HEALTHIER YOU: What you need to know: sickle cell and pregnancy

BY DR. MARGUERITE BRATHWAITE OB-GYN

September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about sickle cell disease (SCD) and its impact on individuals and families. 

Sickle cell disease can affect the sexual organs and other parts of the body in ways that impact quality of life, sexual health, and reproduction. Pregnancy places additional stress on a woman’s body and can increase the risk of sickle cell-related complications. Having sickle cell disease can also increase the risk of complications during pregnancy and affect the developing baby. 

Men with sickle cell disease are more likely to experience priapism, a painful erection that lasts four hours or longer. Priapism can cause psychological distress and sexual dysfunction and requires immediate medical attention. A healthcare provider specializing in conditions of the male reproductive system, such as a urologist, can provide appropriate treatment. 

If you have biological children, they may inherit sickle cell trait or sickle cell disease, depending on the sickle cell status of the other biological parent. Genetic counseling can help individuals and couples understand their risks, make informed reproductive decisions, and plan for pregnancy. 

For women with sickle cell disease, some forms of birth control may be safer than others. Talk with your healthcare provider about which option is best for you based on your individual health needs and risk factors. 

Some forms of birth control contain the hormone estrogen. For some women with sickle cell disease, estrogen-containing contraceptives may increase the risk of blood clots and other complications. Your healthcare provider can discuss whether a progestin-only birth control option may be appropriate for you. 

Women taking hydroxyurea should discuss pregnancy planning with their healthcare provider before becoming pregnant. 

Hydroxyurea may need to be discontinued before pregnancy and is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Do not stop taking prescribed medication without first consulting your healthcare provider. 

Women’s Innovative Care is committed to supporting healthy pregnancies and identifying potential complications as early as possible. Through compassionate care and advanced screening services, the team works closely with mothers-to-be to promote the best possible outcomes. For questions or concerns about pregnancy care, call (702) 413-7740 or visit 851 South Rampart Blvd., Suite 160, Las Vegas, NV.