When Love Meets Sickle Cell: Conversations That Matter

September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month. At Coffee Morning Laughter, we’re approaching it through the lens of love—the everyday choices, language, and care that help relationships thrive when sickle cell is part of life.

This piece accompanies Season 7, Episode 1 — When Love Meets Sickle Cell, where we hold a calm, stigma-free conversation about dating, intimacy, partnership, and the quiet realities many people navigate—often in Black communities—every single day.

What is sickle cell disorder?

Sickle cell disorder (SCD) is an inherited blood condition. In SCD, some red blood cells become rigid and “sickle” (crescent-shaped) rather than round and flexible. These misshapen cells can:

• Block blood flow, causing episodes of severe pain (often called crises)

• Break down sooner, leading to anaemia and fatigue

• Carry less oxygen, affecting energy and concentration

• Increase the risk of infections and other complications

SCD isn’t something you “catch”; people are born with it.

How is it inherited?

We all inherit one copy of the haemoglobin gene from each parent.

• If a child inherits the sickle cell gene from both parents, they will have sickle cell disorder.

• If a child inherits the sickle cell gene from one parent only, they will usually be a carrier (sickle cell trait)—generally healthy, but able to pass the gene on.

• Knowing your blood type and sickle cell trait status helps two people make informed decisions together.

For testing and personal guidance, speak to your GP or haematology team.

Why talk about love?

Dating with sickle cell can feel complicated. Many “warriors” (people living with SCD) worry about when to share—not because they lack honesty, but because they may fear stigma, rejection, or being seen as a burden. That fear can lead to silence, missed connections, or avoiding long-term partnership altogether.

Our stance is simple: love deserves room for the whole truth. Early, respectful conversations protect health, reduce shame, and create the kind of understanding relationships are built on.

When and how to share

There isn’t a universally “right” moment—there’s an honest one. Consider:

• Safety first: Share when you feel emotionally safe and likely to be heard.

• Pace it: You can offer a clear headline first and add detail later.

• Stay grounded: Speaking plainly isn’t oversharing; it’s care—for you and for the person getting to know you.

• Boundaries help: It’s reasonable to say what keeps you well (rest, temperature, hydration, pain plans) without apologising.

  
  

Tackling stigma and myths

• “Is sickle cell contagious?” No. SCD is not contagious.

• “Does it affect fertility or intimacy?” It can in individual ways; experiences vary. Always seek advice from your consultant/clinical team.

• “Is it a weakness?” No. Living with SCD requires strength, planning, and resilience.

Language matters. Choose wording that is clear and kind, not defensive or apologetic.

Common feelings—and what helps

People living with SCD often name:

• Fear of rejection or being misunderstood

• Feeling like a “burden”

• Loss of independence during crises

• Unfulfilled dreams when plans keep changing

  
  

Helpful practices:

• Name the feeling without judgement (“I’m worried I’ll be seen differently if I share this”).

• Agree a “flare plan” with your partner (what helps, who to call, how to adjust plans).

• Celebrate agency—pacing, rest, and saying no are health decisions, not personal failures.

• Find community—support groups, counselling, advocacy networks.

  
  

If you’re dating someone with SCD

Healthy partnership is a two-way street. Small, consistent actions go far:

• Listen before fixing. Ask, “What helps right now?”

• Be patient. Plans may change; care is flexible.

• Communicate clearly. Check in, don’t assume.

• Stand alongside, don’t overprotect. Support independence where possible.

• Learn together. Understand triggers, medication timings, fatigue, and temperature needs.

  
  

Encouragement

If you’re living with sickle cell:Trust yourself. Your story is worth sharing. The right person will want to know all of you. Your boundaries protect your health and your future—hold them with confidence.

If you’re the partner:Listen without judgement. Learn about SCD so your support comes from understanding, not fear. Stand alongside—care that keeps dignity intact is the care that lasts.

Act with care: know your status & donate blood

• Know your status. Ask your clinician about blood type and sickle cell trait testing for you and your partner.

• Donate blood. Call your local hospital or blood donation centre. Regular donations save lives and directly support people living with SCD.

  
  

Keep the conversation going

We explore this topic in depth in S7 E1 — When Love Meets Sickle Cell.

• Listen on Spotify/Apple.

• Watch on YouTube.

• Subscribe/Follow, comment, and share to help more people find stigma-free, practical conversations like this one.

This article and episode are for information only and are not medical advice. For personalised guidance, please speak with your GP, haematology team, or qualified clinician.