science actually shows.”
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“Valerian root contains compounds that appear to enhance calming brain chemicals, particularly the neurotransmitter GABA, which helps quiet nerve activity and supports relaxation,” the Florida-based expert told Fox News Digital.
“Some studies do report modest improvements in sleep quality or shorter time to fall asleep, while others find no meaningful difference compared with placebo.”
Valerian supplementation may not be right for everyone seeking better sleep, one doctor said. (iStock)
Side effects may include headaches, dizziness, digestive upset or next-day grogginess, Mercola noted, adding that he would not recommend it as a primary strategy for anxiety, stress or sleep.
“Because long-term safety studies remain limited, and supplement quality varies widely, you should approach valerian with caution rather than view it as a universal sleep solution,” he advised.
“You should approach valerian with caution rather than view it as a universal sleep solution.”
“I encourage people to focus first on strategies that correct the underlying drivers of poor sleep,” Mercola advised. “When you fix those foundations, you often find that you no longer need an herbal sedative at all.”
“I encourage people to focus first on strategies that correct the underlying drivers of poor sleep,” one doctor advised. (iStock)
“Bright sunlight during the day helps regulate your circadian rhythm and signals your brain to produce melatonin later at night,” he said. “At the same time, complete darkness [at night] supports the hormonal signals that allow deep, restorative sleep.”
Certain nutrients can also promote relaxation and sleep quality, including magnesium, which helps to regulate the nervous system, according to the doctor.
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GABA may help to calm nerve activity, reduce stress markers and improve perceived sleep quality, Mercola said, while glycine — taken at about 3 grams an hour before bed — may support relaxation, promote the body’s nighttime temperature drop, and improve sleep onset and overall quality.
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“When you combine sunlight exposure, magnesium, GABA and glycine, you support the biological systems that control sleep instead of relying on a sedating herb with mixed evidence,” the doctor concluded.
Fox News Digital reached out to valerian root manufacturers requesting comment.
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GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy have transformed treatment for Type 2 diabetes and obesity, but new research suggests doctors may need to pay closer attention to bone health, especially in older patients taking the drugs.
Older adults with Type 2 diabetes who started GLP-1s had an 11% higher risk of fragility fractures compared to those taking other diabetes medications, a study published in February in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found.
Dr. Michal Kasher Meron, an endocrinologist at Meir Medical Center in Israel and lead author of the study, said the relative increase may sound small, but it carries weight for an at-risk population.
“Both older age and Type 2 diabetes are independent risk factors for fragility fractures,” Kasher Meron told Fox News Digital. “This is a population that deserves special attention.”
A new study suggests older adults with Type 2 diabetes taking GLP-1 medications may face increased fracture risk. (iStock)
Fragility fractures are breaks from minor falls or routine activity, often linked to osteoporosis, and can lead to hospitalization, loss of independence and even increased mortality in older adults, Kasher Meron noted.
The study followed more than 46,000 adults 65 and older for nearly three years. After adjustments, GLP-1 users had a modest but statistically significant increase in fracture risk.
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Previous research in younger patients using older GLP-1s did not show increased fracture risk, but newer, more potent versions are now widely prescribed to older adults, Kasher Meron noted.
“In older adults treated with contemporary medications, the fracture risk picture looks different and warrants close attention,” she said.
Separate research found slightly higher rates of osteoporosis and gout among adults using GLP-1s. (iStock)
The study, however, was observational, meaning it shows an association but not causation. Researchers were unable to determine whether the risk was driven by weight loss, changes in diet, muscle loss or a direct effect on bone.
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Nonetheless, Kasher Meron says, “Bone health should be assessed before starting these medications in older patients — not as an afterthought.”
The findings come as separate research presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ annual meeting this month raised additional bone health concerns.
In an analysis of more than 146,000 adults with obesity and Type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 users were found to have a 29% higher relative risk of osteoporosis over five years compared to nonusers, according to reports.
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Rates of gout were also slightly higher, affecting 7.4% of GLP-1 users compared to 6.6% of nonusers — about a 12% relative increase.
Experts recommend bone density screening for older adults taking GLP-1 medications. (iStock)
Osteomalacia, a softening of the bones, was rare but occurred about twice as often in GLP-1 users, according to the study, which has not yet been peer reviewed. It was also observational, showing only an association. Fox News Digital has reached out to the researcher for comment.
Several mechanisms could be at play, experts say. GLP-1 medications suppress appetite and can lead to rapid weight loss. Significant weight loss is known to reduce bone density, partly because less mechanical load is placed on the skeleton.
“It’s the same idea as when we always hear about astronauts going up into space, and they’re in a gravity-zero environment for too long,” lead author Dr. John Horneff, an associate professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Pennsylvania, told NBC News.
“There’s nothing forcing their bones to kind of hold their weight anymore. And a lot of those astronauts come back with low bone density.”
Additionally, eating fewer calories may also mean lower intake of calcium, vitamin D and protein, nutrients critical for bone strength.
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are widely used to treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity. (iStock)
Rapid weight loss can also temporarily increase uric acid levels, a byproduct of tissue breakdown, which may explain the uptick in gout cases.
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Despite the findings, experts say the results should not discourage appropriate use of GLP-1 medications, which have proven benefits for blood sugar control, weight loss and cardiovascular risk reduction.
In addition to bone density screening, experts say patients should ensure adequate nutrition and resistance training to help preserve muscle and bone during weight loss.
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A spokesperson for Novo Nordisk, which manufactures GLP-1 medications, said the company prioritizes patient safety, works closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and welcomes independent research into its products.
Experts also recommend proper nutrition and resistance training to help preserve muscle and bone health during weight loss. (iStock)
The known risks and benefits of the drugs are reflected in the current FDA-approved labeling, Liz Skrbkova, head of U.S. media relations for Novo Nordisk, told Fox News Digital. She emphasized that semaglutide has demonstrated cardiovascular, kidney and liver benefits when used under medical supervision.
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“Osteoporosis is a complex condition that develops over many years as a result of interdependent risk factors,” Skrbkova added.
Fox News Digital’s Melissa Rudy contributed reporting.
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A viral wellness trend asks a simple question — is warm or cold water healthier? — but the science behind it is more nuanced.
Previous research shows that food and beverage temperature has a measurable effect on things like anxiety and gut discomfort.
One of the most long-standing health claims is that ice-cold water boosts calorie burn by forcing the body to heat it up. While this is grounded in science, the actual impact may be minimal.
Ultimately, experts say, the health impact of water temperature depends on the goal — weight loss, athletic performance, digestion or comfort.
Does cold water boost weight loss?
“As per research, in the 90 minutes after consuming cold or room temperature water, energy expenditure increases minimally by 2.9% (cold water) and 2.3% (room temperature),” Tanya Freirich, a registered dietitian and diabetes expert in North Carolina, told Fox News Digital.
Extra water may suppress the appetite or may play a part in energy production and expenditure, experts say. (iStock)
While the body does expend energy to warm up cold water, Freirich noted that it’s “not significant enough to make it worthwhile” for weight loss. Hot water doesn’t exactly melt fat, however, she added.
For those looking to lose or manage weight, Freirich suggests focusing on “how much” rather than “how cold.” She pointed to research involving overweight women who added an extra 1.5 liters of water to their daily intake. Over eight weeks, the participants saw measurable weight loss.
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“The extra water may suppress the appetite or may play a part in energy production and expenditure,” Freirich said. The temperature of drinking water should not affect how well the body utilizes nutrients, she added, noting that more research is needed.
For those exercising in heat and humidity, the goal should be to rehydrate without excessive fluid loss through sweat. Research on thermoregulation suggests there is an ideal water temperature for athletes.
The temperature of drinking water should not affect how well the body utilizes nutrients, according to an expert. (iStock)
While drinking water can trigger sweating as the body regulates its temperature, 60.8 degrees Fahrenheit was associated with the least amount of perspiration.
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“Cool, but not cold,” Freirich emphasized. Drinking water in this specific range helps the body rehydrate efficiently without causing gastrointestinal distress.
Warm water and digestion
There are several reasons someone might opt for warm water, including its effect on relaxation and digestion. Studies have found that warmer liquids can accelerate gastric emptying, effectively waking up the gut.
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The benefits may be mental as well. Freirich points to research showing that hot black tea leads to lower levels of cortisol — the body’s primary stress hormone — and greater subjective relaxation after stressful tasks.
The preference for warm water often stems from its effect on the rest and digestion. Studies have found that warmer liquids can accelerate gastric emptying, effectively waking up the gut. (iStock)
Medical triggers
Freirich warns that very cold water can cause difficulty for those with swallowing disorders, or can trigger migraines and “brain freeze” in people with sensitive nerves.
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Furthermore, those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may find that ice-cold drinks trigger digestive discomfort.
Ultimately, the best temperature is the one that encourages people to drink, the dietitian said. The general recommendation for adults is to consume seven to eight glasses of water per day.
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“Most importantly, it is important for everyone to stay adequately hydrated,” Freirich said.
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