Every September 8 marks World Cystic Fibrosis Day—a moment to bring visibility to a condition that affects thousands of people around the world, to promote early diagnosis, access to treatments, and, above all, to remind everyone that living with cystic fibrosis doesn’t mean giving up on your dreams.
One of those dreams, for many people, is starting a family. And while this condition can pose certain challenges to reproductive health, it is indeed possible to have a baby—with the right medical guidance, proper disease management, and reproductive technology on your side.
In this blog, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about cystic fibrosis, how it affects fertility, and how Ingenes can support you if this diagnosis is part of your story.
What is cystic fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic, chronic, and progressive disease that mainly affects the lungs and digestive system. It is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, which make the body’s secretions (like mucus and digestive fluids) thicker and stickier than normal. This leads to blockages, frequent respiratory infections, and difficulty absorbing nutrients.
It is a hereditary condition: for a person to develop it, they must inherit the defective gene from both parents. That’s why we also talk about asymptomatic carriers—people who show no symptoms but can still pass the gene on to their children.
There is no cure for cystic fibrosis, but with early diagnosis, consistent treatment, and a healthy lifestyle, many individuals can lead active, fulfilling lives and plan their futures confidently.
How does cystic fibrosis affect fertility?
In women
For women with CF, fertility is generally not directly compromised. Most maintain normal ovarian function, have regular menstrual cycles, and can ovulate normally. However, there are some factors that may make natural conception more difficult:
- Cervical mucus may be thicker than normal, preventing sperm from reaching the uterus.
- Overall health condition can influence ovulation and hormonal cycles, especially in the case of severe respiratory complications.
- Some medications used to manage CF may impact reproductive function or be unsafe during pregnancy.
In men
The situation is different for men with CF. Up to 98% of men with cystic fibrosis have a condition known as obstructive azoospermia. This means they produce viable sperm, but the sperm cannot travel through the vas deferens because it is either absent or blocked (a genetic manifestation of CF called bilateral absence of the vas deferens).
This doesn’t mean they can’t have children. There are advanced assisted reproductive techniques that allow doctors to retrieve sperm directly from the testicles or epididymis to use in procedures like In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
What if I’m a carrier of the cystic fibrosis gene?
This is a key point, especially if you’re planning to have a baby.
Both men and women can carry the CFTR gene without knowing it, and if their partner is also a carrier, there is a 25% chance that their child will inherit the disease.
That’s why preconception genetic screening is an important part of reproductive planning in these cases. These tests help determine whether you or your partner are carriers and what options are available to reduce the risk of passing on the condition.
At Ingenes, we offer specialized tests such as PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Diseases), which allows us to identify whether an embryo is a carrier or affected by genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis—before it is transferred to the uterus.
This gives you the opportunity to build a family free from the disease, even if both parents are carriers.
Can I get pregnant if I have cystic fibrosis?
The answer is yes—you can become a mother if you live with cystic fibrosis, but with some important considerations.
First and foremost, the disease should be well managed and stabilized. Pregnancy planning in women with CF must be a joint effort between their pulmonologist, gynecologist, and, if necessary, a fertility specialist.
Pregnancy places extra strain on the body, so it’s vital to ensure that lung function is within safe limits, that nutrition is adequate, and that there are no active infections or recent exacerbations.
It’s also important to undergo a complete reproductive evaluation—both for you and your partner—and understand all available options, from natural approaches to assisted reproductive techniques.
What options does Ingenes offer for people with cystic fibrosis?
At Ingenes, we’ve supported both women and men living with cystic fibrosis or carrying the gene who wish to have a baby, tailoring each program to their medical, emotional, and genetic needs.
Here are some of the resources we provide:
1. Personalized programs with a genetic fertility focus
Our approach isn’t about offering a “treatment”—it’s about designing personalized programs that include genetic and hormonal testing, ovarian reserve assessment, semen analysis, and everything needed to define the best path to your baby.
2. Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT-M)
Ideal for those who are carriers or living with CF. This test allows us to select embryos that are free of the affected gene before transfer, reducing the risk of passing the disease to your children.
3. In Vitro Fertilization with sperm retrieval
For men with CF-related azoospermia, sperm can be retrieved through procedures such as testicular or epididymal aspiration. Fertilization is then carried out in the lab using ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection).
4. Emotional support
We understand that living with a chronic condition and going through assisted reproduction can feel overwhelming. That’s why our programs include specialized psychological support—to help you go through the process with greater confidence and emotional well-being.
A diagnosis doesn’t define your story
World Cystic Fibrosis Day is not just about raising awareness of the disease—but about possibilities. About everything that is now achievable thanks to science and compassionate care.
Starting a family is a deeply personal decision. If you have cystic fibrosis—or if you or your partner are gene carriers—it’s important to know that you’re not alone. There are options, tools, and professionals ready to support you with respect, clarity, and dedication.
At Ingenes, we strongly believe that fertility is part of overall health, and that everyone deserves access to reproductive solutions that match their unique reality.
A path made possible with science, empathy, and support
Living with cystic fibrosis brings many challenges. But it can also bring conscious choices, life plans, and the chance to achieve dreams that once seemed distant.
Today, on World Cystic Fibrosis Day, we want to tell you that if you dream of having a baby, you are not alone. At Ingenes, we’ve supported hundreds of people in complex situations, with difficult diagnoses or conditions that required more than just a medical solution—they required hope.
And we’re here to offer it to you.