Sickle cell diseases and hormonal contraception.
The available data on the use of oral contraceptive agents in patients with sickle cell diseases is reviewed. The attitude which considers sickle cell anemia to be a contra-indication to OC's cannot be supported on the basis of available evidence. On the contrary, there are a number of reports where favorable effects of steroids on 'sickling' have been described. It is concluded that modern low-dose combined OC's are the method of choice for contraception in all patients carrying the HbS gene.
D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral