Men with cystic fibrosis aren’t often fortunate to hear the word “dad” when someone is referring to them. About 98 percent of all male CF patients are infertile due to a blockage or absence of the sperm canal called the vas deferens which is a long tube that carries sperm from the testicles through the male reproductive system. The absence of sperm in the semen makes it impossible to fertilize an egg.
There is a difference; however, between being infertile and being sterile. Even though the vas deferens is blocked or nonexistent, the sperm is there, and 90 percent of CF patients produce sperm normally. This means that a great majority of males with CF can still have children with fertility assistance.
So basically to put into terms that are far easier to understand: my kids can swim but they need outside help to get them to the pool.
My wife and I went through fertility and specifically TESA which means both Andrea and I each had procedures (hers far more invasive) to enable to the possibility of having children. It took several attempts before Andrea was pregnant with Avery and another few before Ethan came into our lives.
So when Father’s day rolls around each year, I am not only grateful for my amazing father and the positive influence he has had on my life, but for my own children. On this day and every
Happy Father’s day to all the Dad’s out there, we truly are blessed.