SICKLE CELL DISEASE (SCD), also know as Sickle Cell Anemia, is a genetic blood disorder that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It is most common in people from sub-saharan Africa and their descendants all around the world including America and the Caribbean for example.  It also affects people in North Africa, India and Southern Europe. It is characterized by the production of abnormal hemoglobin. The condition leads to the formation of sickle-shaped red blood cells. These malformed cells can cause blockages in blood vessels, leading to various complications. This site aims to provide information about preventing sickle cell disease. It hopes to inform couples, who both have the trait for sickle cell disease, how they can have a child without sickle cell disease. Some of the information maybe relevant to those who suffer from infertility due to having sickle cell and its treatments. 

The diagnosis is generally made at birth in the United States when newborns are tested.  Some parents opt out of testing for their newborn. Unfortunately, some newborns that have a positive screen for sickle cell end up being lost to follow up.  Also, if the child is born only with the trait and not the disease, the parents may forget their child has it and the child may grow up being unaware that they have the trait for SCD.

The children with the disease, which occurs if both parents have the trait, have a shortened life expectancy. They also have significant pain crises that affect education, growth and learning.  As every organ is potentially affected due to the diminished blood flow and lack of oxygen, patients can have strokes, renal failure, heart attacks, bone infarcts and infertility. 

While there are treatments for people who suffer from SCD, the treatments, such as Hydroxyurea, can also cause infertility. The “cures” Bone Marrow Transplantation and gene editing also cause infertility.  Bone Marrow Transplantation is more likely successful if the donor is a full blooded sibling.  Unfortunately, some families do not have additional children if the first child has sickle cell disease. Some families might have additional children if they know they can have one without SCD. 

There are two ways to avoid having a child with SCD.  When a person knows that they have the sickle cell trait, they can choose not to have a child with someone else who has the trait.  If they do, they have a 25% chance of having a child with Sickle Cell Disease.

The other way to avoid having a child with SCD when both parents have the trait, is to see a fertility specialist about having in-vitro fertilization with preimplantation genetic testing.  There are links to articles on this site that explains the process. 

THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED ON THIS WEBSITE ARE MY OWN. THEY ARE NOT MEANT TO REFLECT THE OPINIONS OF ANY HEALTH CARE INSTITUTIONS. 

“JUSTICE WILL NOT BE SERVED UNTIL THOSE WHO ARE UNAFFECTED ARE AS OUTRAGED AS THOSE WHO ARE” – AUTHOR UNKNOWN