Four options to explore when genotype gets in the way

Many couples are emotionally, ideologically and sexually compatible, but medically – not so much.

Couples who are AS and SS often have to forego the thought of marriage for fear of having children born with the SS genotype known as sickle cell anemia.

Many get scared, because they don’t know how to handle the issue, but there are some expensive alternatives to explore.

Here are four:

Bone marrow transplant

Stem cells in the bone marrow are responsible for the production of red blood cells.

The bone marrow transplant is a procedure that infuses healthy stem cells into the body to replace damaged or infected bone marrow.

A transplant would mean that the affected party would no longer produce sickle-shaped red blood cells so the couple can give procreation a shot without any fear.

Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis

Preimplantation genetic testing is a technique used to identify genetic defects in embryos created through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) before pregnancy.

The embryos and chromosomes would be screened, and only those free of the SS genotype would be transferred to the uterus for implantation.

Surrogacy

This is when a woman becomes pregnant and gives birth to a baby in order to give someone who cannot have children.

For couples with genotype incompatibility challenges, a surrogate may be worth the investment.

Adoption

Adoption is perhaps the most used alternative by couples who have issues with childbearing.

Couples – who have tried several procedures in futility or don’t have so much money yet want to start a family – can assume parenting of another child.