How We Approach Contraception for Adolescents and Young Adults With Sickle Cell Disease

With the increasing use of effective disease-modifying therapies, individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) are living longer and healthier lives. This has resulted in increasing interest and discussion of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) by persons with SCD and their providers. However, SRH is often overlooked as an essential element of comprehensive SCD care. Contraception options for this population are often complex and nuanced as they relate to pain and the thrombophilia of SCD. Here we use case examples to describe how we approach contraception counseling using a multidisciplinary, holistic, and patient-centered approach.