Breakthroughs In Fertility Treatment Amid Rising Lung Infection Concerns
Cystic fibrosis is an illness best known for causing frequent lung infections and chronic breathing problems. However, it affects organs and tissues throughout the body, including the urogenital system.
Women with Cystic fibrosis (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.
A majority of men (between 97 and 98 percent) with cystic fibrosis have a congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD) – the ducts that carry sperm from the testes to the urethra – resulting in a lack of sperm in the semen.
The condition is called obstructive azoospermia and is a cause of infertility. Until recently, most men with cystic fibrosis could not father children. Assisted reproduction now makes fatherhood possible for these men.
Symptoms of CF
People with CF can have a variety of symptoms, including very salty-tasting skin, persistent coughing, at times with phlegm, frequent lung infections including pneumonia or bronchitis, and wheezing or shortness of breath.
They also have chronic sinus infections, clubbing or enlargement of the fingertips and toes, rectal prolapse, and male infertility, among other issues.
Thicker Cervical Mucus
Women with cystic fibrosis have thicker cervical mucus due to abnormal cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) function. Thicker mucus can make it harder for sperm to successfully penetrate the cervix and can increase the amount of time it takes to become pregnant.
Cystic Fibrosis And Infertility
Most men with CF (97 to 98 percent) are infertile because of an absence of the sperm canal, known as the 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.
Impact Of Cystic Fibrosis On 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.
Cystic Fibrosis, Infertile Couples And ART
While 97-98 percent of men with cystic fibrosis are infertile, they can still enjoy normal, healthy sex lives and have biological children with the help of assisted reproductive technology (ART).
Cystic Fibrosis And Pregnancy Outcomes
Pregnant women with cystic fibrosis who have poorer lung function at the beginning of pregnancy have a higher risk of having a premature or smaller baby.
Puberty And Menstruation
Poor nutrition, low body weight, and compromised lung function all affect the body’s ability to ovulate and menstruate regularly. For this reason, some women with CF may have absent or irregular periods associated with being underweight or malnourished.
Irregular Ovulation
Poor nutrition leading to irregular ovulation (the release of eggs from the uterus) can also contribute to fertility problems and is another reason some women with CF may have trouble conceiving.
Cystic Fibrosis And Infertility In Females
However, it is thought that women with CF are more likely to experience fertility problems than women who don’t have CF, due to: being more likely to experience irregular or absent periods if they are ill or very underweight, and. having thicker vaginal mucus, which can make it harder for sperm to reach the egg.