How does cystic fibrosis affect the male reproductive system?
The impact of cystic fibrosis (CF) on male reproductive health is profound. The vast majority of men with CF are infertile due to obstructive azoospermia. Multiple factors associated with CF contribute to an increased prevalence of testosterone deficiency, which adversely affects muscle mass, bone density, and quality of life.
How long can someone live with cystic fibrosis?
While there is no cure yet for cystic fibrosis (CF), people with CF are living longer, healthier lives than ever before. In fact, babies born with CF today are expected to live into their mid-40s and beyond. Life expectancy has improved so dramatically that there are now more adults with cystic fibrosis than children.
Is cystic fibrosis more common in one ethnicity?
How Common Is CF? According to the data collected by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, there are about 30,000 Americans, 3,000 Canadians, and 20,000 Europeans with CF. The disease occurs mostly in whites whose ancestors came from northern Europe, although it affects all races and ethnic groups. Accordingly, it is less common in African
Is cystic fibrosis caused by a dominant or recessive allele?
It is caused by a recessive allele. In a genetic diagram: Someone who is homozygous (ff) for the recessive allele will develop cystic fibrosis. Someone who is heterozygous (Ff) or homozygous (FF) for the dominant allele will not develop cystic fibrosis.
What sex is most affected by cystic fibrosis?
How Are Men 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.
Is cystic fibrosis sex linked or autosomal recessive disorder?
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder that is caused by a mutation in the CFTR gene located on chromosome 7.
Can you get cystic fibrosis from kissing?
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition, so it's not contagious.
What genotype is cystic fibrosis?
The diagnosis of cystic fibrosis was made in patients homozygous for ΔF508 at an earlier age than in those heterozygous for ΔF508 or those with the other/other genotype (Table 1). Pancreatic-function status was also strongly related to the presence of the ΔF508 mutation.
What diseases are sex-linked?
And so some of the more familiar sex-linked traits are hemophilia, red-green color blindness, congenital night blindness, some high blood pressure genes, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and also Fragile X syndrome.
What gene is linked to cystic fibrosis?
Every person has two copies of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. A person must inherit two copies of the CFTR gene that contain mutations -- one copy from each parent -- to have cystic fibrosis.
What disease is in 5 feet apart?
In early 2019, a movie began showing in theaters across the country called Five Feet Apart. The previews that aired on television showed two teenagers falling in love. Both of the characters had cystic fibrosis (CF) and were in and out of hospitals as they started a relationship.
What are 3 interesting facts about cystic fibrosis?
Emily of Emily's Entourage shares interesting tidbits and lesser-known facts about life with Cystic Fibrosis (CF).People with CF can't be together. ... CF and Tay Sachs are tied as the most fatal Jewish genetic diseases. ... Our skin is super salty. ... We are master deceptors. ... The nickname for CF is 65 roses.
Can siblings with cystic fibrosis live together?
Cystic fibrosis doesn't affect only those born with the condition. Parents, siblings, family, friends… they all learn to live with CF, they're all fighting for a life unlimited by CF as well.
Is cystic fibrosis a phenotype or genotype?
In a monogenic, recessive disease such as cystic fibrosis (CF), genotype as a primary cause constitutes the starting point and is typically represented by two disease-causing mutations residing on separate alleles.
Is cystic fibrosis homozygous or heterozygous?
The Cystic Fibrosis Gene A person with CF inherits two mutated copies of the CFTR gene. These mutations can either be homozygous, the same, or heterozygous, different mutations. The most common mutation is delta F508, accounting for approximately 70% of all mutations.
What causes cystic fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a disease that is passed down through families. It is caused by a defective gene that makes the body produce abnormally thick and sticky fluid, called mucus. This mucus builds up in the breathing passages of the lungs and in the pancreas.
What is Cystic Fibrosis News Today?
Cystic Fibrosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Why does CF cause thick mucus?
CF and female infertility. Women with CF have thick vaginal mucus due to abnormal CFTR function. This makes it harder for the sperm’s movement in the body, and fertilization can be difficult. Although women with CF have difficulties in becoming pregnant, neither pregnancy nor fetal development is affected.
Can a sperm canal be blocked?
Although they can produce normal sperm, the sperm canal is blocked or missing, and the sperm never gets into the semen, making it impossible to fertilize the egg. This is known as congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens (CBAVD) and is thought to be associated with the CFTR gene mutation.
Can a CF male be infertile?
CF and male infertility. Men with CF can have normal sexual relations, and their ability to have an erection and to ejaculate is not affected. However, the majority of adult men with CF (97%-98%) are infertile. Although they can produce normal sperm, the sperm canal is blocked or missing, and the sperm never gets into the semen, ...
Does CF affect sexual performance?
CF does not reduce sexual performance or the desire for intimacy. However, some people with CF have persistent coughing, chest pain, hemoptysis (coughing up blood or blood-stained mucus), or trouble breathing, which can cause physical discomfort and pain during intercourse.
Does cystic fibrosis affect sexuality?
Cystic Fibrosis and Sexuality. While cystic fibrosis (CF) is most commonly associated with adverse effects on lung and pancreatic function, the disease has an impact on reproductive health as well.
How many men are infertile with CF?
While 98% of men with CF are infertile, and women with CF are more likely to have a hard time getting pregnant, sexual desire and performance is the same as the rest of the population.
Why do people with CF have no desire for intimacy?
Depression, anxiety and low self-esteem, which are more common in people with CF than the general population, may also contribute to a lack of desire for intimacy. 5. Finally, worries about passing the CFTR ...
What are the common concerns about body image?
Frequent concerns about body image include: Small stature or delayed puberty. Thinness. Finger clubbing. Scars from surgery. Incontinence caused by heavy coughing. Frequent gas and bloating. Stained teeth and yeast infections caused by antibiotics.
What are the concerns of CF?
Body image and self-esteem can take a beating among people with CF, especially teens. Low self-esteem, excessive self-consciousness, and poor body image can delay or inhibit sexual relationships. Frequent concerns about body image include: Small stature or delayed puberty. Thinness. Finger clubbing. Scars from surgery.
Can CF be a challenge?
Establishing a new intimate relationship can be intimidating for anyone but may present special challenges for someone with CF. Issues to be discussed with a prospective partner can range from when to reveal your diagnosis to fertility to which positions make it difficult to breathe during sex. Explaining your daily regimen to stay healthy may also seem daunting but as with any new relationship, open and honest communication is best.
Can cystic fibrosis cause intimacy?
Relationships, Sex, and Intimacy Considerations with Cystic Fibrosis. Sex and intimacy are two of the great pleasures of adult life. However, many people with cystic fibrosis (CF) often must leap extra hurdles when they become old enough and physically mature enough to consider having a sexual relationship.
Can IUDs be used for CF?
IUDs and diaphragms may be a good option for women with CF. Contraceptive injections are not recommended for women with CF because it increases the risk of developing osteoporosis. 2,3. None of these methods of contraception protect against STDs.
How is cystic fibrosis inherited?
Rather, cystic fibrosis is inherited when an individual receives a mutated copy of the gene associated with cystic fibrosis from both parents. When an individual has only one copy of the mutated gene, the functional gene is able to compensate for the defect and the individual is healthy.
What gene is responsible for cystic fibrosis?
Tsui’s interest in genetic diseases, and CF in particular, led him to seek out the underlying genetic cause for CF while analyzing the genes on human chromosome 7. Tsui and his team discovered that the gene that contains the instructions for production of the CFTR protein, when mutated, was responsible for the majority of cystic fibrosis cases.
How many mutations are there in cystic fibrosis?
While most cases of cystic fibrosis result from the single amino acid deletion, well over a thousand additional mutations of the CFTR gene have been found that account for a small percentage of cystic fibrosis cases. Adults and children can be tested to see if they carry the mutated CF gene.
How many cystic fibrosis cases are there in the US?
There are an estimated 30,000 reported cystic fibrosis cases in the US, and 70,000 reported cases worldwide, although the international number is undoubtedly low due to underreporting ...
What is CF in biology?
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a fatal, inherited disease found in humans and characterized by buildup of thick, sticky mucus, particularly in the respiratory and digestive tracts. The abnormally thick mucus prevents the pancreas from functioning normally; it often leads to digestive problems ...
Can you test for CF in children?
Cystic fibrosis has traditionally been tested in children with a sweat test, which involves sampling the sweat of an individual who might have CF in order to determine if the salt content is higher than normal. However, with the advent of genetic testing, use of the sweat test has diminished.
Is CF mutation a carrier?
Genetic carrier testing analyzes a sample of the DNA from each parent via a mouth swab or blood sample that is examined for any mutations in the CF gene. Carrier testing is highly accurate, but some mutations are undetectable. Therefore, a person who tests negative for a cystic fibrosis mutation may be a carrier.

CF and Male Infertility
CF and Female Infertility
- Women with CF have thick vaginal mucus due to abnormal CFTR function. This makes it harder for the sperm’s movement in the body, and fertilization can be difficult. Although women with CF have difficulties in becoming pregnant, neither pregnancy nor fetal development is affected. Some ART procedures, such as insemination (the sperm is placed into the cervix or directly into the uterus) or in vitrofertilization (mature eggs are collected from t…
Contraception and Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- Despite fertility issues, adults with CF have normal sex lives, as the sexual performance or desire for intimacy is not diminished. Unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can occur, and as a result, protective measures should be taken. Different types of contraceptives include condoms, vaginal contraceptive rings, oral contraceptive pills, intrauterine devices (IUD), and diaphragms. Caution should be taken when oral con…
CF and Sex Life
- CF does not reduce sexual performance or the desire for intimacy. However, some people with CF have persistent coughing, chest pain, hemoptysis (coughing up blood or blood-stained mucus), or trouble breathing, which can cause physical discomfort and pain during intercourse. Some practical advice before having sex includes the use of a bronchodilato...