Couples in which both partners carry the sickle cell gene may be able to lower their risk of having a child with sickle cell anemia.

During a procedure known as preimplantation genetic diagnosis, eggs are collected from a woman and sperm is taken from the male partner. The sperm is used to fertilize the eggs in a laboratory. Tests are then used to determine which eggs contain the sickle cell gene. Eggs that are found to be free of the defective gene are then implanted into the woman for development.

Although this form of in vitro fertilization improves a couple’s chances of having a child with normal hemoglobin, the procedure is not always successful. In addition, the cost of the procedure can be high.

In couples who carry the sickle cell gene, there is no way to reduce the risk of having a child with sickle cell anemia through normal conception. These individuals are encouraged to receive genetic counseling to thoroughly understand the risks involved with having children.