Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis affects an estimated 30,000 people in the U.S. Moreover, there are more than 10 million carriers of the cystic fibrosis genes (1 in 20 to 25 people are carriers). Modern medicine is helping many of these patients reach adulthood. The average life expectancy is now 37 years old in 2006 when it was only 8 years old in the 1970’s. As more of these patients reach a reproductive age, it is important to address the issue of fertility. A careful history, physical examination and genetic assessment of you and your partner will all be critical in providing you with options.Cystic Fibrosis affects an estimated 30,000 people in the US. Moreover, there are more than 10 million carriers of the cystic fibrosis genes (1 in 20 to 25 people are carriers). Modern medicine is helping many of these patients reach adulthood. The average life expectancy is now 37 years old in 2006 when it was only 8 years old in the 1970’s. As more of these patients reach a reproductive age, it is important to address the issue of fertility.

More than 95% of these men are sterile due to abnormalities in the “pipes” that carry sperm out to the penis. Specifically the “plumbing” problem is due to the absence of the vas deferens. The most common manifestation is when the vas cannot be found on either side of the scrotum (Congenital Bilateral Absence of the Vas Deferens or CBAVD). For some men, sperm retrieval with IVF is an option for establishing a pregnancy. For other men, surgical reconstruction can restore the flow of sperm out to the penis. With an operating microscope, a man’s reproductive plumbing can be found and closely examined. If an area of blockage is found and it can be fixed with an operation, then surgery may be a legitimate option for these patients.

A careful history, physical examination and genetic assessment of you and your partner will all be critical in providing you with options. Working with your genetic counselor and primary CF doctors, Dr. Kuang looks forward to being part of your cystic fibrosis team and exploring your reproductive options

Click here for male fertility services
Click here for Vasectomy Reversal
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Click here for Azoospermia no sperm
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Click here for Klinefelters Syndrome
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Click here for vibratory stimulation
Click here for Oligospermia too few sperm