The modern landscape of fertility, pregnancy, and parenthood in people with cystic fibrosis.

Abstract

Purpose of review: With improved long-term survival and the expanding availability of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator therapies that treat the underlying genetic defect in cystic fibrosis, more people are interested in parenthood. Cystic fibrosis care centers and people with cystic fibrosis need more information to guide decisions related to parenting.

Recent findings: Here we present currently available data on fertility, pregnancy, and parenthood in the modern era of cystic fibrosis care. Fertility may be improving in female individuals with cystic fibrosis with the use of CFTR modulator therapies, and there is an associated increase in annual pregnancies. Infertility in male individuals with cystic fibrosis remains approximately 97-98% and is unchanged with CFTR modulators in those already born with cystic fibrosis. As more female individuals with cystic fibrosis experience pregnancy, questions remain about the impact of pregnancy on their health and that of their child. Fortunately, there are multiple routes to becoming a parent; however, more work is needed to understand the impact of pregnancy and parenthood in the context of CF as some previous data suggests potential challenges to the health of parents with cystic fibrosis.

Summary: We encourage cystic fibrosis care teams to have knowledge and resources available to support the reproductive goals of all individuals with cystic fibrosis.