title: Sexuality & cystic fibrosis.
abstract: The life expectancy for a child with Cystic Fibrosis has steadily increased over the past few decades from an average of 8 years in 1970 to 29.5 years in 1998. Nurses who care for this special population need to be open to discussions about the quality of life of these individuals, including sexuality, body image, and self-esteem. Specific information concerning expected body image, fertility, and safe-sex practices is essential. Males will want to know about their reproductive choices, and females will need to have counseling about the decision to become pregnant, including the genetic implications for both themselves and the unborn child.
authors.affiliation: Children's Pulmonary Center, Mercy Children's Hospital, 2222 Cherry Street, Suite 2900, Toledo, Ohio 43608, USA. dawnboly@aol.com
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Bolyard
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000401:mortality / Q000451:nursing* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008017:Life Expectancy; D008297:Male; D016742:Preconception Care; D011788:Quality of Life; D021841:Safe Sex; D012649:Self Concept; D019529:Sexuality / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*