Sexuality in the teenager with sickle cell disease is often no different from that in their more healthy peers. Some will be sexually active, and it is important to provide advice on contraception and sexually transmitted diseases. Failure to acknowledge problems of sexuality and associated risks may result in serious complications later. When appropriate, adolescents should be referred to family life clinics. Pregnancy in adolescents with sickle cell disease presents medical, psychological, and social problems.
Pregnant adolescents can usually benefit from counseling and services offered by a social worker.
At this stage of life, teenagers should give serious consideration to college, careers, and their future as adults. Discussion with gainfully employed adults with sickle cell disease, particularly with professionals who have sickle cell disease, can be very helpful. Adolescent sickle cell patients should be encouraged to consider careers that are consistent with their medical condition. Such career aspirations often require college or vocational training. Referral to vocational rehabilitation, precollege orientation programs, or other training and career programs can be extremely helpful.