For a happy married life and complete family, a premarital checkup acts as the first line of defense for a couple’s happiness. Genetic pre-marital tests should be done together by couples, and they include screening for infectious diseases, genetic pathologies to assess reproductive health, and genetic screening for the baby.
Even if you and your partner are healthy and have no concerning medical history, it is still beneficial to undergo pre-marital testing as potential risks are not always apparent externally.
Identifying risks early on will be crucial for doctors to implement the most effective prevention and treatment measures. Additionally, pre-marital health tests can also help you better understand your partner’s condition.
Pre-Marital Health Tests You Need to Undergo
The different health tests that you and your partner need to undergo in pre-marital examination, include:
Blood Examination
Blood tests include leukocytes, hematocrit, platelets, hemoglobin, red blood cells, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. In women, hemoglobin level examination will help identify the risk of thalassemia.
Blood Type and Rhesus Test
This examination is important to determine the compatibility of blood type and rhesus factor between partners and its impact on the mother and child. Rh-negative combination in women and Rh-positive in men can lead to dangerous incompatibility in the child.
Hepatitis B Test
Through this test, you and your partner can avoid the risk of hepatitis B transmission through sexual intercourse. Hepatitis B is a serious disease that can cause physical defects and death in newborns.
TORCH Test
TORCH stands for Toxoplasma
, Rubella, and Herpes, which can cause diseases. Transmission can occur through consuming raw food or contact with pet excrement. This test is important to prevent miscarriage and premature birth.HIV/AIDS Examination
This test is mandatory. Usually, HIV/AIDS testing is conducted on pregnant women. The examination involves taking a blood sample from you and your partner. In addition to HIV testing, prospective spouses are also advised to undergo testing for sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis, herpes, and syphilis.
Blood Sugar Test
Knowing blood sugar levels is not only to prevent diabetes but also to help couples anticipate complications of this disease. This test is particularly important for pregnant women with unstable hormones. You should be screened for diabetes, especially if it’s in the family, including a fasting blood sugar test, the blood sugar postprandial (BSPP) test, which measures the level of blood glucose precisely two hours after you start eating a meal, and your HbA1c which is your average blood glucose (sugar) levels for the last two to three months.
Urine Test
Lastly, it is recommended to perform a complete urine test. Through this test, you can determine the presence of systemic or metabolic diseases based on urine color, smell, and output.
Thyroid function tests
To assess thyroid function, the most effective method is to check the TSH or thyroid-stimulating hormone level in a blood sample. A thyroid function test may be recommended for people with thyroid disease symptoms or a family history of thyroid disorders. Thyroid disorders are also relatively common, particularly among women. In some cases, an undiagnosed thyroid disorder can lead to difficulties getting pregnant or complications during pregnancy. For this reason, some healthcare providers may recommend a thyroid function test as part of routine premarital medical tests.
Lipid profile and electrocardiogram (ECG)
A lipid profile is a blood test that gives you a low down on cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It’s usually done to check whether you’re at risk of developing heart disease, which several things like family history, diet, exercise habits, and smoking can influence. An ECG or electrocardiogram records the electrical activity of your heart and can diagnose heart conditions, such as arrhythmias, heart attacks, and heart failure.
Gynecological examination
Women should get a complete gynecological examination, including pap smears, pelvic exam, ultrasounds, and Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) test to check for conditions such as cervical cancer ovarian cancer cysts, and sexually transmitted infections. A pap smear can rule out any abnormal cells in the cervix. The AMH test checks a woman’s ability to produce healthy eggs that can be fertilized for successful conception.
Semen analysis
A semen analysis checks the quality and quantity of sperm in a man’s semen. This test may be necessary if a couple is having trouble conceiving. By identifying any fertility issues early, couples can plan for their future and seek medical assistance to help them conceive.
Currently, almost all major hospitals provide pre-marital examination and treatment services for couples in need. Look for hospitals with good ratings in pre-marital screening to get accurate results and specific advice from the right doctor.
Pre-marital screening is a highly important test for couples planning to get married and have plans to have children in the future. To have the most thorough preparation before childbirth, you should undergo examinations, consultations, and accurate treatments with specialized doctors.
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