Sexual and reproductive health in men with cystic fibrosis: Consistent preferences, inconsistent practices

Sawyer, S.M.; Farrant, B.; Wilson, J.; Ryan, G.; O'Carroll, M.; Bye, P.; Bell, S.

doi:10.1016/j.jcf.2009.05.005

« Previous Next »Journal of Cystic Fibrosis
Volume 8, Issue 4 , Pages 264-269, July 2009

Sexual and reproductive health in men with cystic fibrosis: Consistent preferences, inconsistent practices☆

S.M. Sawyer
- Centre for Adolescent Health and Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, 2 Gatehouse St, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, 2 Gatehouse St, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, 2 Gatehouse St, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Corresponding author. Centre for Adolescent Health and Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, 2 Gatehouse St, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia. Tel.: +61 3 93456457; fax: +61 3 9345 5402.
B. Farrant
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Auckland, Auckland; and Centre for Youth Health, Counties Manukau District Heath Board, Private Bag 93311, Auckland 1006, New Zealand
J. Wilson
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Alfred Hospital, Commercial Rd, Prahran, Victoria 3181, Australia
G. Ryan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
M. O'Carroll
- Green Lane Respiratory Services, Auckland District Health Board, PO Box 92024, Grafton Auckland, New Zealand
P. Bye
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital; The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
S. Bell
- The Prince Charles Hospital, Rode Road, Chermside, Queensland 4032, Australia

Received 23 December 2008; received in revised form 7 May 2009; accepted 22 May 2009.

Abstract

Background

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is increasingly relevant for men with CF. However, the extent of similarities or differences in SRH clinical practices across different centres or states is unknown as single clinic studies are not informative about variations in male preferences or clinical practices. We wished to determine the variability of male SRH knowledge and preferences, and clinical practices across different CF clinics.

Methods

Men attending 5 adult CF clinics in Australasia completed a survey of SRH knowledge, attitudes and behaviours.

Results

264 (64%) men participated, with a median age of 30 years (17–56). 65% knew of near universal infertility due to a transport problem. 43% heard about infertility from their preferred source, but significantly later than desired. Less than half had undergone semen analysis (SA), which, while varying by site, was consistently later than preferred. 57 men were fathers, of whom 29 had utilised ART.

Conclusion

Men's preferences around SRH were more consistent than clinical practices. Clinical practice guidelines and training for health professionals would help reduce the gap between men's SRH preferences and clinical practice.

Keywords: Sexual health, Reproductive health, Male infertility, Semen analysis, Clinical practice guidelines