Men's & Women's Fertility....

[EnglishCFGuy]

Hi,
I'm a male CF sufferer in his 20's. I've never really mixed with other CF sufferers because I've always had the infectious bugs (Psedemonous (sp?), Cepacia (sp?) etc). So I've never been able to ask other CF's questions. Anyway, I've got a bunch of things I'd like to ask and I hope you people can please find time to reply.

First query....
I've always wondered what the general rate of fertility in CF Males and Females is? I always understood (from reading literature on the subject) that the women can escape CF quite well in this area and a significant proportion (around 60%?) conceive children like 'normal' while the men bear the brunt of the CF infertility with there being a 70-95% chance a CF Man will be infertile.

Obviously I'm starting to want to know this stuff because of my age, circumstances - you get the idea! haha.

(And before anyone asks - no I've not had a fetility test and I'm can't see one taking place in the immediate future.)

Thanks,
Cf Guy, 23

 

[Emily65Roses]

One of the women here, Julie, who has a husband with CF has a really good website, at least for the male part of your question:
<a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://cysticfibrosismaleinfertility.com/
">http://cysticfibrosismaleinfertility.com/
</a>
Women have an easier time than the men, but it's still harder than for most people. Don't know any numbers or stats on that, though.

Oh, and as for the men, you're not infertile in that you don't have sperm. Juliealways makes sure to make that very clear. CF men HAVE sperm, it just can't get out due to a lack of the vas deferens. So if you want kids and can afford IVF, you can still have them. But try that website, it's good.

 

[65rosessamurai]

Well, if Mr. EnglishCFGuy ever decides to have himself checked out for fertility (who knows, you may be the 2% who's fertile) , probably a specialist who knows the complications for CF would be good. I wonder if they can be found on Julies home page...
Apparently it doesn't seem like a simple test for CF patients, but you happen to be the 2% with the vas deferens is in good health, etc., who knows, at your age, if anything, maybe you can have some stored for when you are able to have children at a later date. (Wished I thought of that sooner for myself!)

I would also suggest checking this out before you come the states, if your current insurance can pay all or a portion of the medical costs. (according to your other topic, you wish to come to the States, right?)

Good Luck!
Fred

 

[julie]

Thanks em for listing the site.

CF guy, as far as a fertility test, it is actually quite simple compared to the following steps you would have to take to have a baby if you were found "infertile". The number one determination of fertilityinfertility in a man with CF is a semen analysis. It's a black and white answer and the results are available in 24 hours, sometimes less.

If you have more questions, please don't hesitate to email me with them, I'm happy to help.

I saw your other queston, about coming to the US... they are some complicated questions so I'm going to write more to you there tomorrow.

email, <a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="mailtoivision902@hotmail.com">division902@hotmail.com</a>
<a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="mailto:cystic_fibrosis_male_infertility@yahoo.com">cystic_fibrosis_male_infertility@yahoo.com</a>

 

[HollyCatheryn]

Whoever wrote it first, Julie's site is great for just the male side of things. You were wondering also about the female side - just out of curiosity? Check <A href="http://www.geocities.com/MurrensNatureMama">www.geocities.com/MurrensNatureMama</A> for fertility information on both males and females with CF.