Health Library Explorer
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings Contact Us
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Click a letter to see a list of conditions beginning with that letter.
Click 'Topic Index' to return to the index for the current topic.
Click 'Library Index' to return to the listing of all topics.

Cystic Fibrosis and the Reproductive System

How does CF affect the reproductive system?

Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) have a problem with how the cell protein CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) works. CFTR controls the flow of water and certain salts in and out of the body's cells. As the movement of salt and water in and out of cells is altered, mucus becomes thickened.

In the reproductive system, the thickened secretions can cause blockages. These can affect how the sex organs develop and work.

Gender words are used here to talk about anatomy and health risk. Please use this information in a way that works best for you and your provider as you talk about your care.

For most men with CF, the tube (vas deferens) that carries sperm to the penis does not develop. This is called congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD). In men with CBAVD, even though the vas deferens is missing, the sperm are not. In fact, 90% of men with CF and CBAVD have normal sperm production. This means that most men with CF can conceive biological children through assisted reproductive techniques (ART). A reproductive specialist (urologist) can use tests to find out a person's reproductive status.

Women also have an increase in thick cervical mucus. This may make it harder for them to get pregnant. ART can help such women as well. Cystic fibrosis, however, doesn't affect sex drive or performance in either women or men. The physiological changes in pregnancy may make CF symptoms worse. People with CF must talk with their healthcare provider before planning to get pregnant.

Symptoms that may happen due to CF’s effects on the reproductive system include:

  • Delayed sexual development

  • Menstrual periods stop for a few months or completely stop

  • Irregular periods

  • Inflammation of the cervix

  • Infertility or sterility

With newer treatment strategies, people with CF are living longer and healthier lives. Many now can think about having children.

Talk with your CF healthcare team if you are thinking about parenting or having a baby.

Online Medical Reviewer: Chris Southard RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Shaziya Allarakha MD
Date Last Reviewed: 2/1/2024
© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Powered by StayWell
About StayWell | Disclaimer | Terms of Use

Our web site is designed to provide general information to educate users about programs and services, which may be available through our hospitals. The web site is not intended to provide medical advice nor should the information be used to attempt to determine the presence, absence or severity of any illness or medical condition which may be perceived or experienced by the user of this site. If you have or suspect you may have an illness or condition which you believe requires medical attention, we recommend you call your primary care physician. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency please call "911" (or your local medical emergency number) or seek immediate care from the nearest hospital Emergency Department. The provision of information to users of this web site is not intended as an inducement or to otherwise influence a person's decision to order or receive any item or service from a particular provider, practitioner or supplier that is reimbursable under Medicare, a state healthcare program (e.g., AHCCS) or any other healthcare plan.

Physicians are members of the medical staff at each facility, but are independent contractors who are neither employees nor agents of Tenet Florida Coastal Division; and, as a result, Tenet Florida Coastal Division is not responsible for the actions of any of these physicians in their medical practices.