Sexuality and sickle cell anemia

Abstract

Background Sickle cell disease, the most common hereditary blood disease in the world, is the result of an atypical hemoglobin called S (Hb S) which, when homozygous (Hb SS) is the cause of sickle cell anemia. Changes of puberty, correlated with a delayed growth spurt, begin late in both male and female sickle cell anemia individuals with repercussions on sexuality and reproduction. The objectives of this exploratory and descriptive study were to characterize the development of sexuality in adults with sickle cell anemia by investigating the patient's perception of their sex life, as well as the information they had and needed on this subject. Methods Twenty male and female sickle cell anemia patients treated at the Hemocentro Regional de Uberaba (UFTM) with ages between 19 and 47 years old were enrolled. A socioeconomic questionnaire and a semi-structured interview on sexuality, reproduction and genetic counseling were applied. Results This study shows that the sickle cell anemia patients lacked information on sexuality especially about the risks of pregnancy and the possible inheritance of the disease by their children. Moreover, the sexual life of the patients was impaired due to pain as well as discrimination and negative feelings experienced in close relationships. Conclusion The health care of sickle cell anemia patients should take into account not only the clinical aspects of the disease, but also psychosocial aspects by providing counseling on sexuality, reproduction and genetics, in order to give this population the possibility of a better quality of life.

Sexuality and sickle cell disease

“…There are few reports about this theme in SCD, many of them associated with priapism events (14-16) . All these facts reinforce the importance of the paper from Côbo et al published in this issue (17) .…”

“…Côbo et al (17) observed that individuals with SCD presented a limited knowledge of sexual facts, which may adversely contribute to sexual adjustment and to low self-esteem.…”

Stigma of Sickle Cell Disease: A Systematic Review

“…People with SCD reported being treated as if they have a physical or cognitive impairment that will make them incapable of achieving goals and life milestones (Royal et al, 2011). They also reported stigmatizing experiences in intimate relationships, due to SCD complications, such as pain, priapism, and delayed puberty, impairing their sexuality (Cobo Vde, Chapadeiro, Ribeiro, Moraes-Souza, & Martins, 2013; Cole, 2007).…”

Reproductive issues in sickle cell disease

“…30 Sexuality and reproductive choices in women with SCD Information on sexuality in women with SCD is limited. [31][32][33] Given the well-described data on delayed puberty and adverse outcomes associated with pregnancy, how this knowledge may influence sexuality and reproductive decision making is relevant but unexplored. However, attitudes regarding contraception and unplanned pregnancy suggest that women with SCD are interested in avoiding pregnancy and use contraception, although at lower rates than the general population.…”