A member asked:

If you have sex with someone who has sickle cell can you get it?

7 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Dr. Michael Engel answered

Specializes in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

No: Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder, not an acquired condition. It is not contagious, and your partner will not contract this disorder through sex. If you are referring to the heritability of sickle cell disease, yes the offspring of a coupling between two people with sickle cell disease or trait can have sickle cell disease. Ss x ss =100%, ss x sb = 50%, sb x sb =25%, ss x bb = all trait.

Answered 12/10/2013

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Not contageous: Sickle cell disease is caused by a problem with hemoglobin (the stuff inside red blood cells) production. It is a genetic problem, which means that it is caused by mutations in the gene that directs the production of beta globin. You cannot catch it from someone.

Answered 10/11/2017

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Is sickle-cell anemia a recessive, sex-linked trait?

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