How does CF affect the reproductive system?

CF affects reproductive health by presenting calculable genetic risks to offspring, delayed sexual maturation, and reduced fertility. Approximately 97% to 98% of men with CF are infertile because of abnormal development of the vas deferens, epididymis, and seminal vesicles.

How does CF affect the female reproductive system?

Women with CF have thicker cervical mucus and can have ovulation issues due to poor nutrition. However, the majority of women with CF are fertile and can become pregnant if appropriate contraception is not used.

Why does CF affect the reproductive system?

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 obstructions and affect the development and function of the sexual organs.

What are reproductive complications with CF?

Most men with CF (97 to 98%) are infertile because of an absence of the sperm canal, known as congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD). The sperm never make it into the semen, making it impossible for them to reach and fertilize an egg through intercourse.

Can cystic fibrosis block reproductive tract?

Reproductive system complications

Almost all men with cystic fibrosis are infertile because the tube that connects the testes and prostate gland (vas deferens) is either blocked with mucus or missing entirely.

How CF Affects the Body

Does cystic fibrosis affect the ovaries?

Females with cystic fibrosis have been noted to have multicystic ovaries, much like those observed in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Reproductive tract effects of the CFTR mutation are believed to be present as early as the initiation of puberty, providing a mechanism for ovarian cyst formation.

What organ is most affected by cystic fibrosis?

CF mainly affects the pancreas. The pancreas secretes substances that aid digestion and help control blood sugar levels. The secretions from the pancreas also become thick and can clog the ducts of the pancreas.

What hormone does cystic fibrosis affect?

Over time, scarring in the pancreas, caused by thick digestive fluids, can damage the cells that produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is essential to regulating blood sugar. Some people with CF can develop CFRD, a form of diabetes seen in people with CF. CFRD is when the pancreas doesn't make enough insulin.

Does cystic fibrosis affect menstrual cycle?

It is very common for girls with CF to have their first period later than their peers without CF. Often, girls' menstrual cycles are irregular. Many teens with CF have questions about fertility. It is estimated that over 95% of men with CF have CBAVD (Congenital Bilateral Absence of the Vas Deferens).

What gender is most affected by cystic fibrosis?

Males account for slightly more than 50 percent of all cases of cystic fibrosis (CF) but generally have better outcomes than females until about age 20. After that, men and women experience roughly equal outcomes for long-term survival. Still, males with CF tend to live an average of 2 years longer than females.

Can a woman with cystic fibrosis have a baby?

With proper management, careful monitoring, and working closely with your care team and obstetric team, many women with cystic fibrosis can carry a child without significantly affecting their long-term health.

What is the most serious complication of cystic fibrosis?

The most serious and common complications of cystic fibrosis are problems with the lungs, also known as pulmonary or respiratory problems, which may include serious lung infections.

What is the most common cause of death in cystic fibrosis?

Mucus in CF patients is very thick and accumulates in the intestines and lungs. The result is malnutrition, poor growth, frequent respiratory infections, breathing difficulties, and eventually permanent lung damage. Lung disease is the usual cause of death in most patients.

Why can't CF patients be together?

For people with CF, being close to others with the disease puts them at greater risk of getting and spreading dangerous germs and bacteria. This is called cross‐infection. Not only are these dangerous germs difficult to treat, but they can also lead to worsening symptoms and faster decline in lung function.

What is the oldest CF patient?

The oldest person in the United States diagnosed with CF for the first time was 82. Those who are not diagnosed with CF until later in life generally suffer from colds, sinus infections, pneumonia, stomach pains, and acid reflux. They may also have trouble gaining or keeping on weight.

What is the longest someone has lived with cystic fibrosis?

Marlene's Story of Living 86 Years With CF | Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Can you have CF if only one parent is a carrier?

An individual must inherit two non-functioning CF genes – one from each parent – to have CF. If both parents are carriers there is a 1 in 4 (25 percent) chance that both will pass on the non-functioning gene, which would result in a pregnancy affected with cystic fibrosis.

Do all siblings carry the CF gene?

Each baby has the same chance to inherit CFTR mutations from both parents, no matter whether any of the other siblings are carriers or have CF. When someone with CF has children with a CF carrier, the children will either be CF carriers or have CF.

How can a child have cystic fibrosis when neither biological parent has it?

A person must inherit two CF genes to have CF disease. When your child was conceived,* he or she received a CF gene from both you and your partner. A child can inherit CF only if both parents carry a CF gene (that is, each parent either has CF or is a carrier*) and both parents pass the CF gene on to their child.

Is CF inherited from mother or father?

Genetics and Diagnosis

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease. People with CF have inherited two copies of the defective CF gene — one copy from each parent. Both parents must have at least one copy of the defective gene.

Can baby have CF if mom is not a carrier?

People with one CF gene are called carriers. If a parent is a carrier, there's a 50 percent chance they'll pass on the gene with a mutation to their child. If both parents pass on a normal gene, or only one parent passes a gene with a mutation, the child will not have CF.

What is the life expectancy of a female with cystic fibrosis?

Today, the average life span for people with CF who live to adulthood is about 44 years. Death is most often caused by lung complications.

Are all males with CF infertile?

Men with cystic fibrosis and infertility

Ninety-eight percent of men with CF are infertile. Although their body creates sperm, a blocked or missing vas deferens prevents the sperm from mixing with the semen. This blocked or missing vas deferens is one of the problems caused by the CFTR genetic mutation.

What is it like dating someone with cystic fibrosis?

Mucus, digestion issues, ports, hospital admissions, chronic coughing, and pills and treatments all have their necessary place in a relationship with someone who has CF. It can make dating hard and intimidating at first. Revealing and coping with CF for a couple can be overwhelming and difficult as well.