Unplanned pregnancies following the introduction of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor therapy in women with cystic fibrosis

Abstract

Cystic fibrosis (CF) causes infertility and subfertility due to various factors, including altered cervical mucus, delayed puberty, and hormonal imbalances. With the introduction of the CFTR modulator therapy elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor, we have observed an increase in unplanned pregnancies among women undergoing ETI treatment in our CF center, despite repeated recommendations for strict fertility monitoring. It appears that these pregnancies are more likely attributed to reduced attention to the possibility of conception rather than contraceptive failure. The perception of subfertility developed by women with CF over time, before the era of modulators, can influence their long-term habits and lead to the underuse of contraceptive methods. While further research is needed to fully understand the effects of ETI on fertility, healthcare providers should be attentive to the fertility concerns of women with CF, particularly those treated with modulators in adulthood.

Keywords: CFTR modulators treatment; Cystic fibrosis; Infertility; Unplanned pregnancies.