Fertility & Pregnancy in CF
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My Journey to Motherhood ne of the lesser-known side effects of cystic fibrosis is infertility. Around 98% of men with CF are infertile because of Congenital Bilateral Absence of the Vas Deferens (CBAVD).
The effect of CF on the fertility of women is more complicated. Even in women without cystic fibrosis, pregnancy carries an element of risk for mother and child and requires lifestyle changes such as carefully managed nutrition and improved fitness. This is especially true for the woman with CF, as there are simply more things to consider. It is recommended to speak to your CF team if you are planning on starting a family. This is particularly important for a woman with CF who is planning to become pregnant. It is important that you and your partner discuss the implications of becoming pregnant and having a child. Talking to your CF team provides the opportunity to discuss the medical facts, the probable course of the condition, the effect of CF on the pregnancy, the effect of pregnancy on CF and the impact of caring for a baby on treatment and care. Notwithstanding this, all women and all pregnancies are unique and ultimately having a child is a very personal decision for the partners concerned. The journey to parenthood is very rarely straightforward for a person with cystic fibrosis and their partner. Cystic Fibrosis Ireland would like to remind members that supports, both financial and emotional, are available for any person with CF considering starting a family. In this Spotlight, one woman with CF shares her journey towards motherhood and looks back at how cystic fibrosis has impacted her life to date. Hi my name is Edel and I am 34 years old, I have cystic fibrosis and I am recently welcomed my first child, a daughter named Shelby- Rose. I am delighted to share my journey to motherhood with you. I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at 6 weeks old. Both of my parents are carriers of the CF gene, but never knew until my brother Seamus was born and was diagnosed. Unfortunately, Seamus passed away from CF at 10 months old. When I was born a couple of years later, I was tested straight away due to the family history of CF. I have 4 older brothers, including Seamus, but none of my other brothers have CF, although one of them does carry the gene. For me, life with cystic fibrosis has been tricky to say the say the least. www.cfireland.ie
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