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As an infertile man with cystic fibrosis, I never thought my wife and I would be on the cusp of our first pregnancy. Fortunately, over the last 18 months, we've learned a thing or two about navigating the in-vitro fertilization (IVF) process.

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh wanted to better understand the realities of parenting as a person with cystic fibrosis, so they collected firsthand accounts from members of the CF community.

I was determined to finish school and set a good example for my children. Along the way, I learned how important it is to have a strong support system to help manage the challenges that can come with cystic fibrosis while I pursue my dreams.

My wife and I opted for a surrogate to carry our child following her double-lung transplant. After five years of struggling with a bad surrogacy agency, we finally switched providers and found a surrogate who is now carrying our child.

Accepting my son’s cystic fibrosis diagnosis has been a year-long journey for our family. I learned there is more to motherhood with a chronically ill child than meets the eye.

When I was pregnant in the early 2000s, there was little information available about cystic fibrosis and pregnancy, and I didn't even know what concerns to address with my providers. I am glad more women with CF have shared their family building experience.

Because of the shortened life expectancy projected for those with cystic fibrosis, I was always cautious about the idea of having children. Those fears melted away after I started Trikafta® and received the greatest surprise of my life.

Because of the medications I must take as a result of my lung transplant, I thought it might be too difficult to conceive a baby through in vitro fertilization. I was wrong. I'm expecting a son in November.

As an adult with cystic fibrosis, becoming a foster parent seemed like a great option for me and my husband to build our family. Although fostering three kids for our first placement certainly came with its fair share of challenges, we wouldn't change it for the world.

My husband and I had always said that we would either have no kids, or we would have two. But, when our first child was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, we were suddenly faced with a difficult decision.