Dr Aminarh Urges Couples To Ask For Genotype Early In a Relationship

Medical practitioner Dr Chris Aminarh has urged people to find out their partner’s genotype early in a relationship rather than waiting until marriage plans are underway.

He said genotype compatibility should be treated as an important part of choosing a partner because of the risk of having a child with sickle cell disease when two people who carry the sickle cell gene have children together.

Speaking on the Big Convo segment of the Culture Daily morning show on 3Music TV and Pluzz 89.9FM, Dr Aminarh said people often focus on other aspects of a relationship while overlooking important health considerations.

He said asking about a partner’s blood group was not the same as asking about their genotype.

“What’s your genotype?” he said, should be among the questions people ask when getting to know a potential partner.

Dr Aminarh explained that a person with the AS genotype carries the sickle cell gene but may not show symptoms of sickle cell disease.

He said when two people with the AS genotype have a child, there is a risk of the child inheriting the SS genotype and developing sickle cell disease.

According to him, such a child may experience joint pains and other complications and could require frequent hospital care.

He said prospective parents therefore need to consider not only their feelings for each other but also the possible physical, emotional and financial implications for a child.

“It’s not enough that I love the person,” he said.

Dr Aminarh acknowledged that some couples who are genetically incompatible may still decide to have children because they believe they have the financial and emotional resources to manage the situation.

However, he said the consequences would ultimately be experienced by the child.

He also noted that some people may only discover their partner’s genotype after a pregnancy has occurred, particularly in cases involving unplanned pregnancies or relationships where the conversation had not taken place.

In such circumstances, he said people may face difficult decisions, particularly when they have strong views about abortion.

Dr Aminarh said this was one reason the conversation should happen before a couple becomes deeply committed.

He also criticised situations where people knowingly proceed with relationships despite being aware that their genotypes are incompatible.

He said people sometimes allow the length of their relationship or their emotional attachment to influence their decision, even when they already know there is a genetic risk.

Dr Aminarh further stressed the importance of knowing one’s family medical history.

He said people should speak to their parents and other relatives about health conditions that may have affected previous pregnancies or family members.

According to him, such information can help doctors identify possible risks when a person eventually becomes pregnant.

He also said improvements in medical treatment, lifestyle and medical support have helped some people living with sickle cell disease to live longer.

However, he maintained that the condition can still impose significant demands on patients and their families.

Dr Aminarh’s advice is for couples to treat genetic screening as part of responsible family planning and to have the conversation before marriage and pregnancy rather than after.