1. Cystic Fibrosis Infertility in Men and Women Mary Goodman March 15, 2006

2. Infertility in Males Although men with Cystic Fibrosis still may have a great sex life, the majority of them are infertile. Although men with Cystic Fibrosis still may have a great sex life, the majority of them are infertile. 99% of adult males with Cystic Fibrosis are characterized by congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens (CBAVD). 99% of adult males with Cystic Fibrosis are characterized by congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens (CBAVD).

3. CBVAD Congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens Congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens The improper development of the tube through which sperm are released from the testes. The improper development of the tube through which sperm are released from the testes. Similar to being born with a vasectomy; you have sperm but pathway to release them is missing. Similar to being born with a vasectomy; you have sperm but pathway to release them is missing. Causes of CBVAD are genetic mutations and variations in the CF gene. Causes of CBVAD are genetic mutations and variations in the CF gene.

4. Female Infertility Females with CF are less fertile than normal healthy women. Females with CF are less fertile than normal healthy women. Delayed puberty and amenorrhoea are common due to malnutrition. Delayed puberty and amenorrhoea are common due to malnutrition. Women with CF have a thicker cervical mucus which makes it hard for the sperm to swim through, however not impossible. Women with CF have a thicker cervical mucus which makes it hard for the sperm to swim through, however not impossible.

5. Resources Jarzabek K, Zbucka M, Pepinski W, Szamatowicx J, Domitrz J, Janica J, Wolczynoski S, Szamatoqicz M. 2004. Cystic Fibrosis as a cause of infertility. Reproductive Biology. Vol. 4, No. 2. Jarzabek K, Zbucka M, Pepinski W, Szamatowicx J, Domitrz J, Janica J, Wolczynoski S, Szamatoqicz M. 2004. Cystic Fibrosis as a cause of infertility. Reproductive Biology. Vol. 4, No. 2. www.cysticfibrosismedicine.com www.cysticfibrosismedicine.com www.cysticfibrosismedicine.com www.healingwell.com/library/cysticfibrosis/info1. asp www.healingwell.com/library/cysticfibrosis/info1. asp www.healingwell.com/library/cysticfibrosis/info1. asp www.healingwell.com/library/cysticfibrosis/info1. asp www.dnadirect.com/resource/conditions/cystic_f ibrosis/faqs_CF_infertility.jsp www.dnadirect.com/resource/conditions/cystic_f ibrosis/faqs_CF_infertility.jsp www.dnadirect.com/resource/conditions/cystic_f ibrosis/faqs_CF_infertility.jsp www.dnadirect.com/resource/conditions/cystic_f ibrosis/faqs_CF_infertility.jsp