Family Planning for Those With Sickle Cell Disease
Contraception
Oral birth control pills can be used in patients with sickle cell disease.
Low-estrogen oral contraceptives are safe and effective for most women with sickle cell disease. Many women with sickle cell disease use an IUD or Depo Provera to prevent pregnancy. Condoms are recommended as barrier protection against sexually transmittable diseases. Patients taking hydroxyurea should use contraception to avoid pregnancy.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy carries an increased risk for a woman with sickle cell disease as well as for her baby but should not be a contraindication for planned childbearing. Prenatal care by a practitioner with expertise in high-risk pregnancy is desirable. Ideally, more frequent monitoring is recommended.
Call the IHTC for more information about family planning and genetic testing.