Design Opportunities at the Intersection of Sexual and Reproductive Health, Cystic Fibrosis, and Technology
Cicely Mathews, Kenton O'Hara, Jamie Duckers,
Sex differences in cystic fibrosis (CF) affect symptom manifestation, severity, and life expectancy. Female hormonal fluctuations, both cyclical and lifelong, can exacerbate lung function issues, increase susceptibility to chronic infections, and lead to earlier mortality. With recent advances in modulator therapy, people with CF are living longer and encountering later phases of female sexual and reproductive health (SRH), from pregnancy to menopause. This longevity introduces new convergences between SRH and CF management. While technological innovations have begun to address aspects of female SRH and chronic condition management, they often overlook the unique complexities of these intersecting issues. Our qualitative study examines the experiences of people with CF across different female SRH, from menstruation to menopause, exploring their daily challenges and interactions with care. We discuss pluralistic approaches to FemTech, online communities, AI, and clinical technologies, providing implications for technologies to address the complexities of the intersection of CF and SRH.