Sexual and reproductive health is an important and emerging area in cystic fibrosis (CF) and thoughtful consideration of community perspectives can ensure that future research is relevant and responsive to topics such as: 1) effects of CF modulator therapy on sex hormones; 2) effects of sex hormones on CF; 3) fertility; 4) pregnancy; and 5) sexual and reproductive health/mental health.
Multidisciplinary cystic fibrosis (CF) clinicians perceive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) for males with cystic fibrosis (MwCF) as important, yet they report suboptimal SRH discussions. The majority believe the CF team should have the primary role in SRH discussion and provision for MwCF. Pediatric clinicians report significantly less comfort and skill in discussing and managing male SRH. Identified barriers and facilitators should be used to improve SRH care for MwCF.
MyVoice:CF is acceptable, appropriate, and usable for those with cystic fibrosis (CF). Among a sample of 43 participants, preliminary effectiveness evaluation suggests that MyVoice:CF improves self-efficacy in and frequency of reproductive health communication.
Most males with cystic fibrosis (CF) are infertile but with CF transmembrane conductance regulator modulator-conferred benefits, more are utilizing assisted reproductive technologies. However, no human data exists and there are many unknowns.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37953181/
Cystic fibrosis (CF) clinicians perceive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) for men with CF as important but report low SRH discussions. With a total of 297 clinicians completing Dr. Kazmerski's survey (41% pediatric, 36% adult, 23% both; 27% physicians, 24% social workers, 11% nurses, 41% other), nearly all (98%) believed the CF team had a role in SRH care with 75 % believing they should be primarily responsible.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37953183/
In a recent study, Dr. Traci Kazmerski and her team found that early height, but not early weight-for-length/body mass index trajectories, may be associated with pubertal growth outcomes. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator modulator therapy shows the potential to improve pubertal growth outcomes, but further research is necessary.
Read more about their findings here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37981481/
Dr. Kazmerski , Olivia Stransky, Catherine Wright, Dr. Birru Talabi, Dr. Callegari, Dr. Chang, Dr. Miller, Ashley Deal, Raelynn O'Leary, and Dr. Borrero conducted a study on our femtech tool MyVoice:CF showing that the tool increases self-efficacy and reproductive health communication for those with cystic fibrosis.
Read more about their findings here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37833123/
Olivia Stransky, Catherine Wright, and Dr. Traci Kazmeski found that partners report gaps in sexual and reproductive health care and counseling despite the majority wanting to discuss sexual and reproductive health concerns with their partner's cystic fibrosis team.
Read more about their findings here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35970694/
Dr. Traci Kazmerski and her team looked at clinician attitudes and practices on pregnancy planning and care in cystic fibrosis (CF) and found that:
In their recent study, Dr. Traci Kazmerski and Olivia Stransky found that women with cystic fibrosis (CF) have significantly different sexual and reproductive health (SRH) experiences than their non-CF peers. They report suboptimal SRH care compared to their preferences highlighting an urgent need to encourage SRH counseling/care in the CF model.
Read more about their study here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36210323/
