How Can Sickle Cell Anemia Be Prevented?

You can't prevent sickle cell anemia because it's an inherited disease. However, you can take steps to reduce its complications. (For more information, see "Living With Sickle Cell Anemia.")

People who are at high risk for sickle cell anemia and are planning to have children may want to consider genetic counseling. A counselor can help you understand your risk of having a child who has the disease and help explain the choices that are available to you.

You can get information about genetic counseling from health departments, neighborhood health centers, medical centers, and clinics that care for people who have sickle cell anemia.