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When my mom used to ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I told her that I wanted to be a dad. The journey to fatherhood with cystic fibrosis is full of obstacles, but I would give anything to pass on the traits I've gained from living with this disease to a child of my own.

Women with CF have thicker cervical mucus and can have ovulation issues due to poor nutrition. However, the majority of women with CF are fertile and can become pregnant if appropriate contraception is not used.

By learning about the implications of all transplant-related medications and treatments before undergoing a transplant, men with cystic fibrosis can avoid some of the harmful reproductive side effects and improve their ability to have biological children post-transplant. 

While 97-98 percent of men with cystic fibrosis are infertile, they can still enjoy normal, healthy sex lives and have biological children with the help of assisted reproductive technology (ART).

Both men and women with CF are just as likely to give or get a sexually transmitted infection (STI) as people without CF. Taking the proper steps to protect yourself is critical to your overall health.

Delayed puberty is common among young men with CF, but working with your CF care team to ensure you get good nutrition can help encourage healthy development and growth.

By understanding the effects that different forms of contraception can have on people with cystic fibrosis, you can choose the method that is right for you. 

For some people with CF, having sex can come with physical discomfort, aggravations and pain. Fortunately, some practical tips and advice can help both men and women with CF fully enjoy their sex lives.

In this “Living Today” video, we learn how Carrie Giddens, a 30-year-old with CF, and her husband, Craig, decided to have their first child through IVF and surrogacy.

When my husband and I were given the thumbs-up from my cystic fibrosis doctor to start trying for our own family, it felt like a small victory 12 years in the making. After being referred to a maternal-fetal medicine physician for a preconception consultation, we are finally taking our first steps toward parenthood.