Adolescent Medicine Sickle Cell Multidisciplinary Clinic

Adolescence is a significant time in an individual’s life. It’s when a person evolves from childhood to adulthood. It’s a multifaceted journey that encompasses both physical changes and extraordinary development in a person’s psychological, social, and moral being. The Adolescent Medicine Sickle Cell Multidisciplinary Clinic provides young people with one location to treat all their unique health needs. 

What Is the Adolescent Medicine Sickle Cell Multidisciplinary Clinic?

The Adolescent Medicine Sickle Cell Multidisciplinary Clinic provides the highest standard of care to young people with sickle cell disease (SCD), meeting all their comprehensive healthcare needs.

The journey between childhood and adulthood is a transformative period. The World Health Organization defines adolescence as any person between the ages of 10 and 19. However, this age range can vary depending on cultural contexts.

Our team of pediatric and adolescent medicine experts work with each patient and their hematology team to help them enjoy a healthy, fulfilling, and positive adolescence, including support for safe reproductive care and lifelong sexual health and well-being. 

What Are the Benefits of Combining Adolescent Medicine and Sickle Cell Disease Visits?

There are many advantages to combining an adolescent medicine visit with a sickle cell visit. 

Taking Care of the Whole Patient

Integrating adolescent medicine and sickle cell care ensures a comprehensive approach. By combining visits, healthcare providers can address both the medical and emotional needs of each patient.

More Time Saves Time

While a combined visit might be longer than one visit, it is an efficient use of time, especially for young people with school and extracurricular activities, and social commitments. One visit reduces travel time, too.

All the Experts, One Visit

A combined visit puts the patient front and center of their hematology team and their pediatric or adolescent medicine team. Adolescent medicine providers understand the developmental needs of this age group, while sickle cell specialists focus on disease-specific management.

Becoming an Adult

Adolescents with SCD eventually transition to adult care. Combining visits facilitates discussions about what lies ahead, ensuring a smooth shift to adult healthcare services.

Psychosocial Support

Adolescents may grapple with self-identity, body image, and peer relationships. A joint visit allows healthcare providers to address emotional well-being alongside medical concerns.

Get an Education

Adolescents, and their family members, can learn more about their condition, treatment options, and self-management during combined visits, empowering them to actively participate in their care.

Routine Check-Up

A visit to the Adolescent Medicine Sickle Cell Multidisciplinary Clinic serves as a routine hematology follow-up with labs, exam, and medication refills.

What Impact Does Sickle Cell Disease Have on Puberty, Periods/Menstruation, and Fertility?

Sickle cell disease can impact puberty, periods/menses, and fertility (male and female) in many ways.

Puberty

Most individuals with SCD reach normal sexual maturation, but for some, there may be a delay of one and a half to two years. The impact on puberty in women with SCD is less well-studied, but it’s essential to monitor their development closely.

Periods/Menses

Menstruating teens with SCD often experience severe period pain. Some healthcare providers treat females with SCD who experience painful periods with contraception methods that help ease the pain.

Fertility

Males with SCD may develop hypogonadism, a condition associated with poor testosterone production, infertility, erectile dysfunction (ED), and reduced libido. Infertility and reproductive issues for females with SCD vary. Women with SCD tend to have lower ovarian reserve compared to women without SCD. This reduced ovarian reserve can lead to increased miscarriages, reduced fertility, and early menopause.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Your adolescent medicine specialist is another member of your care team who will want to get to know you and help you thrive. During your visit they may:

• Ask you more about your health situation, although they will have exchanged important information about you with your hematology team before your visit, so that every visit you have is efficient and effective.
• Provide a comfortable and confidential experience so that patients can ask any questions, discuss topics about puberty, periods, contraception, relationships, fertility, and sexual health. For most female patients, a pelvic exam is not required.

Knowledge Is Power

The Adolescent Medicine Sickle Cell Multidisciplinary Clinic equips adolescents with SCD with the most current information and research surrounding sickle cell disease and reproductive health. It is our hope that every young individual in our program will have the opportunity to establish care with an adolescent medicine specialist early in their adolescence to support and promote lifelong reproductive health.