Cystic Fibrosis and the Reproductive System

How does CF affect the reproductive system?

Children with CF have an abnormality in the function of a cell protein called the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR). 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.

About 98 percent of males with CF have obstruction of the sperm canal and are sterile. Women also have an increase in thick cervical mucus that may lead to a decrease in fertility.

Symptoms that may be present due to the effects of CF on the reproductive system include the following:

• delayed sexual development
• absence or stopping of menstruation
• irregular menstrual periods
• inflammation of the cervix
• infertility or sterility

More information on Cystic Fibrosis:

• Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis

• Diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis

• Genetics of Cystic Fibrosis

• Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis

• Cystic Fibrosis and the Digestive System

• Cystic Fibrosis and the Respiratory System

• Feeding Your Child With Cystic Fibrosis

Click here to view the
Online Resources page of this Web.

Cystic Fibrosis Center at Rush

The Cystic Fibrosis Center at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, offers a state-of-the-art, multidisciplinary team approach to the care and treatment of infants, children, adolescents and adults with cystic fibrosis. Our mission is to provide a comprehensive scope of services of the highest quality to patients, while advancing knowledge through education and research.

The Rush Cystic Fibrosis Center is fully accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and has been recognized as a new model for providing comprehensive cystic fibrosis care by the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference.

For more information about care for cystic fibrosis at Rush visit our Cystic Fibrosis Center home page.

Looking for Other Health Information?

• Visit our Health Information home page.
   
  or
   
  
• Visit Discover Rush’s Web Resource page to find articles on health topics and recent health news from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. You will also find many helpful links to other areas of our site.

Looking for a Doctor?

Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, is a leader in caring for people of all ages, from newborns through older adults.

Just phone (888) 352-RUSH or (888) 352-7874 for help finding the Rush doctor who’s right for you.