Transcript Cystic Fibrosis Infertility in Men and Women

Cystic Fibrosis
Infertility in Men and Women
Mary Goodman
March 15, 2006
Infertility in Males
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).

CBVAD
Congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens
 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.
 Causes of CBVAD are genetic mutations and
variations in the CF gene.

Female Infertility
Females with CF are less fertile than
normal healthy women.
 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.

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.
 www.cysticfibrosismedicine.com
 www.healingwell.com/library/cysticfibrosis/info1.
asp
 www.dnadirect.com/resource/conditions/cystic_fi
brosis/faqs_CF_infertility.jsp
