Sexual health experiences and care utilization of males with cystic fibrosis

Males with cystic fibrosis (MwCF) face many sexual health concerns that have been understudied. We compared sexual health experiences and care utilization of MwCF to the general population and defined CF-related considerations and care preferences.

We surveyed MwCF aged ≥15 years and compared results to the United States National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG;n = 5206 15-49-year-old males). We used descriptive statistics and adjusted linear and logistic regression analyses for comparisons.

A total of 532 MwCF (mean age 35.3 years) participated. Over 75 % of MwCF reported never using a condom. Among those sexually active with ≥2 partners in the prior year, 36 % of 15-49-year-old MwCF reported never using condoms vs. 16 % of NSFG males (p < 0.001). Thirty-two percent of MwCF reported having ever been tested for sexually transmitted infections(STIs). Among MwCF, 8 % had ever received information from a healthcare provider about HIV/AIDS, 14 % about other STIs, and 18 % about condom use. MwCF reported an average pubertal onset of 13.2 ± 1.7 years with the majority reporting undergoing puberty at the same time or earlier than their peers. MwCF reported minimal hypogonadism symptoms; 36 % ever had their testosterone measured and 10 % were diagnosed with hypogonadism. Eighty-two percent of MwCF considered their CF team their main health provider and 45 % reported no primary care provider.

MwCF report suboptimal STI prevention and counseling compared to males in the general population, highlighting an urgent need to encourage sexual health counseling and care in the CF model and partnerships with primary care providers and other specialists.