Providing there is no history of documented thromboembolic events, women with SCD can safely use any method of birth control including oral contraceptives, Depo Provera and Norplant. Providers should use every opportunity to ask about the use of birth control measures and discussions should begin when patients are young teenagers. When they are ready, teenage girls are more likely to ask for help if they know that the subject of sexuality has already been suggested. The mid-level practitioner can either manage patients on birth control themselves, or refer patients to primary care or gynecology providers. A significant part of managing these patients is making sure patients are using their birth control options correctly and consistently, and providing annual Pap smears and STD checks for women who are sexually active.
Education continues throughout a patient s life.
Continue to evaluate and review patients understanding of their disease. Encourage patients to take an active role advocating for their own healthcare needs with other specialists. The MLP can review the patient s medical history with them, making sure they understand and can explain their own history to other healthcare providers. Emphasize the importance of regular health care visits, not just episodic visits for acute needs and encourage patients to make their own appointments and choose their own primary care providers. Most mild to moderate pain episodes can be managed at home with prescribed oral analgesics.