Assisted Reproduction and Cystic Fibrosis: What You Need to Know

When assisted reproduction, medical procedures like IVF used to help people conceive when natural methods fail. Also known as fertility treatment, it plays a critical role for couples facing genetic risks like cystic fibrosis, a life-limiting inherited disorder affecting the lungs and digestive system. It’s caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, and if both parents carry a faulty version, each child has a 25% chance of inheriting the disease.

Many couples who know they’re carriers of cystic fibrosis turn to IVF with preimplantation genetic testing, a process where embryos are screened for genetic conditions before being implanted. This isn’t just theoretical—it’s been used successfully for over 20 years to prevent cystic fibrosis in newborns. The test works by taking a few cells from each embryo created in the lab, checking for the CFTR mutation, and only transferring embryos that don’t carry two faulty copies. This reduces the risk of having a child with cystic fibrosis from 25% to less than 1%. It’s not about selecting "perfect" babies—it’s about giving families a real chance to have healthy children without passing on a condition that can mean daily treatments, hospital visits, and shortened life expectancy.

Carrier screening is another key part of this process. If you or your partner has a family history of cystic fibrosis, or if you’re from a population with higher carrier rates (like people of Northern European descent), getting tested before trying to conceive can change your options. Even if you feel healthy, you could still carry the gene. About 1 in 25 people of European ancestry are carriers. Testing is simple—a blood or saliva sample—and it’s often covered by insurance when there’s a known risk. Knowing your status early means you can plan ahead, whether that’s natural conception with prenatal testing, IVF with genetic screening, or considering donor sperm or eggs.

Some people worry that IVF with genetic testing is too expensive or invasive. But the cost of raising a child with cystic fibrosis—medical care, medications, time off work, hospital stays—often far exceeds the upfront cost of IVF with screening. And while the process takes time and emotional energy, many couples say the peace of mind is worth it. You’re not just avoiding a disease—you’re giving your child a full, healthy life.

There are also newer options on the horizon, like gene editing research and expanded carrier panels that test for dozens of conditions at once. But right now, the most proven, reliable method remains IVF combined with preimplantation genetic testing for cystic fibrosis. If you’re considering starting a family and you or your partner are carriers, you’re not alone. Thousands of families have walked this path before you—and the tools to help you have a healthy child are already here.

Below, you’ll find detailed guides on how genetic screening works, what to ask your fertility doctor, how IVF costs compare to long-term care, and real stories from families who chose these paths. These aren’t just medical facts—they’re practical steps for making informed decisions about your future.