Reproductive defects in patients of both sexes with cystic fibrosis: a review.

Current knowledge of reproductive duct function in both male and female cystic fibrosis patients is reviewed. Almost all male patients are sterile because of azoospermia. The mechanistic basis of the obstructive defect leading to pre- and post-natal destruction of selected portions of the sperm-conducting network remains unknown. Female cystic fibrosis patients are fertile. Pulmonary status appears to be the most important factor in determining pregnancy outcome. In contrast to earlier concerns about the normality of breast milk, breast milk composition of cystic fibrosis mothers is normal, and they can successfully breast feed their infants.