Sexuality & Cystic Fibrosis

The life expectancy for a child with Cystic Fibrosis has steadily increased over the past few decades from an average of 8 years in 1970 to 29.5 years in 1998. Nurses who care for this special population need to be open to discussions about the quality of life of these individuals, including sexuality, body image, and self-esteem. Specific information concerning expected body image, fertility, and safe-sex practices is essential. Males will want to know about their reproductive choices, and females will need to have counseling about the decision to become pregnant, including the genetic implications for both themselves and the unborn child.